External Communications Manager

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

Job Information

Title:

External Communications Manager

Market Range:

MR20

Approved Date:

2/4/2021 6:14:55 PM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

M2

Career Level Description:

Management Level 2

Job Code:

100356

Job Family:

Communications

Sub Family:

Public Relations

Primary Purpose

The primary purpose of the external communications manager is to inform and educate the public about the county's programs, services and initiatives, while motivating them to take action when appropriate. The position also handles high-profile media inquiries in a transparent and timely manner while continuously seeking opportunities to highlight the good work Wake County does every day. In addition, the position provides public/media relations consultation and marketing strategy development to his/her assigned departments and assists the communications director with high-level communications for the county's executive leadership. The external communications manager leads a team of three communications consultants, helping them develop strategic plans, solve problems and achieve departmental goals while growing their professional skills.

•

Oversees our efforts to identify, develop and push out positive news stories to the right external audience(s) at the right time using the right channels.

1

20%

•

Leads a team of communications consultants who assist the county’s public-facing departments. Includes providing constructive feedback on their work, helping them grow their skill sets and ensuring the effectiveness of the “beat” structure.

2

25%

•

Offers communications and marketing consultation to assigned departments, which includes developing communications plans, drafting news releases, writing memos, updating web content, populating social media, planning events, responding in a timely manner to media calls, and drafting articles for the employee intranet, as needed.

3

25%

•

Plays a critical role in crisis response by serving in leadership positions in the Emergency Operations Center and the Joint Information System/Center during Harris Nuclear Plant drills, hurricanes, pandemics and snowstorms.

4

10%

•

Assists the communications director in handling controversial media inquiries, planning high-profile events, drafting remarks for board members and executive leadership, and promoting board initiatives.

5

10%

•

Manages administrative functions, including employee recruitment, overseeing the Cision contract, tracking analytics on our media relations efforts each month and setting the office’s on-call schedule.

6

10%

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

•

Participates in the on-call rotation, responding to emergent media inquiries after hours on weekdays and during specified times 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:

M2

Career Level Description:

Management Level 2

•

Fully accountable for implementing operational plans for a Work Group with measurable contribution on Division results.

•

May have budget accountability.

•

Responsible for making moderate improvements of processes, systems or standards to enhance performance of the Work Group.

•

Supports and utilizes the innovations of others to improve on solutions, approaches and technologies.

•

Communicates within and outside the Work Group, and may communicate with other parties within the Division.

•

Sometimes requires ability to influence others outside of own job area on policies, practices and procedures.

•

Manages professionals. Leads, directs and reviews the work of team members in order to accomplish operational plans and results.

•

Has hiring, firing, promotion, performance and reward authority for direct reports.

•

Requires practical knowledge in leading and managing the execution of processes, projects and tactics within one job area. Typically has advanced knowledge and skills within a specific technical or professional discipline with understanding of the impact of work on other areas of the organization.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or related field

•

Five years of experience leading communications efforts for a large-scale employer

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

Master's Degree

In Journalism, Communications or Marketing

•

10 Years

Experience working in a fast-paced, high-profile communications office.

And

•

10 Years

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

And

•

10 Years

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

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

•

5 Years

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

•

National Incident Management System training

Within 1 Year

•

Coach 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.

•

Know how to work successfully with media and build strong relationships with new reporters in the market while maintain the trusting ties we already have.

•

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 content is drafted in AP Style.

•

Be open, honest and have great integrity. Must be a “people person” who can work effectively in large groups, small teams or one on one, and motivate them all to achieve a common goal.

•

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.

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.

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.

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.

Relationship Building

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

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