Chief Communications Officer

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

Job Information

Title:

Chief Communications Officer

Market Range:

MR26

Approved Date:

2/26/2024 11:13:15 AM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

OFFICIALS AND ADMINISTRATORS

Career Level:

L1

Career Level Description:

Leadership Level 1

Job Code:

100245

Job Family:

Communications

Sub Family:

Public Relations

Primary Purpose

Leads communications, media and public relations, marketing, and digital media strategy for Wake County Government. Responsible for protecting the county's reputation and maintaining the public trust by sharing information with openness and transparency. Uses traditional and new media to inform and educate the county's employees and residents about our programs, services and initiatives, and motivates them to take action as appropriate. Serves as a consultant to the Board of Commissioners, the County Manager's Office, and department heads on message development, crisis communication, message distribution and engagement with the media. Manages an office of 14 employees, with four direct reports - the Internal Communications Manager, the External Communications Manager, the Digital Media & Design Services Manager, and the Board of Commissioners Communications Consultant; responsible for their professional growth and development, reviewing their work products, providing solutions to challenges, and giving management guidance.

•

Leads the county's communications, media and public relations, marketing and digital media strategy, and generate successful results.

1

30%

•

Oversees an office of 14 employees and four direct reports - the Internal Communications Manager, the External Communications Manager, the Digital Media & Design Services Manager, and the Board of Commissioners Communications Consultant. Provides them with constructive criticism to improve their plans and work products, offers guidance to solve problems or overcome hurdles, assists with employee relations and help them grow their professional skills.

2

30%

•

Assumes key leadership roles in the Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information System/Center to respond crises such as pandemics, snowstorms, hurricanes and events at the Harris Nuclear Plant.

3

15%

•

Manages the event planning, speech writing and media outreach for all high-level or controversial issues for the Board of Commissioners and the County Manager's Office. These include the State of the County, the Recommended Budget message and the launches of new programs/initiatives.

4

20%

•

Handles administrative tasks in a thorough and timely manner, including approving timesheets, career planning with direct reports, drafting agendas and updating the team during our staff meetings, overseeing the contracts for digital tools, etc.

5

5%

Position(s) may perform other duties in addition to the above as assigned by management.

•

Being "on call" outside of traditional work hours on weekdays and on weekends.

*IMPORTANT* In the event of an emergency, as determined by the County Manager or designee, participation in preparedness and response operations should be expected. Employee may be required to fill a temporary assignment in a role different from standard duties, work hours and/or work location in preparation for, during and after the emergency. Employee may also be required to participate in relevant exercises and regular preparedness training.

Career Level Dimensions

Career Level:

L1

Career Level Description:

Leadership Level 1

•

Head of a Department.

•

Creates overall operational plans for Department.  Results  impact overall County goals.

•

Responsible for improving upon parts of an entire process or system, leveraging personal past experiences as well as extensive information gathering.

•

Commits resources to pursue innovative solutions and champions innovative projects.

•

Communicates with parties within and outside of own job function, and typically has responsibilities for communicating with parties external to the organization, which may include elected officials, leadership peers, customers or vendors.

•

May negotiate and compromise to influence internal and external parties to accept concepts, practices and approaches of the Department.

•

Achieves results through multiple teams of Divisions.

•

Ensures appropriate selection, organization, and leadership of Division/Function; coaches and develops Division leaders.

•

Requires advanced general management and leadership capability to lead Division teams. Typically has broader practical experience across multiple disciplines within the County.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or related field

•

Eight years of experience in journalism, communication or public relations, including at least four years of supervisory experience

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Master's Degree

In journalism, communications, public relations or marketing.

•

12 Years

Experience leading teams in a high-profile, fast-paced communications office. Government experience is a plus.

And

•

10 Years

Experience proactively planning for and responding to high-profile, controversial media issues.

And

•

10 Years

A strong understanding of common social media platforms and how to use them to reach the right people with the right message at the right time.

And

•

10 Years

National Incident Management System training and/or experience overseeing crisis communications during an emergency.

And

•

10 Years

Knowledge of marketing principles and how to apply them to generate the highest possible return on investment. Experience developing and executing paid marketing strategies is a plus.

And

•

10 Years

Experience working collaboratively with creatives on design, video or web projects.

•

Lead direct reports to achieve work objectives and generate successful project outcomes. Must be able to assign work to staff and help guide its development from conception to completion with clear, constructive feedback.

•

Be a strategic thinker – someone who can see the big picture and the small details at the same time and understand how the pieces fit together.

