Salary: $71,705.79 - $114,729.42 AnnuallyLocation : Vero Beach, FLJob Type: Full TimeJob Number: 01831Department: County AdministratorOpening Date: 11/27/2024Closing Date: 12/13/2024 5:00 PM EasternDescriptionWelcome, we are excited you are here. Take a peek at what our beautiful County has to offer -COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR - ADMINISTRATION:The Communications Coordinator is responsible for professional level work supporting the development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy for Indian River County. This position plays a key role in ensuring effective communication, both cross-departmentally and between the County government and the community, primarily through written word, graphics and video messaging; and ensuring effective communication to foster positive relationships with the public, local media, municipalities, and key stakeholders and may also serve as a spokesperson for the County. This position reports to the Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager. Essential Job Duties
- Support Strategic Communications: Assist in the development and implementation of a communication plan that aligns with the County's goals and objectives. Help identify key messages, target audiences, and communication channels to effectively reach and engage the public. Assist in branding and marketing County government services and ensure key messages are reinforced consistently across initiatives and departments.
- Digital Presence Management: Assist in maintaining and updating the County's website and social media channels to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information. Utilize analytics to measure the effectiveness of online campaigns and adjust strategies accordingly to elevate the County Administration webpage.
- Innovation in Communication: Explore and implement innovative communication tools and techniques, such as virtual town halls, podcasts, or interactive social media campaigns, to engage a broad audience. Curate content for use on social media, collateral materials, and other platforms.
- Research and Analysis: Conduct research on public opinion, media trends, grant opportunities, and communication strategies to inform the County's outreach efforts. Stay updated on industry best practices and emerging technologies in public relations.
- Media Relations Assistance: Assist in preparing press releases, media kits, and official statements to ensure positive coverage of the County's activities. Support the Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager in building and maintaining relationships with local media outlets.
- Public Relations Support: Act as a secondary point of contact for media inquiries and public relations efforts. Help manage crisis communications and ensure consistent messaging across all departments and external platforms. Assist in organizing press conferences, media briefings, and other public relations events.
- Community Engagement: Help plan and execute public outreach campaigns to inform and engage the community on County initiatives, policies, and services. Assist in organizing and participating in public forums, town hall meetings, and other events to gather community feedback and foster dialogue between the County and its residents.
- Diversity Focus: Ensure that communication efforts are inclusive, reaching all demographic groups within the community, including underrepresented populations, and non-English speaking populations, to build trust and ensure that all voices are heard.
- Community Partnership Development: Actively seek and develop partnerships with local businesses, non-profits, and educational institutions to support community initiatives and enhance the County's outreach efforts.
- Crisis Communication: Support the development or refinement, and implementation of communication plans to address disaster emergencies or unexpected events, that may impact the County's operations or reputation. Serve as a back-up PIO in the Emergency Operation Center if activated.
- Internal Communication: Works as a liaison with all County Departments to ensure alignment and collaboration on communication efforts. Assist in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and communication and media relations best practices.
- Performance Reporting: Assist in preparing and submitting detailed reports to the Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager, highlighting communication efforts, public engagement, media coverage, and grant activities.
- Stakeholder Relations: Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including community leaders, non-profit organizations, and governmental officials, to enhance the County's public image and outreach efforts.
Public Speaking Support: Represent the County as a guest speaker at various events, meetings, and conferences, both within and outside the community.Project Management: Assist in overseeing special projects related to public information, community relations, grant initiatives and the legislative program agenda.Research and Grant Development: Research grant opportunities that align with the County's objectives and support departments in the grant development process. Assist in preparing grant proposals, serve on the cross-departmental grant team, and assist in developing a one pager for projects. Typical RequirementsEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public administration, business administration, marketing, or a related field.
- Minimum of two years of experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or a similar field. Equivalent combinations of formal education and related work experience may be considered at the discretion of the Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager with a preference given to governmental experience.
- Portfolio that includes writing sample and graphic design capability.
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS & REGISTRATIONS:
- Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver's license.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: Communication Excellence: Exceptional ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Strong presentation and public speaking skills.Technical Proficiency: Proficient in using digital tools, including website content management systems, social media platforms, graphic design software, as well as Microsoft 365 programs. Ability to develop advertising campaigns, newspaper ads, television and radio ads, slideshow presentations, press releases, flyers, brochures, and other publicity venues.Project Management: Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. Experience with budgeting and resource allocation.Research and Analysis: Ability to perform research, analyze data, and develop reports that inform communication strategies, grant development, and decision-making. Ability to learn and adhere to the requirements of Florida's Sunshine Law and Public Records Law. Strategic Thinking: Ability to support the development and implementation of innovative public relations and communication strategies that align with the County's goals.Relationship Building: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including media, government officials, and community members.Flexibility: Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed and to adapt to changing circumstances. Ability to prioritize and manage diverse tasks in a high paced environment Supplemental InformationWORKING CONDITIONS: This position will be working in an office environment and traveling to different locations representing the County Administration to conduct presentations and attend meetings. Work may include outdoor events, offsite visits, or networking at large gatherings or conferences. Involves frequent interaction with people. Office environment may be loud with multiple people speaking at one time.SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION: This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, Management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary that are a logical assignment to the position.Great emphasis will be placed on the candidates with graphic design and creative writing experience. Providing a portfolio of work will be helpful.NOT A REMOTE JOB - IN OFFICE PRESENCE REQUIREDJOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENTATTESTATION I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.If I have any questions about the job duties described in the above job description, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this form.Employees Signature DateEmployees Name (Please Print) Employee NumberThis is a salaried position exempt from overtime pay. Exempt employees are provided four administrative leave days per calendar year in addition to vacation leave, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, and a personal day. Please review our benefits handbook at