Communications Specialist

Ottawa County; West Olive (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Ottawa County is seeking a Communications Specialist to assist in developing and executing marketing and communications strategies across print, digital, social media, and web while maintaining brand standards. The role collaborates with multiple departments to raise awareness of programs and services and to monitor communications effectiveness.

The position is full-time at the Fillmore Complex in West Olive, MI, with typical weekday hours and some travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field.
• At least three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, writing, editing, publishing, social and news media relations, marketing and public affairs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of marketing and communications strategies and campaigns that promote programs, services, and initiatives.
• Develop press releases and other public communications, coordinate interviews, and select outlets to increase understanding of County programs and matters.
• Research, write, edit, and coordinate written and visual content for newsletters, reports, publications, websites, social media, and other materials.
• Contribute to the social media calendar by creating timely, helpful, and engaging content.
• Create and maintain databases for newsletter distribution lists.
• Participate in website maintenance and content updates for designated departments.
• Coordinate video and graphic design projects for designated departments.
• Manage and protect the County brand identity across communications.
• Monitor analytics and campaign performance to ensure effectiveness and cost-consciousness.
• Stay up to date on emerging communication channels and technologies.

Skills

Adobe Creative Cloud

Canva

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Presentation software

Written communication

Verbal communication

Visual communication

WordPress

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/public relations/journalism/marketing or related field

Tools

WordPress

Job description

Under the direction of the Communications Director, the Communications Specialist assists in developing and executing marketing and communications strategies and provides communication services to multiple County departments. The position creates and coordinates clear, professional, and engaging content across print, digital, social media, web, and other communication channels while ensuring consistency with County brand standards. The specialist collaborates with departments to increase awareness of County programs and services, evaluate communication effectiveness, and strengthen public understanding and trust.

This is a full-time, benefited position working at the Fillmore Complex in West Olive at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Some travel to other county locations, as needed.

1. Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of marketing and communications strategies and campaigns that promote programs, services, and initiatives while supporting the County’s overall communications goals.
2. Develop press releases and other public communications, coordinate interviews, and select appropriate outlets to increase understanding of County programs and matters.
3. Research, write, edit, and coordinate written and visual content for newsletters, reports, publications, websites, social media, and other communication materials, including conducting interviews and gathering photography.
4. Contribute to the social media calendar by identifying messages from designated offices and creating timely, helpful, and engaging written and visual content.
5. Create and maintain databases for designated electronic newsletter distribution lists.
6. Participate in website maintenance and content updates for designated departments, ensuring information is accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent with County standards.
7. Coordinate video and graphic design projects for designated departments in collaboration with the Digital Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer.
8. Manage and protect the County and designated departments’ brand identity by ensuring communications and creative materials remain consistent with established standards.
9. Monitor communication analytics, campaign performance, media use, distribution, and engagement to ensure communications are effective, cost-conscious, and consistent with quality standards.
10. Stay up to date on emerging communication channels and technologies through conferences and other educational opportunities.
11. All other duties assigned.

A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field. At least three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, writing, editing, publishing, social and news media relations, marketing and public affairs.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud
• Proficiency with Canva
• Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications.
• Mastery of written, visual and verbal communication and ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of WordPress powered websites and UX a plus.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations; including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a normal office environment.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, and responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.