PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER / ADMINISTRATIVE OUTREACH COORDINATOR

PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER / ADMINISTRATIVE OUTREACH COORDINATOR

PAY PLAN : 127 - $ 78,329.00 minimum salary

SECTION I-JOB DESCRIPTION

Responsible for developing, facilitating and implementing outreach activities / strategies, special events, programs and presentations which support the activities of the County Judge's Office. Also responsible for connecting people in the community by creating agreements and cultivating relationships with businesses, individuals and other relevant organizations. The position is responsible for creating, updating, editing and publishing content and messaging for all channels (i.e., media, web, mobile, broadcast, etc.) and audiences, (i.e., residents, constituents, business community, community leaders, elected officials, etc.). Special Projects / Assignments will assigned by the County Judge.

SUMMARY : POSITION REPORTS TO THE COUNTY JUDGE

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

Responsible for building and maintaining relationships with community contacts.

Develops, facilitates and implements outreach activities, special events, programs and presentations to increase awareness of the County Judge's Offices presence and activities in the community.

Serves as a contact for media inquiries and request for information.

Develops and maintains relationships with the local media, including print and electronic media outlet.

Works independently and with teams to address important communication goals and objectives.

Interact with various members of the public, key stakeholders and others to provide effective, authentic outreach and community engagement.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with media, staff, general public, elected and appointed officials and others.

Understands the development review process, key services and important projects managed by the County Judge's office in order to incorporate key concepts into media for a variety of internal and external audiences.

Work under deadlines and complete projects within time constraints; perform multiple concurrent tasks (Multi-tasking).

Compose original complex and / or positional correspondence and reports on behalf of the County Judge's office.

Exercise discretion and independent judgement in the development and coordination of the County Judge's office communication with the public.

Exhibit outstanding writing, editing and communication skills.

Manages constituent related activities, such as complaints, correspondence and other similar administrative and customer support functions.

Assists in the preparations of presentations or speeches.

Provides creative support for internal and external communication efforts including print, web sites, electronic communication, community engagement, media and video.

Acquire and maintain a detailed knowledge of the County Judges Offices' policies, principles and strategies, and to keep up-to-date with relevant developments.

Provide support to County staff as needed related to the use of communication efforts in the County.

Performs other duties as required.

SECTION II- JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Graduation from an accredited four (4) year college / university with major course work in business or public relations, journalism or communications.

Similar related experience may be substituted for education.

Four (4) years of experience in journalism, communication or public relations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Knowledge of social media and emerging communication platforms.

Knowledge of English grammar, various communication media uses, format requirements, audiences, etc.

Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with other employees, departments, representative from the media, civic groups and the public.

Skill in writing and editing.

Ability to perform under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.

Knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to all communications personnel as outlined by professional standards, law, rules, regulations and procedures.

Competencies in desktop publishing skills and graphic production and design.

Ability to compose and produce a variety of informational material for release to media or publications.

Ability to communicate complex ideas effectively both orally and in writing.

Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS :

Must have a valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license.

SECTION III-JOB DIMENSIONS

CONTACTS :

External Contacts : Constant contact with the general public. Communication is primarily face-to-face but will include all communication types (i.e. print, video, social media).

Internal Contacts : Constant contact with co-workers and other County employees.

GOOD JUDGMENT is required to perform the duties of this position and how it impacts the image of the County Judges Office and / or the County.

DISCRETION & INITIATIVE are needed to complete work assignments.

SOUND DECISION ability is required to set individual work priorities.

GUIDANCE : Employee receives general supervision when performing the essential functions.

Employee selects appropriate procedures required to complete work assignments.

WORKING CONDITIONS : Working conditions are primarily inside with exposure to temperature variations.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

BENEFITS :

Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including : Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA / EEO / MFD EMPLOYER