Emergency Communication And Outreach Manager

The Dane County Emergency Management Department has a current vacancy for a 1.0 FTE Emergency Communication and Outreach Manager.

The Eligible List created from this posting may be used for future vacancies for the next six (6) months.

Equity, Definition and Examples of Duties

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways. Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women and racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Emergency Management Director, the Communications Manager is responsible for developing and supporting an internal and external communication strategy for the Department. Serves as a liaison to external audiences, potentially attending events and being a general source of information for the Department. Has direct oversight of the department’s external and internal communications, and provides general direction and supervision to administrative and secondary supervision to clerical support staff when necessary. Responsible for the development and maintenance of the Department’s presence on social media platforms. Advises Senior Management on strategic decisions regarding the Department’s public advancement. Additionally, this positions serves as the backup manager for the Department when the Director and the Assistant Director are unavailable. This position manages three staff positions. This position will require rotation into the on call duty officer schedule.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Develops and manages social media presence across all platforms and facilitates website updates. This position closely interacts with internal and external stakeholders for all public relations, promotions, and community events. Manages communications for the Department, especially as it relates to large scale events and significant emergencies this includes managing Joint Information Coordination during full or partial EOC activation. This position will develop and maintains relationships with other Emergency Management Partners (municipalities, State of Wisconsin, University of Wisconsin and Federal partners) and participate in the Statewide Joint Information Center (JIC). This manager will assist with FEMA Public Information coordination. Implement and manage comprehensive business and crisis communication plans which will include coordinating and implementing countywide communication campaigns designed to improve disaster preparedness. An additional role will include engagement with underserved, marginalized, and hard to reach communities. This shall include working closely with the Dane County Office of Equity and Inclusion and closely with the County Executive and other County Departments to coordinate outreach and public Information. In addition, other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience & Special Requirements

Education, Training and Experience:

Any combination of education, training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, in English, Journalism, Communications, Business or related field. At least three (3) years’ experience in crisis management, public relations, communications, social media management, government relations, public affairs and/or public administration. At least two (2) years’ experience of direct supervision of staff.

Special Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain a valid WI Driver’s license upon appointment. Must have access to reliable personal transportation, or equivalent. Must routinely be available and willing to work early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays to respond to emergencies.

Must successfully pass and maintain clearance through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and a Dane County Sheriff’s Office background investigation which includes fingerprinting.

Background Check Statement: Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job's responsibilities. Wisconsin's Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position's responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant's criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.) Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

For Bilingual Positions:

• Provide services in both English and the required foreign language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.).
• Applicants being considered for Bilingual positions will be tested during the recruitment process. This may consist of either being able to respond to questions in that language (e.g., Spanish, Hmong, etc.) during the interview; or passing an oral translation (English to foreign language / foreign language to English) exam prior to employment.

Physical and Environmental Work Requirements:

Professional office work environment. Work involves walking, sitting, standing, bending, stooping, twisting, turning, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, grasping, and reaching within normal ranges. Ability to lift and move a variety of work-related materials weighing up to 25 pounds (with/without assistance). Prolonged computer and phone use. Manual dexterity using fine and gross motor skills. Ability to speak and be heard by others. Ability to see and hear within normal ranges with or without corrective devices.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the principles, methods, and practices used in the design and implementation of communications, public affairs, governmental affairs, community outreach, and customer relations programs. Knowledge of communication industry trends, media practices and standard social media platforms. Knowledge of principles and practices of sound business communication promotions, advertising, and project management. Knowledge of the functioning, organization and regulation of governmental agencies. Working knowledge of the Open Records law and appropriate confidentiality standards. Thorough knowledge of and ability to use computer software applicable to the duties of the position. Knowledge and skills to establish, manage and operate within a Joint Information Center (JIC) and abilities to analyze, coordinate, process and create information in a fast-paced environment. Ability to develop, recommend and promote public information materials in keeping with the department's missions and goals. Ability to interpret public policy guidance, legislation and other business communications. Ability to represent the Department effectively in public settings and with media representatives on a variety of issues. Ability to speak and write clearly, concisely, creatively and professionally. Ability to create and deliver effective oral and written presentations before public groups and respond to questions. Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, Power Point presentations, correspondence and other written materials. Ability to use tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines. Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines. Ability to write accurate news releases, and public service announcements, and to review and edit the related work of others. Ability to plan, promote, produce and execute public information events. Ability to compile and disseminate appropriate information about departmental activities, events and operations. Ability to solve practical problems where limited standardization exists. Ability to analyze data. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with departmental and county employees, elected officials, external stakeholders, the County Executive’s Team and news media members. Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds across boundaries or rural/urban geography, class, race, gender, literacy and issues. Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and maintain harmonious relationships.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $51.95 - $69.10 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Madison, WI: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person