Description
The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division has a responsibility to respond quickly and efficiently when public health emergencies occur. All Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are responsible for ensuring their contact information is current and they are accessible should a public health emergency arise. The Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division maintains a call down system to store contact information and mobilize staff in the event of an emergency. During a public health emergency, all staff are required to respond should a call to mobilize be made. During a public health emergency, work hours for any and all Hamilton County Health & Social Services Division employees are subject to modification to meet the needs of the community.
Under general supervision, serves as a point of contact for internal and external communication, and ensures consistent, accurate, and timely messaging across all communication channels.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.
Tasks
Serve as a media liaison and assist with developing press releases, media advisories, and public statements. Respond to media/press inquiries in a timely, accurate, and professional manner. Develop and maintain positive relationships with local, regional, and national media outlets. Monitor media coverage. Collaborate with departments to communicate facility and program updates, policy changes, and emergency information internally and externally. Represent the County and assist with coordinating public engagement opportunities, including events, meetings, town halls, focus groups, and community surveys.
Write, edit, and produce content for the website, social media platforms, newsletters, and publications. Create compelling multimedia campaigns and content, including graphics, videos, and photography, to support communication goals. Assist with creating talking points, speeches, and presentations. Ensure all content aligns with brand standards and compliance with policies, protocols, and procedures. Assist with marketing campaigns by ensuring objectives are achieved, analyzing campaign data, and making data-driven adjustments to optimize performance. Support the development of multilingual communication materials to serve diverse populations.
Monitor analytics and metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of digital communications and recommend improvements. Prepare media reports for leadership as needed. Maintain department records, archives, and communication records. Serve as a member of the Public Information Officer (PIO) team and provide on-call availability as needed. Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, And Other Characteristics
Knowledge of professional journalism methods, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of local and state politics.
Knowledge of public relations methods, practices, and procedures.
Knowledge of research, analysis, and interpretation of information.
Knowledge of computer hardware, software, and peripherals.
Knowledge of educational methods and practices.
Knowledge and ability to maintain a professional media image.
Skill in multitasking.
Skill in photography.
Skill in taking pictures and videos to use for social media.
Skill in writing compelling copy, managing blogs, and producing short-form video and design assets using tools like Canva or the Adobe Creative Cloud.
Skill in creatively producing content to keep the public informed on County Government work.
Skill in technical equipment needed to shoot and edit pictures and videos (Adobe, Canva, etc.)
Skill in graphic design for social media.
Skill in utilizing verbal and written communication in the development of responses, correspondence, and media releases.
Skill in developing public information and publicity plans.
Skill in providing information, resources, and referrals to reporters, media, and the public.
Skill in providing guidance to public officials and employees related to responding to media inquiries.
Skill and experience in conducting media interviews.
Skill in researching, analyzing, and interpreting information.
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
Skill in effectively communicating in both oral and written form with coworkers, County employees, and the public.
Skill in copywriting.
Skill in tracking campaign performance, understanding metrics, and utilizing reporting tools like Google Analytics, Tableau, and Excel.
Ability to evaluate situations, make decisions, and express thoughts/ideas clearly and concisely.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
Minimum Qualifications
A Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field plus three (3) years of direct work experience in media/public relations. A valid driver’s license is required.
OR
An Associate’s Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field plus five (5) years of direct work experience in media/public relations. A valid driver’s license is required.
OR
The equivalent of a high school diploma and seven (7) years of direct work experience in media/public relations. A valid driver’s license is required.
Additional Requirements
This position is deemed essential/situational during inclement weather situations and must report to or remain at work, even when administrative closings are announced, as determined by the Department Head
Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level.
Work may require irregular hours when providing on-call coverage and/or responding to public health threats or emergencies, as determined by the Department Head.
Preferred Qualifications
Bilingual – English/Spanish is preferred.
Physical Requirements
Work requires the ability to respond appropriately to inquiries and breaking news events during and outside normal business hours in a fast-paced environment.
Work requires ongoing public relations and community contact.
Work requires extended periods of concentration on detail. May work outdoors for events and other assignments. May work in high-risk environments. Requires intermittent typing, sitting, standing, walking, and driving. May require some out of town travel. Work requires transporting, frequent standing and constant movement with materials and supplies weighing up to 50 pounds depending on the activity.
Additional Information
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Any overtime hours offered in this position are not guaranteed, are an estimate, and are subject to change.
All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.
All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.
https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx
