GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
Highly responsible position involving the coordination, production, and dissemination of public information; videos, photographic, and multimedia projects; and crafting engaging content for county websites, social media, and printed communications pieces. This position performs specialized work in content development, marketing, brand management, and digital media integration to promote programs, services, and activities of the Board of Sumter County Commissioners (BOCC).ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Develops and creates content for printed and electronic communications pieces, administers the County's various social media platforms, reports, and performs related professional and administrative work.
Monitor website and social media pages and addresses citizen queries.
Drafts press releases, media advisories, and other communications to proactively promote BOCC events, initiatives, and achievements.
Coordination of public outreach events (Citizens Academy, Government Day, etc.).
Responsible for writing and posting content on the internet, may need to know online marketing and research techniques like search engine optimization (SEO).
Responsible for ensuring brand integrity and alignment of public-facing content, promotional materials, and digital platforms for the BOCC. Collaborates with internal departments to align messaging with brand standards and organizational goals.
Coordinates promotional material design and distributes it online and through offline channels: plans and schedules interviews and press conferences.
Utilize desktop publishing and electronic publishing software to design page layouts and editing digital videos and images.
Leads crisis communications for the County during an Emergency Operations Center activation, and coordinates a Joint Information Center (JIC).
Works with the media to gather information and arranges interviews; Builds and maintains positive relationships with local and regional media outlets.
Plans and manages press conferences, media briefings, and interview, preparing key spokesperson with talking points as needed.
Coordinates and collaborates with the Administrative Services Director to develop the County's communications plan,
Coordinates and collaborates with the Administrative Services Director to develop plans, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations. Makes recommendations for revisions to standard operating procedures (SOP), develops and implements SOP's.
Maintains required files, records, and communication logs. Responsible for completeness and accuracy of information disseminated.
In case of an emergency or crisis (hurricane, flood, etc.), the position must respond/perform recovery duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor. All employees will be required to work before, during, or after an emergency. During an emergency, employees may temporarily be assigned to work and perform duties outside the normal scope of their position, location, and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.
Maintain regular physical attendance during work hours as assigned at one of the County's offices or work facilities with the ability to work evenings, nights, and holidays as required.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as requested.)MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of journalistic principles, content planning, and public relations.
Knowledge of various social media platforms.
Skill in the use of personal computers, including word-processing software and spreadsheet programs.
Skill in photography and knowledge of photo editing
Advanced skills in the use of various social media platforms
Ability to speak in a clear, well-modulated voice and deal with the public in a firm, courteous, tactful, and impartial manner.
Ability to make sound decisions during stressful situations.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally with public speaking and in writing, and to listen and understand.
Ability to follow established protocols and follow the chain of command.
Ability to maintain flexibility and adaptability when performing tasks and duties in a dynamic environment.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with an Associate's Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Advertising, Journalism, Communications, or a closely related field.
Six (6) years of experience in Public Information or other closely related field.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Valid Florida Driver's License and a driving record acceptable to the insurance provider.
Required National Incident Management System (NIMS) certifications within six (6) months of employment.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Acceptable vision (with or without correction)
Acceptable hearing (with or without correction)
Walking
Standing
Bending
Stooping
Must be able to operate a motor vehicle

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Primarily works in a climate-controlled office environment.
Some travel to other locations out-of-doors, visiting County staff, public and field projects

Reasonable accommodation will be made for otherwise qualified individuals with a disability.
FLSA Exempt Status
Revised: 11/05/2024

Sumter County Board of County Commissioners jobs

Public Information Officer