•

Be someone who knows how to work successfully with media – a person who can build strong relationships with new reporters in the market and maintain the trusting ties we already have.

•

Know how to anticipate reporters’ questions and prepare the appropriate responses. Must be comfortable participating in interviews over the phone, in person and on camera, and training other employees to do so, as well.

•

Have strong writing skills that can vary effectively in tone and style, based on the audience and the platform. Must be able to turn complex, jargon-filled information into plain language that is easily understood by the layman.

•

Know how to capitalize on a “news hook” to attract media coverage and public interest while ensuring your content is drafted in AP Style.

•

Understand how to capitalize on a “news hook” to attract media coverage and public interest while ensuring your content is drafted in AP Style.

•

Exude creativity and know how to brainstorm new ideas. Must have the initiative needed to lead a project or campaign from start to finish with minimal oversight, while understanding when to ask questions or seek approval.

•

Deliver presentations before groups of all sizes with clarity, consistency and efficiency.

•

Know how to generate a strategic vision for the office that compliments the mission and values of the organization as a whole.

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily to perform this job successfully. The requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Competencies

Adaptability & Flexibility

Changes behavioral style or method of approach when necessary to achieve a goal; adjusts style as appropriate to the needs of the situation. Responds to change with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn new ways to accomplish work activities and objectives.

Communication

Creates an atmosphere in which timely and high-quality information flows smoothly up and down, inside and outside of the organization; encourages open expression of ideas and opinions.

Initiative

Does more than is required or expected in the job; does things that no one has requested that will improve or enhance products and services, avoid problems, or develop entrepreneurial opportunities. Plans ahead for upcoming problems or opportunities and takes appropriate action.

Coaching & Mentoring

Works to improve and reinforce performance of others. Facilitates their skill development by providing clear, behaviorally specific performance feedback, and making or eliciting specific suggestions for improvement in a manner that builds confidence and maintains self-esteem.

Strategic Vision

Sees the big, long-range picture and leads others accordingly.

Team Leadership

Willingly cooperates and works collaboratively toward solutions that generally benefit all involved parties; works cooperatively with others to accomplish organizational objectives. Manages staff in ways that improve their ability to succeed on the job.

Integrity

Act with honesty, transparency and respect in our interactions with co-workers and those we serve. Adhere, without exception, to laws, policies, procedures and professional standards.

Accountability

Establish high-quality standards for work. Add value. Measure results and hold self and others accountable for making progress toward desired outcomes. Take a logical and data-driven approach to decision-making.

Diversity

Believe that different backgrounds and experiences strengthen the organization and produce better results. Value inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience, and strive to reflect in our workforce the diversity of our community.

Collaboration

Foster a work culture in which different ideas and opinions are encouraged and expected. Listen carefully and speak thoughtfully. Work together toward shared goals with mutual respect and cooperation.

Continuous Improvement

Continuously improve work processes and products. Provide a safe environment to be innovative and creative and try new things. When things don't go as planned, use it as an opportunity to learn, regroup and begin again. Provide time and resources for individuals to grow and develop both personally and professionally.

Wellness

Take proactive steps to be physically fit and healthy, emotionally strong, financially secure and socially fulfilled, while inspiring and empowering others to do the same.

Service Orientation

Commit to making a difference within the community. Actively engage in and enjoy our work. Deliver services that exceed expectations, with courtesy, politeness and sensitivity to the experiences, concerns and feelings of all co-workers and customers.

ADA Checklist

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Standard ADA Selection:

Office Environment

Standing

X

Walking

X

Sitting

X

Lifting/Carrying 0-10 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 10-20 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 20-50 pounds

X

Lifting/Carrying 50-100 pounds

X

Pushing

X

Pulling

X

Climbing

X

Balancing

X

Stooping

X

Kneeling

X

Crouching

X

Crawling

X

Reaching

X

Handling

X

Grasping

X

Fingering

X

Feeling

X

Talking

X

Hearing

X

Visual Perception

X

Repetitive Motions

X

Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination

X

Memorization/Concentration

X

Learning/Knowledge Retention

X

Preparing/Analyzing Numerical Figures

X

Use of Interfaced Commmunication Devices (Phone, Computer, Radio etc.)

X

Analyzing/Examining/Testing Data

X

Emotional/Behavioral Self-Regulation

X

Interacting with Others

X

Comprehension

X

Organization

X

Decision Making

X

Comprehension

Understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions

Organization

Organize and prioritize the work schedules of others to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have significant impact on a department's credibility, operations and/or services

Communication

Communicate in-depth information for the purpose of interpreting and/or negotiating

Extreme cold

X

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X