Senior Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Full Job Description

El Paso County is seeking a Senior Communications & Public Relations Specialist to serve as a strategic storyteller, media liaison, and internal culture champion.

This versatile professional will wear many hats—managing crisis and media communications, crafting compelling internal and external messaging, creating engaging social media content, supporting open records requests, and driving public outreach efforts that align with the County’s mission, vision, and values.

If you’re passionate about government communications and want to join a fast paced, high impact team dedicated to informing, inspiring, and connecting the people of El Paso County, this is your opportunity.

Ideal candidates are adaptable, collaborative, and motivated by public service.

Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications.

This position is responsible for communication activities, including strategic development, implementation, and evaluation, media relations, oversight of digital platforms, marketing activities, and emergency/risk communication. Prepares and disseminates communication materials and responds to, monitors, and evaluates strategic communication efforts in partnership leadership. Proactively researches community issues, assesses community needs, and develops educational and outreach initiatives to align with the strategic plan and goals. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function. This position may be subject to grant funding.

Requirements

Responsible for proactively researching and developing timely, relevant, and credible information releases and marketing materials in coordination with leadership to ensure vital information is provided to the media and public; promotes related activities and events.

Develops and distributes information via digital platforms using evidence-based and industry best practices.

Develops and maintains accurate communication and promotion materials, including printed materials, website content, and other electronic and visual media.

Coordinates public relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, coordinating with media, and facilitating media requests as directed.

Collaborates with leadership to identify appropriate spokespersons, research inquiries, and advise staff; attends and assists with conducting media interviews.

Serves as the Public Information Officer for assigned clients/departments, developing and deploying comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns to promote County events in accordance with the strategic plan. 

Manages social media outreach as a proactive advocate for the County's strategic goals to ensure transparency and foster greater trust and engagement in county government; creates, designs, and coordinates social media outreach campaigns through video, graphics, and other digital content.

Attends Board of County Commissioner Meetings and works with County offices, departments, and affiliated agencies to monitor and find promotional opportunities for public knowledge. 

Monitors traditional news and social media outlets daily to stay well informed of local issues and community concerns that may have an impact on County programs and functions.

Monitors county websites, mobile applications, and social media platforms to identify and correct any errors.

Responsible for a variety of public information functions, including scriptwriting, producing, designing, shooting, and editing original County related content for both social media and the County Television Channels.

Provides general media relations services, including answering media inquiries, writing and disseminating press releases, event organizing, and facilitating (webinars, press conferences, etc.). 

Produces and disseminates media relations press kits and provides details and background information for media reports.

Plans and assists with news conferences and special events, including ribbon cuttings, dedications, retirement and ceremonial proclamations, holiday activities, and openings.

Serves as a representative of the County at public functions, including hosting/announcing events and delivering speeches.

Responsible for media coverage of County officials and events, including photographing, videotaping, editing, and disseminating materials.

Provides social media training to departments across the County to ensure communication with residents is consistent and aligned with the County’s mission and values.

Assists in the coordination and completion of television and radio interviews; provides administration and elected officials with talking points and relevant information prior to each interview.

Works closely with others to develop, update, and maintain appropriate portions of the El Paso County website.

In conjunction with County Information Technology, helps train departmental representatives to update their respective portions of the website.

Participates in ensuring the County website and social media platforms are ADA-compliant and accessible.

Updates website in emergency situations, such as during winter storms, fires, or during other events that disrupt the normal operations of the County.

Responds to and disseminates information on social media platforms and County Television Channel, as well as news releases and advisories in times of natural or other disasters.

Participates in crisis communication efforts, supporting the Emergency Operations Center and other emergency messaging situations. 

Performs other duties as required.

Supervision Exercised: This classification does not have supervisory authority; however, may be required to provide expertise or limited guidance or direction to employees, such as overseeing work quality, training, and guidance. Typically serves as a subject matter expert on the scope of functional area.

Supervision Received: Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Regular direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Must demonstrate an understanding of the structure, as well as the primary functions and responsibilities of the County Government. 
• Thorough knowledge of still photography, video production, editing, graphic design, and digital and social media software. Ability to use camera and video camera equipment. 
• Expertise with computer systems and desktop publishing software including electronic media, websites, social media platforms, and website content management.
• Must possess exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to create professional, engaging content that reflects and reinforces the County’s mission and Core Values. 
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions; ability to prioritize tasks and to move between projects on short notice.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively with co-workers, clients, vendors, other agencies, and the public. Ability to provide excellent customer service. 
• Ability to foster goodwill by working collaboratively with various offices, departments, agencies, and volunteers.
• Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize.
• Ability to demonstrate problem-solving skills.
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance. 

Required Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent education. 
• Five years of experience in media, communications, or related field.
  • An associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
  • A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, or closely related field. 
• Experience with Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite (In Design), and Canva. 
• Experience in WordPress or similar application. 

Licenses/Certificates

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Pre-Employment Requirements

• Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Additional Information

Duties are primarily performed in an office and remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs; however, may require frequent work outdoors. Some travel is required. Will be required to work evenings and weekends as business needs dictate. Ability and willingness to respond to sensitive situations twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.