This position is located in Cobb County Communications Department. This position will head the public relations and public communications division in the County’s Communications Department.

The ideal candidate must be a leader and be able to look innovatively at the county’s efforts to communicate with its residents and determine new avenues to reach our audience. The candidate must be able to deal with traditional news media, local online sites, and others to represent the county’s position on various topics.

This position aims to grow relationships within county departments to facilitate better information flow between departments, elected officials, and residents. Must be able to use the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools to generate our outreach. Being transparent is a plus.

Manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to department director; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate.

Manages public relations activities for assigned County departments: prepares communications plans for departments, programs and special events; advises departments and County officials regarding media and public relations matters; recommends strategies; provides assistance and guidance to all departments regarding media contacts and interest, publication, and image matters; and assists with crisis communications, complex problem solving, and provides technical expertise.

Writes and coordinates the publication and distribution of marketing and promotional materials, including newspaper articles and advertisements, press releases, brochures, fliers, etc.: proofs and edits materials created by subordinate staff; receives and responds to media inquiries and questions; provides and coordinates print and broadcast interviews as needed; manages essential and time-critical communications activities; monitors media coverage of County activities; and represents the County at events.

Manages a variety of technical applications, including social media, web, mobile applications, e-news, e-mail and others: manages content for internal and external audiences; develops email newsletters; and works with vendors to prepare technology platforms.

Performs related administrative duties: makes recommendations regarding, and assists in implementing, department budget; monitors expenditures for adherence to established budgetary parameters; assists in developing and implementing policies and standard operating procedures; and monitors compliance with established policies and procedures.

Reports outcomes of news coverage: monitors and reviews print and broadcast media coverage regarding County activities and services; compiles statistics, program data and other information; and prepares and submits report.

Staying abreast of emerging communication trends. Managing social media strategy and being on-call especially during emergency situations/inclement weather/county closings.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field required; supplemented by seven years of experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, or related field, with two years experience managing teams; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.