Communication Specialist

Classification Title:

Communication Specialist

Salary:

$52,892.12 - $68,411.53

Department:

Board of Commissioners

Opening Date:

10/03/2025

Closing Date:

10/18/2025 12:00 a.m.

FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt - overtime pursuant to Human Resources and Labor Relations Policy

EMPLOYMENT RELATIONSHIP: Atwill

General Summary

Under direction, provides media consulting and assistance. Manages media requests, provides ongoing media relations, and coordinates the utilization of various communication channels such as social media, websites, and various web tools. Responsible for newsletters and press releases for disseminating information and key messages. Attends Board meetings and outreach events. Tracks and manages constituent inquiries and issues.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops and maintains positive working relationships with media contacts covering county government.

Maintains contact list for local, statewide, and national media outlets.

Takes media requests and forwards as appropriate to Board Chair and/or Commissioners.

Develops key messaging and strategy to effectively communicate to the public through media.

Coordinates media interviews, press conferences, and news events on behalf of the Board of Commissioners.

Drafts media releases and advisories, articles, editorials, talking points and written content for media outlets.

Monitors media reports and communications and assists in creating media messages.

Assists with content creation and updating social media outlets, blogs and web pages.

Attends various meetings and events as requested by the Board Chair.

Coordinates community outreach events and may act as event photographer or coordinate the hire of photography.

Assists with video broadcasting and/or video indexing systems for public meetings.

Assists with presentation technology during public meetings/hearings. 

Tracks and manages constituent inquiries and issues.

May include evening or weekend work.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions. 

Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Required Education and Experience
•     Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field
•     Two (2) years of related work experience in communications, public relations or closely related field
• Required Licenses or Certifications
•     Possession of a valid Michigan driver’s license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

• Knowledge of:
•     Media networking principles and applications
•     Social media strategies and ability to coordinate social media campaigns
•     Audio soundboards and video editing processes
•     Local media resources/outlets, contacts and reporters
•     Personal computer capabilities, operations, and applications related to Microsoft Office 

Skill in:
•    Interpersonal skills necessary to develop and maintain effective working relationships
•    Use of various social mediums/best practices
•    Coordinating events with multiple participants
•    Writing clear, concise press releases and articles
•    Managing multiple projects and priorities at the same time

• Ability to:
•     Create original content and initiate projects
•     Organize information to share with the public and media
•     Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy
•     Work in an environment which embraces the county’s Dignity Campaign
•     Effectively speak, write and understand the English language
•     Effectively speak, write and understand a language other than English is preferred
•     Understand and carry out oral and/or written instructions
•     Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files
•     Maintain the confidentiality of information and professional boundaries
•     Work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision
• WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:
• The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

• Work Environment
• Office or similar indoor environment: F/C
• Outdoor environment: O
• Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S
• Construction site: N/S
• Confined space: N/S

Exposures
Individuals who are hostile or irate: N/S
Individuals with known violent backgrounds: N/S
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S
Communicable diseases: N/S
Moving mechanical parts: N/S
Fumes or airborne particles: N/S
Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S
Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S
Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

Physical Demands

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. 

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:
Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: N/S
Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): O
Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms: N/S
Crawling (moving about on hands and knees): N/S

• Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S
• Digging:  N/S
• Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: F/C
• Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O
• Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S
• Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C
• Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another:

Up to 10 pounds: O

• 11- 24 pounds: N/S
• Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O
• Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O
• Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C
• Standing in an upright position without movement: O
• Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: O
• Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

General Requirements And Disclaimers

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations.