Public & Employee Relations: Communications/Training Specialist

Communications and Training Specialist

Department of Public and Employee Relations

We 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 assigned
Qualification Requirements

Requires a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Requires 2 years of related communication experience
Additional education and/or training may be substituted where applicable
Valid Virginia Drivers' License
Completion 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:

Truthful
Dependable
Good Communicator (written and oral)
Tactful
Team Builder
Objective Thinker
Creative
Demonstrates Leadership
Ability 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 software
Familiar 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 service
Tasks 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.