Communications Officer - County of Santa Clara, CA : Job Details

Under direction, to plan, direct, coordinate, implement, and evaluate an assigned County communications program; and to act as a consultant to management regarding communications strategies.

This recruitment may include a written examination, the exam would be conducted online. You will be sent test information via the email address attached to your application around the week of December 9th, 2024.

The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

* Formulates, directs, and implements strategies, goals, procedures, policies, standards, and guidelines for collection, review, and presentation of information to be communicated to the public, news media, and County employees;

* Functions as a media contact and spokesperson for the department/division; reviews and/or writes and submits news releases to online and print newspapers, television, and radio stations; pitches news stories to the news media, serves as a point of contact for the news media regarding incidents, issues, inquiries, and requests, 24 hours per day;

* Organizes and coordinates press conferences; prepares questions and talking points for department/division staff;

* Studies the public's interest/knowledge in various programs, activities, and outcomes of County government and the assigned department/division;

* Develops and implements awareness and educational programs using a variety of promotional techniques;

* Designs, writes, produces, or coordinates production of informational and advertising/marketing materials, such as news releases, brochures, flyers, direct mail, and website/social media content using a variety of graphics, desktop and mobile device publishing software, and internet/social media tools;

* Develops and maintains social media presence for the department/division;

* Instigates and participates in web-based discussions; ensures discussions among key officials and other appropriate individuals occur across platforms, as necessary;

* Monitors traditional and social media activity pertaining to the department/division; identifies controversies and public relations issues, and initiates corrections to inaccurate media reports;

* Advises department/division management on communications strategies that ensure effective flow of information for stakeholders of programs and services;

* Acts as a trainer/facilitator for individuals and groups about subjects and processes related to community and media relations;

* Acts as a liaison with other County departments, government entities, and community organizations to disseminate and exchange information;

* Coordinates, writes, edits, and produces newsletters;

* Creates and makes presentations before various groups on a local, state, and national level;

* Interviews department officials, employees, representatives from various groups and organizations, and members of the public to secure information;

* Evaluates effectiveness of communications program;

* May supervise subordinate communications and/or support staff on an on-going or project basis and assign work;

* May interview, select, train, coach, and discipline subordinate staff;

* In compliance with County's branding strategy, manages department/division's brand visual identity, including logo, letterhead, and communications templates and establishes and maintains brand center and guidelines for usage; ensures staff understand and utilize brand appropriately;

* Coordinates and manages special projects and activities;

* May assist in preparing program's budget; monitors program's expenditures;

* Establishes a community information program;

* Conducts research and prepares reports of findings, conclusions, and recommended actions;

* Represents department/division on committees and at meetings, presentations, and special events;

* Collaborates with the Procurement Department to hire consultants and vendors; coordinates and manages consultant and vendor output; schedules and purchases media space and time;

* May arrange tours of County facilities for interested groups and individuals;

* Upon activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), participates as a member of the public information staff;

* May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;

* Performs other related duties, as required.

Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Journalism, or a closely related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;

and

Two (2) years of full-time experience assisting with the planning, implementation, and evaluation of an assigned communications program, and writing and producing informational and marketing communications materials in a variety of formats.

or

Three (3) years of full-time experience in public relations or a closely related field, which included the preparation and dissemination of information to the public and/or internal employees.

Special Requirements

* Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:

* Principles and techniques of copy writing, speech writing, planning press conferences, preparing news releases, and/or web page design and development;

* Methods and techniques used in evaluating public attitudes regarding County and departmental/division operations and issues, the determination of public affairs needs, and the effectiveness of communications programs;

* Concepts of branding;

* Principles and techniques of effective communications, public relations, and news media relations;

* Principles, practices, and techniques of current and emerging public communications, public relations, and information media;

* Interviewing techniques;

* Correct use of English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation;

* Methods of administrative problem solving;

* Customs and practices of traditional media, social media, and citizen journalists;

* Presentation techniques;

* Research, analysis methods, and report writing;

* Principles of project management;

* Tools and software necessary for audio and video recording and editing;

* Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, graphics, and digital photography;

Ability to:

* Plan, organize, and implement an effective communications program;

* Write and edit articles for publication, speeches, scripts for radio and television, reports, and correspondence, often for the signature of executive leaders;

* Measure success of communication methods and implement improvements;

* Identify and implement emerging and new forms of communications;

* Effectively speak before, and facilitate discussions with, large and small groups;

* Organize, write, design, and lay out various written communications for a broad range of target audiences;

* Prepare clear and concise reports and written communications;

* Be proactive, creative, and resourceful in completing assignments;

* Supervise, train, develop, and motivate staff;

* Effectively utilize information systems;

* Learn the principles of risk, crisis, and emergency communications;

* Learn the County organizational structure/operations and the laws and regulations pertaining to the operations of the assigned agency/department/division;

* Understand and communicate technical data to the media and other audiences;

* Use excellent time-management and work prioritization skills; work quickly and effectively under pressure, with frequent interruptions, short deadlines, and tight schedules;

* Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

* Work irregular hours, including some nights and weekends, and be available to respond to County emergencies, as necessary.