Public Affairs & Communications Strategist

lakecountygovernment; Leadville (CO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

Job summary

Lake County Government is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to serve as the county’s primary communications lead. You will develop strategic plans, manage media relations, and produce communications collateral to inform stakeholders and the public.

You will briefing leadership, coordinating outreach events, and serving as the spokesperson during approved situations, including emergency communications with the Office of Emergency Management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, public administration, political science, public policy, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 3+ years experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, advocacy, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience running communications or social media campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience designing communications collateral to disseminate messaging to various audiences.
• Ability to break down complex subjects into plain language for briefings.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Travel to conferences or events within and outside Colorado may be required.
• Must be available to respond to urgent county communications needs, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Proficiency in English and Spanish is preferred.
• FEMA Public Information Officer certifications, or ability to obtain certifications, is preferred.
• APPLICANTS MUST SUBMIT 3 WRITING SAMPLES WITH THEIR APPLICATION PACKET

Responsibilities

• Develops strategic communications plans and standard operating procedures for county messaging.
• Plans and implements stakeholder engagement and outreach events.
• Communicates official county messaging through various channels including speaking engagements, news releases, social media, and newsletters.
• Maintains relationships with county staff and external partners to provide public affairs support.
• Manages the county website and social media accounts for branding and messaging.
• Drafts memos, speeches, and briefing materials for county leadership.
• Supports internal communications within the County Manager’s Office.
• Monitors media and provides trend reports to the County Manager’s Office.
• Serves as the official spokesperson when needed and approved by the County Manager’s Office.

Skills

Public affairs

Communication skills

Plain language

Writing samples

Spanish preferred

Media relations

Event coordination

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism/public affairs/public administration/political science/public policy or related field

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Lake County Government is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to serve as the county’s primary communications lead. You will develop strategic plans, manage media relations, and produce communications collateral to inform stakeholders and the public.

You will briefing leadership, coordinating outreach events, and serving as the spokesperson during approved situations, including emergency communications with the Office of Emergency Management.