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OVERVIEW Position Information This is an “at-will” position located within the Board of County Commissioners’ Office that serves as the primary County media liaison and spokesperson on general County issues. The position develops and manages internal and external communications including outreach to the general public, stakeholders, affected communities, and other agencies. The successful applicant will promote the programs, goals, and mission of the County by performing the duties listed below, which are meant to be illustrative but not an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Serve as the County’s Public Information Officer, communicating timely information about the County with the media and members of the public. Serve as the County’s Public Communications Manager responsible for overseeing the use of communication technology and platforms, including the county website, electronic notification system, and social media accounts. Ensure compliance with the Social Media Accounts Use Policy. Develop communication strategies and key messaging in coordination with Commissioners, other county elected officials and department directors and managers to ensure broad, inclusive community outreach to inform County residents regarding matters of public interest and safety. Monitor media reports on topics related to county government and stakeholders and coordinate issues that may require countywide communications. Serve as the primary point of contact to address requests for information from media representatives, city, county and regional elected officials and their staff, community organizations, businesses, stakeholders, consultants and the general public. Work with department staff to develop responses to issues raised, facilitate communication and issue resolution, and ensure follow up on constituent and policy issues. Research, write, edit, and produce County-issued press releases, videos, graphics, infographics and reports. Work with DEI Manager to ensure communications promote diversity and inclusiveness. Oversee production and coordination with the local public access station, Bremerton-Kitsap Access Television. Work with and oversee department/office level communications staff to coordinate clear, professional, and accurate communication throughout the County that conveys the mission and vision of the County. Lead a network of departmental information and communication representatives, providing communications oversight, tools, training, and strategic counsel. Develop, implement, and monitor communication standards, branding, a style guide, and public relations strategies and policies for the County for external and internal communications, including website content. Conduct regular meetings with all department/office communications/outreach representatives to ensure strategic and coordinated communications. Coordinate communication with the Public Records Officer, Human Resources, and Risk Manager regarding communication and public relations issues such as standards and processes, technology, records retention, public records requests, media inquiries, and public announcements. Conduct, evaluate, report and advise the Commissioners and Administrator on measurement activities utilized to determine effectiveness of the County’s communications and outreach including surveys, polls, focus groups, and website and social media analytics. Report data to departmental/office leaders and provide recommendations, as needed. Oversee editing, monitoring, and maintenance of the County website and coordination and training of staff who serve as departmental web coordinators. Oversee and prioritize content of the County intranet. Assign, authorize, and monitor contributor access and content. Direct County emergency public information and communication efforts in coordination with Emergency Management, the Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, and other municipalities and emergency responder agencies. Support County departments and offices, including Emergency Management, as the official County Public Information Officer during an emergency or disaster, reporting to the Administrator as needed during drills and emergency events. Manage the effective dissemination of emergency information to the public before, during and after an emergency or disaster. Develop and administer employee training on communications related issues (e.g., media spokesperson, crisis communications, public relations, emergency communication), as needed. Coordinate use of staff’s specialized communications related skills (e.g., videography, graphic design, technical writing) to ensure resources and talent are shared and used efficiently and effectively. Oversee support for customer service/care strategies, tools and public education and outreach programs for County departments and agencies, as assigned. Identify and assess core issues; develop viable alternative solutions; then design, recommend and support implementation of approved solution. Identify necessary data, technologies and communication tools; establish monitoring programs, and develop feedback and measurement systems, including performance goals. Represent the County on assigned committees, boards and other bodies dealing with communication policy and service delivery issues. Ensure compliance with Revised Codes of Washington, related Washington Administrative Codes, and local County ordinances and resolutions pertaining to areas of responsibility. Appear in person for scheduled work during County business hours with regular, reliable, and punctual attendance. Work as needed during emergencies and critical incidents on site and at emergency locations. May be required to work fluctuating times during emergencies, meet time sensitive deadlines, and be available for events outside of standard business hours and on weekends. Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience, and courtesy. Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes. This position is posted continuously until filled. The first review of applications will take place on September 29th. Tentatively, interviews will be scheduled on October 16th. QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Required Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree in communications, Business or Public Administration, English, or directly related field AND Five years of progressively responsible communication management experience to include experience in the areas of public relations, communications, or administration. Two years of supervisory experience. Any equivalent combination of experience and education the provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the work. Preferred Experience and Education FEMA public information officer training Certified public information professional Experience working in governmental relations or with elected officials. Driving Requirements The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver’s License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as: Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle. Prior to employment, the successful candidate must: Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications. Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Project management, from conception through completion Creating and implementing communication plans Developing communication and program outreach strategies Communication principles, practices, and strategies Budget development and contract management Common software used for communication including graphic or video editing software (Adobe Creative Suite), and web page creation and editing software. Knowledge and experience with analytical software such as Siteimprove, ArchiveSocial, Hootsuite and GovDelivery preferred Proficiency in Office 365 applications including SharePoint web administration Command of the English Language, both orally and in writing. Ability to compose and edit documents for consistent tone, style, correct usage, and grammar Knowledge of best practices and tools to improve accessibility to county communications, outreach materials, and website for people of differing abilities and who do not speak English as a first language Skills and/or Ability: Creative, collaborative, and dynamic leadership skills, including experience with building relationships and coalitions Interpersonal relationships using tact, patience and courtesy Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others Skill in planning, assigning, directing and evaluating work of project participants Skill in conflict resolution, problem solving and negotiation Skill in providing program advice and education to the public Skill in presenting information to diverse audiences of all sizes Ability to meet multiple demands, prioritize and manage multiple projects Ability to research, gather, analyze and synthesize data as well as writing statistical and analytical reports Organize facts and present findings, conclusions, and recommendation in a clear, concise and logical manner Ability to work independently with limited supervision Ability to speak publicly in a professional, confident, clear and concise manner ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES: Creates and reviews content for various forms of communication Manages the Kitsap Electronic Notification System (KENS) Develops communication policy, procedure, and governance Develops analytical assessment and reporting Creates collaborative team with existing communication and outreach staff Negotiates and manages contract with Bremerton Kitsap Access Television (BKAT), the local access cable channel Developments, implements, and monitors County brand strategy and standards Manages communication tools and channels Manages communications programs and projects, including oversight of program deliverables, vendor management, and contract management Develops and manages projects and programs from concept to completion, including communication, policy, and program strategies Develops, implements and manages marketing, communication, and public relations strategies and policies for the County Develops, implements, and monitors County graphic, print, and brand standards as approved Develops key communications tools, resources, and materials, including fact sheets and displays, newsletters, pamphlets, reports, talking points, presentations, news releases, advertising, and live and recorded broadcasts Leads meetings with department/office level communications staff, and other contacts Participate in in-person community meetings and other County events as assigned Creates content for internal and external distribution Develops policy and procedures regarding communication strategies and challenges Provides oversight of County’s social media strategy and presence Advises Commissioners of media coverage and public relations concerns Oversees maintenance of media lists for local and regional print, periodicals, radio, internet and electronic media contacts Ensures compliance with records retention requirements in all channels and formats and manages third party applications to ensure archival processes Coordinates with County Administrator and/or Chair of the Board of County Commissioners, Public Works, Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management, and other entities regarding communication issues during inclement weather and other critical incidents and provides timely and accurate information to the Community Works in the Joint Information Center during emergencies and creates real-time communications for updates Articulates County mission, vision, position, and values to the public on key policies to build awareness and understanding through consistent communication Coordinates County staff for responses to requests from the news media and the public for information, interview, perspectives, and opinion on issues Prepares, manages, and monitors communications budget Represents the County at assigned public meetings, news briefings, and events Writes and edits press releases, briefs the media, and assists in managing local and national media representatives on scene of events Speaks publicly as County spokesperson as directed OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION Who May Apply : This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process. This position is classified as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) This position is classified as "at will". Incumbent's continued employment is at the discretion of the County. Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office. This recruitment is being used to fill an existing open position and may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months. Work hours for this position will typically be Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees. County Paid Benefits Include: Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO) Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette Vision - VSP Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL) Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability Voya Voluntary Insurance Transportation incentives Employee Assistance Program Travel Assistance Program Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide . *Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense Retirement: Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security. Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program Holidays 11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year Vacation Leave New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows: Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month) Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month) Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month) Sick Leave All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next. ***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated*** Current County Employees If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status. NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx Closing Date/Time: Continuous