External Communications Division Director

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

Job Information

Title:

External Communications Division Director

Market Range:

MR22

Approved Date:

2/26/2024 11:14:35 AM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

M4

Career Level Description:

Management Level 4

Job Code:

100907

Job Family:

Communications

Sub Family:

Public Relations

Primary Purpose

Directs the county's external communications strategy, which guides how we inform and educate the public about the county's programs, services and initiatives, while motivating them to take action when appropriate. Manages high-profile media inquiries in a transparent and timely manner while continuously seeking opportunities to highlight the good work Wake County does every day. Provides direction on public/media relations and marketing strategies to the External Communications Team and assists the Chief Communications Officer with high-level communications needs for the Board of Commissioners and executive county leadership. Leads the team's efforts to develop strategic plans, solve problems and achieve departmental communications goals while growing their skills and furthering their career paths. Oversees crisis communications during emergencies, ensuring that accurate information gets to the target audiences using traditional and digital media platforms.

•

Directs the external communications and marketing strategy for Wake County Government, which includes ensuring that the External Communications Team leads the planning efforts and the production of materials - not other departments. The assets must meet high standards of the Communications Office and reinforce a positive image of Wake County.

1

25%

•

Leads a team of creative professionals and coaches them to improve their products, think innovatively about solutions, take chances and try new ideas with minimal risk to the office, while developing their career paths and enhancing their skill sets. Ensures the effectiveness of the “beat” structure by helping staff provide excellent communications consultation to our public-facing departments.

2

30%

•

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

3

15%

•

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 inquiries and drafting speeches, as needed.

4

10%

•

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.

5

10%

•

Responsible for administrative functions, such as employee recruitment and retention, timesheet approval, scheduling staffing during emergencies and for on-call purposes, and providing receipts for PCard statements.

6

10%

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

*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:

M4

Career Level Description:

Management Level 4

•

Directs a Division.

•

Creates the short-term strategy for the Division or Function and creates operational plans for Division that align with Department plan.  Actions have direct impact on results of the Department.

•

Responsible for Budget planning and justification.

•

Responsible for making significant improvements of processes, systems or standards to enhance performance of Division or multiple divisions.

•

Oversees employees who pioneer unique ideas or generate new, viable solutions to make improvements or respond to issues.

•

Communicates within and outside the Division(s).

•

Influences others regarding the area of responsibility’s practices and approaches.

•

Achieves goals through teams of managers.  May be responsible for creating workforce and staffing plans for job area to ensure availability of employees and resources.

•

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

•

Requires broad management and leadership knowledge to lead multiple Work Groups. Typically has master-level knowledge and skills within a specific technical or professional discipline with broad understanding of other areas within the job function.

Qualifications

•

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Media, Public Relations, Communications or a related field

•

Six years of experience working in a high-profile, fast-paced communications or marketing environment including at least two years of supervisory experience

•

Equivalent education and experience are accepted

•

10 Years

Experience working in a fast-paced, high-profile communications office. Regularly works with media at all levels and understands how to respond to inquiries accurately and effectively in a timely manner. Has knowledge of marketing principles and how to apply them to generate the highest possible return on investment.

•

Lead team 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 maintaining 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.

•

Have excellent time management skills and the ability to prioritize projects appropriately, so they are completed on deadline in the formats expected.

•

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.

•

Have the ability to function during stressful situations and evolving crises with professionalism, calmness, and a focus on accomplishing goals and objectives.

•

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.

•

Build trusting relationships with office team members, department heads, county leadership and board members. Know how to support direct reports and help them grow their skill sets and confidence in their field while preparing them for the next step in their career trajectory at Wake County.

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.

Attention to Detail

Thoroughness in accomplishing a task through concern for all the areas involved, no matter how small. Monitors and checks work or information and plans and organizes time and resources efficiently.

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.

Interpersonal Skills

Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.  Considers and responds appropriately to the needs and feelings of different people in different situations.  Perceives, assesses, and positively influences one's own and other individuals’ emotions.

Listening

Understands and learns from what others say.

Organizational Understanding

Understands agendas and perspectives of others, recognizing and effectively balancing the interests and needs of one's own group with those of the broader organization.

Problem Solving

Builds a logical approach to address problems or opportunities or manage the situation at hand by drawing on one's knowledge and experience base, and calling on other references and resources as necessary.

Project or Program Management

Structures and directs others’ work on projects or programs.

Reading Comprehension

Grasps the meaning of written information, and applies it to work situations.

Reliability

Demonstrates a high level of dependability in all aspects of the job.

Customer Service

Balances interests of a variety of clients, and readily readjusts priorities to respond effectively to pressing and changing demands for information, advice and assistance.  Anticipates and meets the needs of clients; achieves quality end products; and commits to continuous improvement of services.

Results Orientation

Demonstrates concern for achieving or surpassing results against an internal or external standard of excellence. Shows a passion for improving the delivery of services with a commitment to continuous improvement.

Speaking

Effectively transfers thoughts and expresses ideas orally or verbally in individual or group situations.

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.

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.

Conflict Management

Brings substantial conflicts and disagreements into the open and attempts to manage them collaboratively, building consensus, keeping the best interests of the organization in mind, not only one's own interest.

Cooperative Leadership

Promotes and generates cooperation among one's peers in leadership to achieve a collective outcome; fosters the development of a common vision and fully participates in creating a unified leadership team that gets results.

Fiscal Accountability

Follows fiscal guidelines, regulations, principles, and standards when committing fiscal resources or processing financial transactions. Understands the organization's financial processes.  Prepares, justifies, and administers the program or project budget. Oversees procurement and contracting to achieve desired results. Monitors expenditures and uses cost-benefit thinking to set priorities. 

Influence

Asserts own ideas and persuades others, gaining support and commitment from others; mobilizes people to take action, using creative approaches to motivate others to meet organizational goals.

Relationship Building

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

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.

Technology Management

Keeps up-to-date on technological developments. Makes effective use of technology to achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.

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

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

Extreme heat

X

Humid

X

Wet

X

Noise

X

Hazards

X

Temperature Change

X

Atmospheric Conditions

X

Vibration

X

Computers/Monitors

X