Location: Janesville,WI, USA
This position has a standard 8am-5pm schedule; the option for an alternative work schedule may be available.
Summary: The Communications Specialist applies communication science principles and standards to lead the department's overall communication strategy. The position is responsible for planning, developing, and evaluating communication messaging to inform and educate people about what public health is, what the health department does, and impacts of the department work. The Communication Specialist will establish and implement a department wide brand strategy. The Communications Specialist also supports other health department staff to effectively utilize appropriate communication strategies, including during public health emergencies, to achieve specific program goals and objectives. The Communications Specialist utilizes multiple strategies to communicate effectively and reach a variety of target audiences to improve population health and eliminate health disparities.
40%- Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, factors that influence it, and how to improve it.
* Research, write, proofread, and edit content for use in communications such as press releases, the department's website, emails, and social media posts, including emergency communications.
* Assuring development of communications that are culturally appropriate for the target audience and at appropriate reading and health literacy levels.
* Collaborate with staff to create and carry out communication plans within each program or project area, including working with subject matter experts to brainstorm content ideas that align with the department's strategic plan and priorities.
* Originate traditional marketing collateral content and produce market-ready brochures, success stories, agency reports and other materials.
* Assist staff in the application of communication technologies, provide technical support for in-person and virtual events, and communication training to staff as needed.
* Provide digital production assistance, including audio and video recording and editing, for presentations and other recordings.
* Act as department spokesperson, including Public Information Officer during public health emergencies.
* Take photographs for press releases, events, presentation, reports, website, and social media.
30%- Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health
* Maintain a departmental communication plan, including branding strategy.
* Develop and maintain standard operating procedures for all communications-related activities, including public health emergency related procedures and communication plans.
* Manage and oversee departmental webpages, coordinating content reviews and edits.
* Manage department's social media presence, including developing campaigns, creating and posting content, engaging with partners and community members, and responding to comments and messages.
* Compile and maintain relevant resources and tools for staff.
15%- Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvement.
* Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of all communication strategies implemented, including the department's digital marketing plan and social media strategy.
* Set key performance indicators (KPIs) for social media campaigns, such as targets for a certain number of shares or likes, and measure a campaign's performance against the KPI's.
* Develop innovative ways to communicate messaging and the health department branding with the population and targeted sub-populations.
* Maintain awareness of communication trends and best practices.
10%- Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health.
* Build and maintain good working relationships with journalists and key community partners, including their communications staff.
* Coordinate media inquiries, interviews, statements from the health department, press conferences and other events with the media.
5%- Other duties as assigned.
* Performs public health emergency response duties as assigned and consistent with job classification and training provided, in response to threats to the public's health.
* Participates in department and community-wide emergency response training and drills consistent with job classification in support of public health emergency and disaster preparedness.
* Supports the development of a future public health workforce by precepting/mentoring students and assisting with the onboarding of new staff members as appropriate.
* Engages in developmental opportunities related to their role and responsibilities, including health equity and social justice; seeks opportunities to gather and reflect on diverse perspectives; works to address personal implicit biases; and seeks developmental opportunities to work within complex systems.
* Upholds ethical standards for public health practice.
* Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with job classification.
* Maintains confidentiality of protected health information (PHI) of individuals, identifiable data elements and small data sets, including but not limited to only accessing information related to assigned work, utilizing locked filing cabinets, electronic password protection, and encryption when creating, handling and storing documents that contain PHI.
* Participates in the development and implementation of agency and program strategic planning, performance management, and quality improvement.
Knowledge:
* Foundational Public Health Services
* Social Determinants of Health.
* Marketing theory, social media tools and optimizing exposure.
* Content strategy.
* Authorship and publication policies and requirements.
Skills:
* Communication.
* High level of creativity and be able to adjust tactics to achieve desired results.
* Strong writing skills.
* Proofreading and editing.
* Public speaking.
* Project management.
* Assess reading and literacy levels.
* Prioritize workload, including several major projects simultaneously, to meet varying deadlines, including short turn- around times on occasion.
Abilities:
* Exercise sound judgment and discretion in completing assigned duties and responsibilities.
* Work independently and in a team environment.
* Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise and timely reports.
* Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
* Effectively communicate with staff, community partners, and the general public in a manner that is courteous, professional and supports public health objectives.
* Utilize appropriate communication methods for interacting effectively and professionally with persons of all ages and from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial and ethnic, sexual orientations, lifestyles and physical abilities.
* Deliver targeted, culturally appropriate information to help individuals and groups understand public health data, public health promotion, disease prevention, policies, regulations, and public health codes.
Required:
* Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Health Education or closely related field from an accredited college or university, and
* Two years professional work experience within a public health setting, or
* Equivalent combination of closely related education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skill, and abilities.
* Valid driver's license, current certificate of vehicle insurance and reliable access to transportation to all assigned work locations and to attend meetings and trainings within and outside of the county.
* Completion of required National Incident Management System (NIMS)/Incident Command System (ICS) trainings within 6 months of hire.
Preferred:
* Masters of Public Health, Communications or other closely related field.
* Website management experience, including basic knowledge of html code and content management systems.
Physical:
* Ability to bend, twist, turn, and reach frequently.
* Ability to sit, walk and stand for long periods of time.
* Ability to grasp, carry, push, pull, and lift objects up to 20 pounds at times.
* Ability to drive a vehicle.
* Access to reliable transportation to fulfill duties of the position.
* Level of vision, hearing, and fine motor skills sufficient to read, write and proficiently use office and computer equipment.
Equipment Use:
* Ability to independently and fluently use computer and office equipment (telephone, multi-function printers, computers, software systems, and mobile smart phone devices) continuously on a daily basis.
* Advanced computer skills and ability to proficiently use software programs (Microsoft Office Word, Power Point, Excel, Outlook), graphic design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, and others), and social media management software.
Working Conditions:
* Ability to work varied hours on occasion, including evenings, weekends and overtime (board meetings, partner meetings, community events, and public health emergencies).
* Ability to work in varying office and outside conditions in relation to heat, cold, and varying weather conditions.
* Ability to travel within and outside of the county, including over-night stays, to attend trainings and conferences.