Internal Communications Division Director

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

Job Information

Title:

Internal Communications Division Director

Market Range:

MR22

Approved Date:

9/23/2024 2:05:18 PM

FLSA:

Exempt

EEO Code:

PROFESSIONALS

Career Level:

M4

Career Level Description:

Management Level 4

Job Code:

100908

Job Family:

CO - Communications

Sub Family:

INTCM - Internal Communications

Primary Purpose

Informs and educates the county's 5,000+ employees about key issues involving employment, pay, benefits, health/wellness and DEI, and motivates them to take action as appropriate. Develops and maintains an internal communications strategy that uses innovative mechanisms and creative approaches to effectively and efficiently provide accurate information to our employees on a regular and reliable basis. Manages a team of internal communications professionals, providing direction and feedback on day-to-day projects while focusing on longer-term career development. Oversees the development and execution of the county's recruitment and retention marketing plans and measures their success to guide future efforts. Establishes the WIRE, our intranet, as a one-stop-shop where employees can access the information they need to know and want to know, and continually looks for ways to improve the site's content, design and user experience.

•

Directs the internal communications and marketing strategy for Wake County Government by leading strategic planning efforts for production of materials. The assets must meet high standards of the Communications Office and reinforce a positive image of Wake County.

1

30%

•

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 internal-facing departments and holding them accountable for reliably meeting deadlines.

2

30%

•

Supports the internal communications needs of the County Manager's Office, IT and Finance. This includes developing communications plans, drafting email messages to employees and senior leadership, updating web content, drafting video scripts and writing speeches, as needed.

3

20%

•

Oversees the generation of valuable, accurate and timely content for The WIRE - the intranet and the county's one-stop shop for all the information that employees need to know and want to know. Continuously looks for opportunities to add new features to the site to increase engagement with employees and enhance their experience.

4

10%

•

Plays a critical role in crisis response by sharing important information with Team Wake in a timely manner using the appropriate tools and techniques. May serve in a PIO role in the Emergency Operations Center as needed.

5

5%

•

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

5%

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

10+ years of experience working in a fast-paced, high-profile communications office or agency with at least five years of supervisory experience. Knowledge of marketing principles and how to apply them to generate the highest possible return on investment is a plus.

•

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.

•

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 employee interest while ensuring content is drafted in AP Style.

•

Be open, honest and have great integrity. Must be able to 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.

•

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.

•

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

•

Build trusting relationships with office team members, department heads, county leadership and board members.

•

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

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.

Project or Program Management

Structures and directs others’ work on projects or programs.

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.

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.

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.

Human Resource Management

Knowledge of employee development concepts, principles, and practices related to planning, evaluating, and administering performance management, training, organizational development, and career development initiatives.

Organizational Alignment

Ensures the organization’s goals and objectives align with the County’s mission and vision.

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