Communications Consultant

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

Job Information

Title:

Communications Consultant

Market Range:

MR18

Approved Date:

2/4/2021 6:02:52 PM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

P2

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 2

Job Code:

100149

Job Family:

Communications

Sub Family:

Public Relations

Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of the Communications Consultant is to provide excellent communications and marketing guidance to department/division leaders; develop strategic communications plans for public-facing programs, campaigns and initiatives; and deliver well-written communications materials that target the right audience with the right message at the right time. This position must develop trusted relationships with media outlets and provide them with accurate information in a timely manner to effectively tell the Wake County story. A consummate team player, the position works closely with the Digital Media & Design Services Team to fully utilize video, web, graphic design and social media tools to share our key messages with the public.

•

Provide excellent communications, media relations and marketing consultation to assigned departments and divisions across the county. This will result in the clients achieving the goals they work with the Communications Consultant to develop and create a positive image of the county in the public eye.

1

20%

•

Develop strategic communications and marketing plans for the county's public-facing programs, campaigns and initiatives. This position will be responsible for determining the target audience(s), generating the key messages that will resonate most effectively, and working with the client to set goals to measure success.

2

20%

•

Deliver well-written communications materials (news releases, talking points, social media posts, web content, etc.) that target the right audience with the right message at the right time, and generate the desired results.

3

20%

•

Train and serve in various non-managerial roles in the Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information System/Center to help provide timely and often life-saving information to the public during a crisis, so they can take the appropriate actions to protect themselves and their families.

4

10%

•

Actively participate in the public records request process for Wake County. This includes gathering responsive documents, providing them for legal review and distributing the approved response to the requestor in a timely manner.

5

10%

•

Write speeches and talking points for the Wake County Board of Commissioners and the County Manager that clearly explain the topic, highlight the county’s key messages and engage the audience in a meaningful way. This may include creating PowerPoint presentations or videos to help tell the Wake County story.

6

10%

•

Report regularly to the external communications manager the activities taking place within the communications consultant's assigned departments, so she can plan accordingly and assist with problem solving, as needed. Elevate controversial issues to the communications director for awareness and consultation.

7

10%

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

•

Serve in the on-call rotation for emergent media inquiries after hours on weekdays and during assigned hours 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:

P2

Career Level Description:

Professional Level 2

•

Works independently on projects/assignments that impact Work Group results.

•

Work is generally supervised and involves periodic process checks.

•

Responsible for making adjustments or recommended enhancements in systems and processes to solve problems or improve effectiveness of the Work Group.

•

Typically communicates within or outside the Work Group to provide information requiring some explanation or interpretation to reach agreement.

•

May provide guidance and assistance to entry level professionals or support staff.

•

Requires practical knowledge of the Work Group typically obtained through advanced education combined with experience.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field

•

Two years of experience in journalism, public relations, or equivalent

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

4 Years

Experience working in a high-profile, fast-paced communications office, which interacts regularly with the media and the public.

•

Excellent writing and proofreading skills, including knowledge of Associated Press Style

•

Strong initiative to lead a project or campaign from start to finish with minimal oversight, while understanding when to ask questions or seek approval

•

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills with an ability to forward-think and anticipate next steps or potential questions

•

Effectively use social media tools to raise awareness, generate conversation and engage the public daily on relevant topics in a mindful way

•

Collaborate with the Digital Media and Design Services team to generate marketing collateral, and use video storytelling capabilities and web tools to share important messages with the community

•

Build and maintain relationships with clients and colleagues across the county, as well as news media

•

Creativity and the ability to brainstorm ways to effectively evoke positive change

•

Facilitate meetings and deliver presentations in a professional, inclusive and engaging manner

•

Commitment to superior customer service, innovation, efficiency and effectiveness

•

Working knowledge of North Carolina public records law

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

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.

Time Management

Manages own time, priorities, and resources to achieve goals. Establishes a systematic course of action for self or others to ensure accomplishment of a specific objective. Sets priorities, goals, and timetables to achieve maximum productivity.

Writing

Conveys ideas and facts in writing using language the reader will best understand.

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.

Relationship Building

Builds constructive working relationships characterized by a high level of acceptance, cooperation, and mutual respect.

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 and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions

Organization

Organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple tasks and/or projects

Decision Making

Make decisions that have an impact on the individual's work

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