Communications Specialist
Forsyth County, Cumming, GA, United States
The purpose of this classification is to perform professional level work providing direct support to county management and/or assigned departments in the development and communication of public information and a positive image of the county. The primary work emphasis is on writing and designing a variety of communications, including newsletters, brochures and releases, graphics, websites, mobile apps and social media channels in accordance with the County’s strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications.
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Participates in the development, research, writing, editing, design, production, and publication of various reports and communications materials as assigned, including articles, reports, brochures, newsletters, and other publications: develops, designs, proofreads, or writes the publication of various documentation; prepares/edits speeches, correspondence, or projects as requested; develops text and illustrative slides for public presentations; designs and coordinates the printing and distribution of departmental brochures, programs, reports or other materials; assists with the coordination and integration of departmental reports/slides into consolidated reports or presentations;
All public facing messaging, campaigns or communications will be produced in accordance with the County’s strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented and updated by the Department of Communications.
Creates content and engagement on assigned social media accounts, to ensure consistent and professional branding and messaging across platforms; leverages social media as vital conduit for disseminating information to the public, including in emergency situations; monitors social media to ascertain the sentiment of Forsyth County residents and other stakeholders; coordinates with their direct supervisor and Department of Communications regarding issues and areas of concern observed on social media channels.
Participates in the production of monthly newsletters and other print materials to include writing and layout: takes photos and coordinates utilization of photographs to accompany news articles, press releases, internal releases, newsletters, or other publications as requested; designs graphics to accompany print material; works with vendors to coordinate the production of various print media as requested; and distributes materials as appropriate.
Plans, assists, coordinates, attends and/or manages various community engagement opportunities including town halls, recruiting events, the annual State of the County address, HOA meetings, internal events and other community engagement event opportunities.
Assists or manages the development and maintenance of information for publication on the County or assigned department’s web sites and Intranet, social media sites, information channels, bulletin boards, or other media as requested.
Provides information to the public under the direction of their direct supervisor in accordance with the County’s strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications: keeps the public informed about programs, services, activities, and issues; responds to inquiries or comments from the public via telephone, e-mail, or mail; answers general questions or refers questions to appropriate individual/department; consults with county officials to review operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations relating to the dissemination of information to the public and media.
Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of strategic plans for public information, communications, and public relations. Assists the assigned department(s)/organization(s), in developing, executing and monitoring a consistent/positive image of county in accordance with the County’s strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications.
Prepares the completion of various assigned forms, reports, correspondence, press releases, internal releases, newspaper articles, newsletters, calendars, draft documentation, departmental brochures, advertisements, reports, slides, presentation materials, or other documents; for review/approval before public release.
Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
Assignment to Department of Communications to include the following additional duties:
Conducts research of Intra/Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed: monitors local, state, and national newspapers, television/radio broadcasts, and other sources for information pertinent to county government; identification of news/information with potential impact on Forsyth County Government; brings pertinent news issues/articles to attention of Director of Communications; selection of relevant news articles and maintenance of scrapbook; and communicates with Director of Communications, employees, county officials, or other individuals to obtain information.
Assists with the coordination of media relations activities; determines appropriateness and timeliness of information to be released; drafts press releases and distributes them to the media; and assists in coordinating media activities during emergency response situations requiring a public information response.
Assists with production of live and recorded programming for the release to external and internal audiences.
Coordinates the purchase of various promotional items.
Attends Board of Commissioners meetings as required and takes notes, responding to questions from the media or the public during meetings.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
Performs other related duties as required.
Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or closely related field; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training that includes public/media relations, communications, marketing, graphic design and desktop publishing; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Some video production experience preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Participates in the development, research, writing, editing, design, production, and publication of various reports and communications materials as assigned, including articles, reports, brochures, newsletters, and other publications: develops, designs, proofreads, or writes the publication of various documentation; prepares/edits speeches, correspondence, or projects as requested; develops text and illustrative slides for public presentations; designs and coordinates the printing and distribution of departmental brochures, programs, reports or other materials; assists with the coordination and integration of departmental reports/slides into consolidated reports or presentations;
All public facing messaging, campaigns or communications will be produced in accordance with the County’s strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented and updated by the Department of Communications.
Creates content and engagement on assigned social media accounts, to ensure consistent and professional branding and messaging across platforms; leverages social media as vital conduit for disseminating information to the public, including in emergency situations; monitors social media to ascertain the sentiment of Forsyth County residents and other stakeholders; coordinates with their direct supervisor and Department of Communications regarding issues and areas of concern observed on social media channels.
Participates in the production of monthly newsletters and other print materials to include writing and layout: takes photos and coordinates utilization of photographs to accompany news articles, press releases, internal releases, newsletters, or other publications as requested; designs graphics to accompany print material; works with vendors to coordinate the production of various print media as requested; and distributes materials as appropriate.
Plans, assists, coordinates, attends and/or manages various community engagement opportunities including town halls, recruiting events, the annual State of the County address, HOA meetings, internal events and other community engagement event opportunities.
Assists or manages the development and maintenance of information for publication on the County or assigned department’s web sites and Intranet, social media sites, information channels, bulletin boards, or other media as requested.
Provides information to the public under the direction of their direct supervisor in accordance with the County’s strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications: keeps the public informed about programs, services, activities, and issues; responds to inquiries or comments from the public via telephone, e-mail, or mail; answers general questions or refers questions to appropriate individual/department; consults with county officials to review operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations relating to the dissemination of information to the public and media.
Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of strategic plans for public information, communications, and public relations. Assists the assigned department(s)/organization(s), in developing, executing and monitoring a consistent/positive image of county in accordance with the County’s strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications.
Prepares the completion of various assigned forms, reports, correspondence, press releases, internal releases, newspaper articles, newsletters, calendars, draft documentation, departmental brochures, advertisements, reports, slides, presentation materials, or other documents; for review/approval before public release.
Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed.
Assignment to Department of Communications to include the following additional duties:
Conducts research of Intra/Internet sites, hardcopy materials, or other sources as needed: monitors local, state, and national newspapers, television/radio broadcasts, and other sources for information pertinent to county government; identification of news/information with potential impact on Forsyth County Government; brings pertinent news issues/articles to attention of Director of Communications; selection of relevant news articles and maintenance of scrapbook; and communicates with Director of Communications, employees, county officials, or other individuals to obtain information.
Assists with the coordination of media relations activities; determines appropriateness and timeliness of information to be released; drafts press releases and distributes them to the media; and assists in coordinating media activities during emergency response situations requiring a public information response.
Assists with production of live and recorded programming for the release to external and internal audiences.
Coordinates the purchase of various promotional items.
Attends Board of Commissioners meetings as required and takes notes, responding to questions from the media or the public during meetings.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.
Performs other related duties as required.
Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or closely related field; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training that includes public/media relations, communications, marketing, graphic design and desktop publishing; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Some video production experience preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.
#J-18808-Ljbffr