Senior Communications Specialist - Cuyahoga County, OH : Job Details

Department: Communications

Anticipated Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Reports To: Director

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Bargaining Unit: N/A

Classified or Unclassified: Classified

FLSA: Exempt

Summary

The purpose of this classification is to develop strategic communications and ensure internal and external communications for Cuyahoga County's Communications or Health and Human Services (HHS) departments meet department standards.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is an advanced journey level classification with responsibility for developing strategic communications, leading day-to-day operations and projects, and ensuring internal and external County communications meet department standards. The employee in this class serves as a lead worker and is expected to become fully aware of operating procedures and policies of the assigned work unit. Positions at this level receive instruction or assistance only as unusual situations arise and are expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative. This class is distinguished from the Communications Specialist by its lead worker responsibilities and increased planning and project management responsibilities. Essential functions may vary based on individual employee job assignment.

Essential Job Functions

Plans, directs, and coordinates various communications projects; creates and tracks calendar of content for the year; delegates tasks to team members and oversees completion; develops and monitors project schedules; ensures completed projects meet department standards.

Initiates, develops, and maintains working relationships with key individuals from other departments for the purpose of keeping open lines of communication and sourcing stories; provides support to other County departments and agencies regarding communications issues; responds to requests for information from other agencies; coordinates with departments for various events; provides training on web-writing and production; acts as a resource for best practices on external communications.

Develops and leads proactive messaging and content within area of expertise; conceptualizes and creates communications for area of responsibility from creation through delivery; ensures all content produced is tied to county brand and strategy; assists with reviews of communications to ensure that branding is coordinated and followed throughout platforms.

Produces verbal and written content for internal and external partnerships including editorials, newsletters, speeches, brochures, websites, and magazines; gathers pertinent information and directs delivery; integrates department strategic goals and County branding principles with knowledge of design and communication principles to produce content; plans and coordinates press conferences, media, and special events; manages County Executive Office social media accounts.

Researches and remains informed about new technologies and tools for content production; makes recommendations for purchase and use of new technologies/tools; develops and recommends communication strategies; ensures that central brand ideas are aligned across various platforms/tools.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, or a related field with five (5) years of public relations, marketing communications, or journalism experience; or any equivalent combination of training and experience as defined below:

Highest degree of education attained

Experience required

High school diploma/GED

9 years

Unrelated associate degree

8 years

Related associate or unrelated bachelor's degree

7 years

Related bachelor's or unrelated graduate degree

5 years

Related master's degree

3 years

Related doctoral degree

1 years

Related degree fields: public relations, communications, journalism, English, political science, education, advertising, media studies, digital marketing, business (any), public administration, history.

Application Process

This is a competitive, classified position. The Personnel Review Commission (PRC) will check your application to make sure you meet the minimum qualifications. If you do, the PRC will invite you to take a civil service examination. The exam is specific to this position. Everyone who passes the exam goes on an eligibility list. To fill this opening, the PRC sends the hiring department and Human Resources (HR) a certified eligibility list with the top 25% candidates (or at least the ten highest scoring candidates, whichever is greater). HR helps the hiring department decide who from the certified list to follow up with for interviews and then a job offer.

Most of our communication with candidates is through email. Regularly check the email address you gave us in your job profile. Watch your Spam folder, just in case.

If we offer you a job, you must pass a drug screen and background check before the offer becomes final. Prior criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify you from employment; the County looks at criminal convictions on a case-by-case basis using the guidelines in Chapter 306 of the County Code.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Cuyahoga County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the County realize its full potential. The County benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together.

The County is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals regardless of race, color, ancestry, national origin, language, religion, citizenship status, sex, age, marital status, sexual preference or orientation, gender identity/expression, military/veteran status, disability, genetic information, membership in a collective bargaining unit, status with regard to public assistance, or political affiliation. If you are a person with a disability and unable to use or access this site as a result of your disability, you may request a reasonable accommodation by calling (216) ###-#### or via email [email protected].

Cuyahoga County is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, which includes building an environment that respects the individual, promotes innovation and offers opportunities for all employees to develop to their full potential. A diverse workforce helps the County realize its full potential. The County benefits from the creativity and innovation that results when people with different experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds work together.