Public & Employee Relations: Communications/Training Specialist

Communications And Training SpecialistWe are seeking a positive, conscientious, service-oriented and professional communicator to serve our residents and organization in the following duties:Creation and distribution of internal and external communications under the direction of the Director/PIO;Maintains and updates the County's website, employee portal and other on-line communication platforms;Tracks analytics, ensures website compliance with ADA standards, supports overall best communication practices;Trains and serves as back-up to the Public Information Officer and support emergency communications in times of crisis (may require evening or weekend duty in cases of disaster or local emergency);Maintains and updates media/other key communication contacts;Monitors social media for misinformation or issues impacting the locality;Oversees and ensures brand consistency County publications;Plans internal training/instructional programs and coordinates training materials; implements trainings upon approval from Director;Develops videos, podcasts, presentations, and other audio-visual materials using a variety of platforms;Interviews staff, volunteers and citizens toward creating content for special stories/features;Coordinates with and supports other departmental communicators in public relations and communication efforts;Assists with special events (including planning process, advertising, set-up, staffing and tear down);Assists with Freedom of Information Act requests as needed;Conducts orientations, on-boarding and employee surveys;Participates in regional communicators' group meetings;Initiates and assists in coordinating public outreach on behalf of the County;Researches, compiles and submits award applications and proposals for the locality/employees; assists with awards and recognition planning;Takes photographs and video footage, as needed;May speak with media representatives in absence of PIO;Cross-trains to assist department team in fulfilling tasks, as needed;Other duties as assignedQualification Requirements:Requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experienceRequires 2 years of related communication experienceAdditional education and/or training may be substituted where applicableValid Virginia Drivers' LicenseCompletion upon hire of National Incident Management System required trainings, including, but not limited to: ICS 100; ICS 700; ICS 800; ICS 200; ICS 300 and VDEM PIO Basic PIO Course.Core Skill Sets:TruthfulDependableGood Communicator (written and oral)TactfulTeam BuilderObjective ThinkerCreativeDemonstrates LeadershipAbility to use graphic design tools to create high-quality and aesthetically pleasing materials;Ability to maintain confidentiality;Ability to keep complete and accurate records;Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business documents, regulations, professional correspondence and journals, and work-related manuals;Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups, managers, clients, customers and the general public;Ability to apply basic math functions;Ability to solve practical problems and professionally situations with only limited guidance or direction;Ability to interpret information and instruction presented in multiple formats (written, oral, diagrams, spreadsheets, forms, or schedules);Ability to use multi-media devices, including, but not limited to: laptop computer, smartphones/cell phones, iPad or equivalent, digital/video cameras, audio devices;Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, Canva, MS Teams, and other desktop publishing and communication softwareFamiliar with approved writing standards /styles;Ability to communicate clearly in both oral and written form;General understanding and ability to utilize the county's adopted software platforms.Expectations from Department and County Leadership:Excellence in all areas of serviceTasks completed on time, thoroughly and correctly;Demonstration of leadership characteristics in daily work;Professional and emotional maturity;Positive daily attitudes - no drama;Strong work ethic and dedication;Excellent attendance and punctuality;Prioritizing departmental work;Consistency and solid team support;Focus on solving problems, innovation, and moving our department and the County forward;Respectfulness and truthfulness in all communications;Focusing on the best in others, outstanding customer service;Personal accountability for words, decisions, and actions.