COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST - Linn County, IA : Job Details

Salary : $58,032.00 AnnuallyLocation : Dr. Percy & Lileah Harris Building, IAJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 2024-00504Department: PUBLIC HEALTHDivision: PUBLIC HEALTH-ADMIN - 0136AOpening Date: 11/18/2024FLSA: Non-ExemptBargaining Unit: PRDescriptionLinn County is committed to creating a Customer-Center Culture placing our internal & external customers at the center of everything we do! Why do we do this? We get that question a lot. The answer is simple: We want our customers to have a positive experience. Our co-workers are customers too. Exceptional internal customer satisfaction leads to exceptional customer satisfaction for the public!Why work at Linn County?

• Competitive wages with annual pay increases & annual cost of living increase (depending on budget)
• Medical, dental, vision, short & long term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension Plan (IPERS)
• Wellness program offering credit on insurance premiums to eligible employees
• Free on-site fitness centers
• 100% County paid basic life insurance
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Training & professional development opportunities

Hourly Wage:New Hire: $27.90 • 90 days: $29.35 • 1 year: $30.92 • 2 years: $32.57 • 3 years: $34.37About Communications Specialist: Under general supervision, this professional administrative position assists with writing, coordinating, researching, and implementing communication programs by using a variety of communication tools to deliver informative messages to both internal and external audiences. Works with County and departmental staff, community partners, professional organizations, and the general public to develop communication strategies and improve public and media access to relevant information.Applies health communication theories and best practices to communication strategies to achieve positive health outcomes. Performs functions to achieve the agency's mission in areas of essential public health services and demonstrates foundational skills in the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals, especially in the communication, cultural competency, and community dimensions of practice domains. Essential Functions

• Creates products that are targeted or tailored for diverse audiences and ensures messages and materials address cultural and socioeconomic challenges to effective communication and consider the diverse interests, needs, concerns, and priorities of population segments).
• Uses LC3 principles to identify, develop and refine departmental products so they are aligned with the Linn County Strategic Plan and enhance customer satisfaction.
• Assists with identifying and promoting departmental achievements, innovations, programs, services, and issues relevant to the general public.
• Assists with developing, producing, and distributing of communication objectives and products for the department across multiple channels using traditional, online and social media platforms. Communication tools may include, but are not limited to, websites, news releases, media advisories, video production, e-newsletters, brochures, flyers, speeches, presentation, and feature articles.
• Assists in the coordination of branding and marketing efforts.
• Maintains professional media relations and monitors media coverage of pertinent topics.
• Designs graphics for electronic and/or print communication.
• Assists in the coordinating and/or producing the department's graphic, video and
• photographic needs.
• Maintains and updates content on the department's website and/or social media sites.
• Operates audio visual recording equipment for meetings or other events and uploads the videos to the department website.
• Assists in production of designated special events, including set up and take down.
• Serves as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for Linn County and Linn County Public Health, including during disasters, emergencies, and drills.
• Maintains professional media relations and monitors media coverage of pertinent topics.
• Acts as a media advisor to the department on public information and media issues.
• Reviews and updates communication policies and procedures in alignment with best practices and standards.
• Develops communication strategies and associated communication objectives.
• Ensures that health communication activities are based on accepted theory, principles, methods, and practices.
• Reviews and updates communication policies and procedures in alignment with best practices and standards.
• Assists in the creation of promotional campaigns for public health services, grants, and important health issues.
• Works with staff to prepare grant proposals to support and enhance agency needs.
• Develops the annual department communication plan and assists in the development of the associated budget.
• Assists in the preparation of reports on activities, program procedures and epidemiological study results. Supports the development of year end reports.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, health promotion, health education or a closely related field. Specialized training, minor or certification in Health Communications or Social Marketing preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in public relations, communications, graphic design, or a related field that provides the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the work. Video production experience preferred. Public sector experience preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in a public health or health communication field. Previous experience in translation and dissemination of scientific information to audiences in a variety of formats preferred.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including excellent proofreading and editing skills. Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to effectively interact with a broad range of people to effectively accomplish assigned tasks or projects and develop and maintain professional relationships.
• Understanding of various communication methods and techniques.
• Exercises good judgment.
• Must have strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, changing priorities and work under deadlines.
• Ability to manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks and self-direct work.
• Ability to think creatively.
• Knowledge of website content management and social media platforms.
• Must support and help advance the County's and department's vision, mission, and values.
• Knowledge and experience with designing graphics for web and/or print by using a product such as Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to speak in public. Knowledge of and experience in writing grants.
• General knowledge of or the ability to quickly learn current and emerging public health issues and best practices for intervention.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals.
• Knowledge of patient privacy and confidentiality, public health and public health preparedness-related issues and skills in preparing and disseminating health information.

Special Necessary Requirements:Valid State of Iowa Driver's License required or must have the ability to procure transportation to off-site meetings and trainings. Must pass a County physical examination which includes a drug test after offer of employment. Regular work attendance required. Must remain awake and aware of surroundings at all times. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. Shift Monday - Friday8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Linn County offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday and sick leave as well as medical, dental, life, long-term disability (LTD) insurance and wellness incentives.For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, click