Communications Manager

Nassau County is 726 square miles of natural beauty located in the northeast corner of Florida along the Atlantic Ocean and Interstate 95. With 13 miles of pristine beaches, hundreds of miles of rivers, historic downtown Fernandina Beach, and an expanding economy. The combination of rich history, rural charm, natural resources, quality-of-life, and proximity to strategic installations provides Nassau County with unparalleled potential. Part of the Jacksonville Metropolitan Area, Nassau County has a population of 101,501 and a regional population of 1.6 million, the Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) estimates that Nassau County grew by 4.92% last year ranking as the 4th fastest-growing county, by percent growth, in Florida [2nd among counties with a population of at least 80,000]. BEBR predicts Nassau County will be the sixth fastest-growing county in the State of Florida over the next 10 years with a projected population expansion of 33% resulting in over 121,600 people calling Nassau County home.

To view the position description or submit your application for consideration, visit: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nassaucountyfl/

Creates, implements and manages all aspects of the County’s communication strategy including the design of processes and procedures for cataloguing County activities for publication. This requires application of superior project management skills, relationship building and attention to detail.

Takes the lead on the development and management of short, mid and long-term communications goals, plans and strategies ensuring consistent, thoughtful and effective communication is executed; directly supervises staff in the execution of those goals and strategies. 

Creates, maintains and updates a comprehensive Communications Strategy for the County.

Works with the Communications Team and County Leadership to translate directives, policies and goals of the BOCC into strategic media relations and initiatives that promote awareness of priorities, activities and critical information.

Executes all duties with exceptional writing, editing and communications skills resulting in uncompromisingly high output standards.

Takes the lead in a collaborative environment to execute social media activity and public relations opportunities. Specifically, monitors social and transition media activity that should be incorporated in communications planning and response.

Oversees electronic communications such as social media and similar content for the County website.

Cultivates internal and external relationships allowing for information gathering, synthesizing and distribution.

Independently researches, creates and develops internal stories and reports for information propagation.

Proactively engages with internal departments to document and supply material for publication related to County activities.

Develops and implements public communication strategies to provide a constant flow of public information and awareness.

Executes all external media relations, coordinates responses and media outreach on key initiatives.

Both during business hours and outside normal business hours, attends and chronicles community events, emergencies, and other situations as directed.  

Oversees the day-to-day social media calendar, scheduling posts, creating content, monitoring performance, sourcing and editing images, and other similar activities.

Prepares press releases and external communications for the media and the general public regarding operations, programs, and events.

Responds to the media, public, and outside agency inquiries and requests for information concerning County operations, programs, and events.

Responds to and coordinates media requests for interviews; arranges and coordinates news conferences; conducts inter-agency interviews in compiling information.

Disseminates information and recommends communication strategies during an emergency event while actively contributing as a team member in the Emergency Operations Center during any and all crisis, natural or otherwise.

Serves as communications advisor to County Leadership, providing technical support in all forms of communication and direction in the area of media relations.

Supervises the work of subordinate personnel; supervisory duties include instructing; planning; assigning and reviewing work of others; maintaining standards; coordinating activities; allocating personnel; selecting new employees; acting on employee problems; recommending employee discipline and discharge; reviews the work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates performance and makes recommendations as appropriate; offers training, advice and assistance as needed.

Attends staff meetings, commission meetings and community meetings as directed, to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the job.

Assists the public in addressing requests and complaints; determines appropriate County action to resolve issues; establishes and maintains effective and positive relationships with the community.  

Writes and edits copy for in-house news, public news releases, feature stories, pamphlets, scripts and other related documents.

Photographs and records special events and participants.

Completes special projects as assigned. 

May operate vehicle and a variety of equipment, which may include a computer, printer, telephone, calculator, copier, fax machine, other office equipment.

Attends and remains at work regularly and adhere to policies and procedures regarding absenteeism and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and leave requests. 

Performs other duties as required.

(These essential functions are not a complete statement of all duties required of the job. Employees will be required to perform such other related job duties as may be assigned or required.)

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Broadcast Media, Public Administration or related field and five (5) years of progressively responsible experience as a communications professional, public information officer, journalist, public relations specialist, project manager or a combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Experience supervising staff.  Experience using and a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Suite including but not limited to ID, ai, PS, and similar publishing tools. Requires a valid State Driver’s License. 

The range for this position is $58,282.50 – $88,683.68. The County provides a comprehensive benefits program and participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS) and has a 3% employee contribution requirement. Voluntary supplemental 457 deferred compensation retirement is also available. For additional benefit information, visit: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/243/Employee-Benefits.

Nassau County is a Drug Free Workplace & Equal Opportunity Employer; Nassau County values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and that the County supports the hiring of returning service members, military spouses, and their family members as such this position is eligible for Veterans’ Preference in accordance with applicable laws.