Communications Manager

Salary : $72,612.80 - $87,131.20 Annually
Location : Iowa City, IA
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00736
Department: Board of Supervisors
Opening Date: 11/10/2023
Closing Date: 12/3/2023 11:59 PM Central
Definition & Duties
Under general supervision of the Board Office Executive Director, develops and coordinates the execution of a cohesive communication strategy for the County. Works with County departments and offices to create effective and coordinated messages that promote awareness of County services, projects, policies, and events. Serves as the lead Public Information Officer for the County. Performs project and special event planning, and related work as required. Maintains effective leadership in managing Communications staff and workflow.
Knowledge of & Ability to

• Public and media relations
• Digital and social media
• Graphic design
• Speech writing and storytelling techniques
• Writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Principles and practices of public administration and the structure and functions of governments
• Basic principles of supervision including approaches to discipline and training techniques
• Open meetings and open records laws and fulfillment processes
• English language to include grammar, spelling, sentence structure, vocabulary, and punctuation
• Public speaking

Ability to:

• Represent Johnson County and perform duties in a professional, responsible, and trustworthy manner
• Interpret, apply, and articulate departmental policies and procedures
• Recruit, hire, train, manage, evaluate, discipline, and motivate staff in accordance with County employment policies
• Maintain confidentiality and security of information as appropriate
• Interpret, apply and articulate laws, policies, rules and regulations
• Serve as a media contact for the Board Office
• Collect data, maintain organized records, make informed recommendations
• Provide customer service that is courteous and responsive
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, other county employees, members of the public, and media representatives
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous development, modeling inclusive behaviors, and proactively managing bias
• Use a computer for the purposes of data entry, spreadsheets, word processing, presentations, video editing, email, and internet browsing and research
• Operate common office equipment such as calculators, fax, postage machines, photocopiers, scanners, and multi-line telephones
• Operate digital cameras, video cameras, microphones, PA systems, video tape recording equipment, and other related equipment including ADA accommodations
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to individuals and groups in formal and non-formal situations
• Organize and prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Handle moderate to high levels of stress, meet deadlines, and solve problems appropriate to the position
• Respond to crises and challenging situations quickly and utilizing good judgment
• Work independently on projects and routine tasks
• Understand and follow complex oral and written instructions
• Organize and present facts, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely in oral and written form
• Have clarity of speech and hearing which permits effective communication
• Have sufficient vision which permits moderate production and review of a wide variety of materials in both electronic and hardcopy forms
• Interpret, apply and articulate laws, policies, rules, and regulations
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete field work at various county locations
• Have sufficient manual dexterity to make handwritten notations and which permits moderate use of a keyboard and a mouse
• Lift, push, pull, carry, and/or move up to 35 pounds
• Stand, sit, squat, kneel, bend, stoop, twist, and reach
• Have sufficient personal mobility to complete work at various facilities
• Work flexible schedule and occasional evenings and weekends as needed

Minimum Education, Training & Experience & Special Requirements
Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field AND at least five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications involving writing, media relations, and public relations responsibilities with one (1) year in a supervisory capacity; OR any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Master's degree is preferred.
Special requirements: Must pass background check. Valid driver's license and insurable under County liability coverage. May also require use of personal vehicle, or equivalent transportation, for official business. Complete the Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Public Information Officer training course E/L0388 Advanced Public Information Officer and the pre-requisite courses within first year of employment.
Specific Duties
to be performed satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.
The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. Other related duties may be required and assigned.

• Collaborate with the Board and Executive Director to develop and implement the public voice and communications strategy of the County.
• Develop and coordinate the County-wide communication strategy.
• Manage project timelines and facilitate Board discussion/approval for communications projects.
• Serve as a County liaison to partner organizations for communications related issues and projects.
• Establish metrics to help determine effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Develop public messaging and appropriate communications channels in cooperation with other County departments and offices.
• Monitor the effectiveness of communications strategies and coordinate adjustments as needed.
• Manage Communications staff to include recruiting, onboarding, scheduling, assigning work, training, evaluating, and disciplining personnel. Consult with Director as appropriate.
• Coordinate Johnson County communication and outreach efforts.
• Create, maintain, and update brand manuals, style guides, and communications templates.
• Develop guidelines and resources on effective communications for County departments/offices.
• Coordinate creation of communication pieces such as website content, advertisements, and other public relations materials.
• Ensure consistent and positive messaging and maintain quality control for all County communications.
• Coordinate writing and designing of County correspondence, including letters, memos, reports, proclamations, resolutions of appreciation, brochures, flyers, and banners.
• Serve as lead Public Information Officer.
• Respond to and coordinate the collection of information for public records requests received by the Board Office or related to multiple departments.
• Coordinate media and other communications for County staff.
• Coordinate, write, edit, and distribute the internal and external County newsletters.
• Prepare news releases and media advisories including research of information needed for the preparation of the releases. Assist other offices and departments by editing and distributing news releases.
• Manage County social media presence across multiple platforms.
• Develop and maintain media relations, arrange press conferences, and serve as a contact for general media inquiries.
• Develop communications processes, policies, and procedures.
• Manage the County's volunteer boards and commissions. Develop and maintain board and commission manual.
• Coordinate special County events and receptions originating from the Board Office.
• Conduct communications related research and participate in education and training opportunities to maintain up-to-date knowledge about changes in the modes, methods, frameworks, and challenges related to communications.
• Develop editorial and graphic standards for public information.
• Assess internal communication needs and facilitate an environment that encourages interdepartmental and interoffice cooperation and collaboration.
• Take, edit, and archive digital photographs and videos.
• Coordinate the creation of customized graphics for print, video, and web.
• Coordinate assistance to departments and offices with communications needs to promote County initiatives, including media relations and communications planning.
• Prepare and present recommendations and regular updates to the Board of Supervisors and other elected officials.
• Provide communication support for special projects and events.
• Work closely with departments and offices to develop communications and community engagement efforts.
• Provide back-up for the other Board Office staff.
• Coordinate and attend assigned meetings, provide staff support, and take minutes as needed. Assist with reception duties for the Board Office, answering and/or directing telephone calls, relaying information to appropriate personnel, and responding to questions from callers and visitors seeking help or general information.
• Perform general clerical duties such as filing, faxing, typing, and photocopying.
• Participate in assigned internal and external committees. Attend work-related meetings, conferences, and seminars.
• Perform work duties and activities in accordance with County policies, procedures, and safety practices.
• Attend work regularly.

Resume and cover letter must be attached to online application.
Employee Benefits
The following is a summary of benefits for full-time, non-bargaining County employees. Benefits, privileges and duties for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary depending on specific contract provisions.
Compensation
Employees serve a six-month probationary period and are eligible for meritorious performance compensation increases based upon performance evaluations. Across the board compensation increases are considered by the Board of Supervisors, and are made effective July 1 annually.
Vacation

• During 1st through 4th years: 3 working weeks
• During 4th through 9th years: 4 working weeks
• During 9th through 19th years: 5 working weeks
• During 19th or later years: 6 working weeks

Holidays
12 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal holidays:

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King's Birthday
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Juneteenth
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving Day and day after
• Christmas
• Floating Christmas holiday

Sick Leave
Accrues at the rate of 18 days per year on a per-pay period basis to a maximum accrual of 120 days. After accumulation of 90 sick days, employees may convert sick leave to vacation on a 4:1 basis.
Parental Leave
A paid two-week (80 hour) paid parental leave is provided to full-time benefit eligible parents to allow for child bonding time. This includes child's birth, adoption, placement in the home or court appointed guardianship.
Wellness Program
Voluntary wellness activities, screenings, educational opportunities and incentives are offered throughout the year for employees and their families.
Employee Assistance Program
Employees and their families may contact Synchrony for free EAP counseling and referral services.
Health Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect health care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment.

• Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa is the third party administrator for this self-funded plan
• PPO with 90/10 in-network and 80/20 out-of-network co-insurance; $275 deductible single or $550 deductible family; $1000 out-of-pocket maximum single or $2000 out -of-pocket maximum family
• Single coverage is $32/month for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is $112.00/month.

Dental Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect dental care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.
Vision Care Coverage
Eligible employees may elect vision care coverage the first of the month following one full month of employment. Single coverage is paid by the County for eligible full-time employees; family coverage is a cost between the County and employee.
Flexible Spending
Eligible employees may set aside pre-tax dollars to pay for out-of-pocket health, dental and vision expenses that are not reimbursable through another source. Employees may also set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses.
Life Insurance
Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. Coverage is 1 times annualized compensation rounded up to the nearest thousand in group term life insurance and AD&D. Max covered salary $100,000.
*Supplemental Life Insurance
The County offers to all benefit-eligible employees additional life insurance coverage that may be purchased for employees, spouses and children at guarantee basis.
Long-Term Disability
Eligible full-time employees are covered after 60 days of employment. County provides up to 2 years of long term disability coverage at 66 2/3% of the employees wages as a result of injury, sickness or pregnancy; employees may opt to purchase additional coverage.
IPERS
Iowa Public Employee Retirement System is a mandatory defined benefit retirement plan designed to supplement both Social Security and private savings. Non law-enforcement employees contribute 6.29% and the County contributes 9.44%.
Deferred Compensation (457)
A deferred compensation plan is offered that provides tax advantages and an additional means in which to save for retirement with an easy payroll deduction. Employees may select from several companies offering deferred compensation. The County will match up to $40/biweekly, and emplo...