PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR 1 Job at Wayne County Michigan in Detroit

Salary: $49,971 - $80,821 per year.

Description of Major Job Duties

• Open communication with 15 commissioners and staff, coordinating assignments with department’s Administrative Assistants.
• Prepare and design press releases, speeches, letters, resolutions, memoriams, newsletters, e‑newsletters, postcards, flyers, brochures, county guides, calendars, and other materials as requested.
• Attend committee meetings and community events for photo and video opportunities.
• Communicate with print shops and mailhouses to complete printing requests and mailing assignments.
• Communicate with department heads (Commission and Administration).
• Provide Commission’s accounting department with all cost reports for printing, mailing prep, and USPS postage.
• Utilize InDesign for document design, Word for documents, and Excel for listings.
• Maintain relationships and communicate with media (print, radio, television, digital, bloggers, etc.).
• Post and update meeting schedules, agendas, commission journals, and related material on the commission web page.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, or Public Administration.
• 2–5+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, government communications, or public affairs.
• Experience working in government, the public sector, or a political office is highly preferred.
• Proven track record of working with local and regional media outlets.
• Experience preparing press releases, media advisories, talking points, newsletters, and social media content.
• Background in crisis communication or handling sensitive public information is a plus.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of county government operations, public meetings, and legislative processes.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills; AP Style proficiency often required.
• Ability to craft clear messaging for diverse audiences (residents, media, elected officials).
• Ability to develop and maintain media lists and respond promptly to journalist inquiries.
• Strong social media management skills (Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).
• Skilled in content creation for press releases, newsletters, website content, video scripts, and talking points.

Technical Competencies

• Familiarity with content management systems (CMS) used by government agencies.
• Ability to use graphic design or media tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar.

Professional Qualities

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with commissioners, directors, staff, and media.
• Ability to work quickly, meet tight deadlines, and manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable representing the County Commission at press events, community meetings, and public hearings.
• High level of professionalism, confidentiality, and political sensitivity.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate within a team environment.

Certifications (Optional but Valued)

• APR (Accredited in Public Relations)
• FEMA or DHS training for crisis communications
• Digital media or social media strategy certificates

Wayne County is Michigan’s largest county, home to 34 cities and nine townships. We pride ourselves on a diverse community that values culture, arts, and world-class amenities. Our County is headquartered in Detroit and provides a diversified economy with high standards for quality of life.