Salary: $32.16 - $46.39 Per Hour
SUMMARY
Initiates, plans, develops, maintains, evaluates, implements, and coordinates a public information and engagement program for a County department. Under general direction, positions allocable to this class report to a higher-level supervisor or a higher-level Public Information class and are responsible for initiating, planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and coordinating department-wide public information programs, services, and activities, disseminating information to the public through various media channels. Positions in this class must possess strong verbal and written communication skills applying communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques to engage local media and to convey information to the public through various media channels. Incumbents must demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communicating with the County's diverse communities. Incumbents utilize their knowledge of various media outlets and social media platforms and must have working knowledge of the Public Records Act. This class may serve as a supervisor or the highest-level public information representative in a medium sized department providing technical guidance to lower-level public information staff and/or support staff assigned to public information activities. Incumbents must seek professional development opportunities and continually update their skills.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Develops internal and community relations publicity campaigns designed to provide the public with accurate and timely information about the department, its programs and people.
- Develops content for various communication channels, including websites and social media platforms; drafts newsletters, brochures, articles, speeches and talking points for department executives; oversees layout, design and translation of materials for printing.
- Provides direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to management regarding public information matters, including direct assistance in researching, providing information to the public and developing messages.
- Writes social media posts and creates basic social media graphics and media releases regarding departmental activities, services, programs, and functions; prepares pamphlets and brochures for distribution.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with communications staff at other agencies, both public and private, and media representatives; responds promptly to media inquiries and directs questions to appropriate staff.
- Arranges press conferences and notifies media representatives of newsworthy events, programs and initiatives.
- Coordinates external communications channels, including social media and website, preparing written and visual contents such as web articles, brochures, newsletters, and reports for distribution to the various communication channels; coordinates videography and photography, as needed.
- Researches departmental projects for proactive media outreach (story pitches).
- Analyzes and evaluates data to make appropriate communications recommendations for management.
- Coordinates and oversees a wide variety of information and communication activities for the department such as press conferences, media events, tours, outreach events, and related activities.
- Handles intake and response to media requests for information under the California Public Records Act, in coordination with departmental management, County Counsel and the department's Public Records Act coordinator.
- Evaluates effectiveness of communications programs and implements changes, as needed. Serves as liaison between the department and media representatives and develops effective relationships with media outlets.
- Monitors and tracks issues affecting the department; monitors media channels and informs management accordingly.
- Works with department representatives to develop internal communications such as annual report, annual budget, mission and vision, and other critical documents.
- Serves as an information conduit to Board staff and Board Deputies and alerts them of inquiries regarding controversial or high-profile issues involving the department; provides
- opportunities to generate accurate media coverage to highlight departmental activities to the public.
- Participates in responding to newsworthy events and media inquiries, including emergency and crisis communications.
- Develops and maintains internal communication projects. Assesses effectiveness of digital content using online metrics.
- Maintains departmental website's public information content.
- May serve as a supervisor to public information staff engaged in public information and engagement program.
- May manage a photo archive of key word-searchable photos. May assist in creating public relations strategies.
- May respond to emergencies, newsworthy events, and media inquiries.
- May staff public information booth and make presentations to community groups. May drive to different sites, as necessary.
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Public Relations, English or a closely-related field -AND Three years of experience assisting in the development, maintenance, evaluation, implementation, and coordination of a public information program or professional experience as a journalist within a media organization. One additional year of the required experience will be accepted for each year of college.
License:
- A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
- Successful clearing through the Live Scan process with the County of Los Angeles
WORK ENVIRONMENT
General Office Setting, Indoors Temperature Controlled, out on assignment and on the field.
EEOC STATEMENT
It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)