DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS: The Director of Communications acts as a member of the County Executive’s team and is responsible for developing and managing the delivery of a comprehensive engagement strategy and communication plan for community outreach, public relations, public information, and media relations that amplify the County’s priorities and drives engagement across internal and external communities; while clearly defining objectives, timelines, and measures for success. The incumbent develops and implements the branding for County departments and programs and serves as the County’s liaison for media outlets; fielding questions, ensuring accurate coverage, and planning for media appearances by County officials. The Communications Director works directly with and assists the County Executive and department heads to develop and issue key information about County government, serving as a leader and advisor in all communications as needed. The Director plays a critical role in building public trust through various communications programs and initiatives and advancing transparency and accountability of Putnam County government. The Director ensures that critical public information is accessible in different languages, pursuant to policies on language access. The Director works as member of the County Executive’s staff with wide leeway for independent judgment.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES: (Illustrative only)

• Directs staff and contracted vendors in the coordination, development and implementation of internal and external communications, public information and community relations activities (i.e., broadcasting or streaming of meetings, website, social marketing programs, special events, etc.);
• Supports County Executive and other organizational leaders in the development of communications, including speeches, presentations and print/digital communications.
• Oversees the creation of background briefing documents for the County Executive before major interviews, meetings and presentations;
• Advises and counsels management and staff on policies, plans, and practices that affect the County's relationship with the public;
• Coordinates, plans, and manages integrated internal and external communication activities;
• Interacts with County Executive, elected officials and staff across multiple departments and agencies to coordinate messaging and public information for special projects and during emergency events;
• Develops key messages, press releases, social media, website content, print and electronic communication;
• Assists departments with the development and implementation of communication strategies and crisis communications;
• Provides accessible, easily understood information about Putnam County services and programs using various communication strategies, tools, and tactics, including language translation;
• Anticipates media responses, prepares spokesperson(s) and responds to media inquiries;
• Administers and manages public and employee information programs;
• Provides oversight and direction for digital communications, including the website, e-newsletters, digital signage, intranet, and social media;
• Plans, organizes, and directs efforts that enhance Putnam County's image in the community through relationship building, special events, branding, and information sharing;
• Manages the dissemination of prompt, accurate information during emergency situations;
• Develops and recommends new communication methods to better achieve County goals, including fostering core values and marketing County services to residents, community groups, and other external organizations;
• Coordinates public events, including open houses, ceremonies, and other public functions;
• Responds to requests to produce video programming and photography;
• Advises and trains County staff and officials in effective use of media;
• Engages departments in community outreach and education events;
• May act as lead Public Information Officer or a team member of the PIO team responsible for communication functions during emergency or crisis events;
• Performs related duties as necessary

Typical Work Activities are intended only as illustrations of possible types of work that might be appropriately assigned to an incumbent of this title. Work activities that do not appear above are not excluded as appropriate work assignments, as long as they can be reasonably understood to be within the logical limits of the job.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:  Thorough knowledge of the organization, functions, laws, policies, regulations, programs and goals of Putnam County government; thorough knowledge of public relations principles and practices as they pertain to internal and external communication needs of a large organization; thorough knowledge of current communications trends in a government setting, including extensive knowledge of the use of social media; thorough knowledge and ability in graphic design and software; superior oral and written communications skills; ability to create and articulate messages to a wide range of audiences; ability to manage multiple projects; ability to design and execute process where none exists; ability to interact effectively with senior leadership, elected officials, community leaders and external constituencies; ability to deliver complex messages in simple, concise and understandable ways; exceptional writing and presentation skills; excellent organizational and strong project management skills; excellent editing and proofreading skills; excellent interpersonal skills; self-starter, able to establish priorities and work independently; attention to detail that drives high quality outputs; comfortable with change and uses feedback to drive personal growth and development; consistently acts with integrity and maintains a high degree of confidentiality; high-energy and optimistic; Initiative, courtesy, integrity and tact.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Master's Degree, or higher, and two (2) years of paid experience in a position with substantial public information responsibility; or
2. Bachelor’s Degree, and four (4) years of paid experience in a position with substantial public information responsibility; or
3. Associate’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration, Marketing, Public or Business Administration, Political Science, Social Sciences or a related field, and four (4) years of paid experience in a position with substantial public information responsibility.

PLEASE NOTE: Your degree must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the U.S. Department of Education/U.S. Secretary of Education.

11/22

Pending Jurisdictional Classification