Community and Media Relations Specialist Government Job Dept-County Administrator Full Time

Why join the Contra Costa Office of Communications and Media?

Contra Costa County’s Office of Communications & Media is seeking qualified candidates for two openings, including one new position, for Community and Media Relations Specialist.
 
The positions will work in the Office of Communications & Media, which is a division of the County Administrator’s Office. The Office of Communications & Media administers the County’s public information and communications programs under these main areas: Cable Television (Contra Costa TV), Public Information, including Emergency Communications, County Website, and Media Relations.
 
Contra Costa County is recognized as a top service organization where innovation and public service combine to improve the quality of life and well-being for people, businesses and communities. Our employees value partnerships, communities, quality services, accountability, and excellence.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Able to write and edit/proofread exceptionally well, and often quickly
• Skilled at gathering information and writing to meet the needs of the audience using the appropriate communications platform(s) and technology
• Able to coordinate projects and track or handle many tasks at once
• Flexible, comfortable, and nimble in a fast-paced environment
• Very detail-oriented in work style
• Willing to take initiative with a can-do approach, but knows when to ask for help
• Diplomatic individual who works with integrity and professionalism

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Composing press releases, articles, newsletters, radio and TV scripts, social media posts, website and intranet content, emails, and other messaging
• Writing, reviewing, and helping maintain the county website for accurate and current information
• Developing content, including visuals like photography and graphics 
• Planning, coordinating, writing and editing newsletters; working with other departments
• Using website content management system and other technology or applications
• Writing and coordinating communications for projects or outreach campaigns
• Serving as one of the County’s Public Information Officers (PIO) in emergency communications as part of the Joint Information Center
• Researching, organizing and helping plan for improving and innovating ways to communicate information to community members and the public to inform, assist, serve and engage

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have opportunities to develop and help build the County’s integrated communications, including its online presence
• You will have opportunities to engage in a variety of communications and multimedia from print to digital to television to livestreaming video
• Our County’s website, broadcast channels, and digital platforms are highly visible
• You will be part of a creative, mission-focused, collaborative team

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will work in a fast-paced environment with multiple and competing deadlines
• You will be expected to absorb information and write quickly and accurately
• You will be expected to understand and work within a local government structure
• You will be expected to represent the County in a professional manner

Competencies Required:

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products
• Fact Finding: Obtaining facts and data pertaining to an issue or question
• Design Sense: Creating work products that are functional, intuitive and aesthetically pleasing
• Displaying Ownership and Accountability: Holding self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Communication: (Oral/Written/Informing) Engaging effectively in dialogue; Communicating effectively in writing; Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Interpersonal Savvy: Considering and responding appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications

You can read the complete job description at: www.cccounty.us/hr. The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for six months.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Knowledge of graphic design skills and techniques 
• Proofreading Skills

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Journalism, English, Mass Communications, Marketing, or a closely related field.

Experience: One year of full-time (or its equivalent) experience performing public relations, media advocacy or other related work.

Substitution for Academic Major: One year of additional experience as the type described above may be substituted for the academic major.

1. Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date including a Resume and Cover Letter.
2. Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
3. Written Performance Assessment: Candidates invited to take the written performance assessment will need access to a computer and internet.  Tentatively scheduled from January 5, 2022 until January 9, 2022. (Weighted 100%)
   
   The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

   COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements
   Please note that as of August 24, 2021, Contra Costa County enacted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccine requirement for employees. Proof of full vaccination will be required of all employees, including new hires.  The policy requirements can be found here: https://www.contracosta.ca.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72164/2021824-Mandatory-Vaccination-Policy-PDF?bidId=

   CONVICTION HISTORY
   After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.
    DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
   All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
   EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
    It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta