Communications Specialist 1 or 2 - Digital Communications

Olmsted County has earned the 2023 and 2024 Best Places to Work - Southeast Minnesota designation.

Minimum Qualifications of Education and Experience

Communications Specialist 1:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, communication, education, or related field and one (1) year of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

Associates degree from an accredited college in communications, marketing, education, or related field and three (3) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

A combination of education and experience equivalent to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Communications Specialist 2:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, English or related field and two (2) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, English or related field and one (1) year of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

OR

A combination of education and experience equivalent to six (6) years of experience in a similar position as listed in the work functions.

Regular and reliable attendance is a necessary component of job/position. Individuals required to use County vehicles and equipment must have a valid driver’s license and be free of any major traffic violations for the last three (3) years.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Project management experience.
• Experience with web publishing, basic HTML markup, and content management system (CMS) applications.
• Experience with basic graphic design software and basic image manipulation and preparation.

Note: you will be required to submit 3 writing samples and/or a portfolio of past communication work to be considered for this position.

Nature of Work

Under general supervision, develops communications content and distributes a variety of internal and external communications through multiple communications vehicles (intranet site, website, social media, email, video, etc.).  This role will have a heavy focus on digital communications: social media, website, and GovDelivery system. As part of content development for social media channels, the individual will be responsible for creating short videos to promote Olmsted County programs and services. Plays an integral role in developing both large- and small-scale communications plans and strategies, ensures Olmsted County brand standards are being implemented appropriately throughout the county, organizes and manages content on digital platforms to facilitate an excellent user experience, creates resources to enhance communications countywide, and ensures accessibility standards and proper image consent protocols are being followed. Leads various project teams that assist with communications efforts countywide. Serves on various internal and regional communications committees as needed. May serve as backup media relations liaison as needed.

Examples of Work

• Develops content for Olmsted County’s intranet and internet sites. Assists with site design, writing and editing content, cleanup, measurement of analytics, training content creators, and ensuring compliance with standards.
• Provides strategic communications counsel and recommends communication strategies and solutions. Manages countywide communications projects (internal and external communications) and initiatives in coordination with county team members and assisting with media relations as needed.
• Manages the county’s social media platforms, including development and implementation of a countywide strategy, and supporting policies and procedures; leads a sub-group on social media; and develops videos for use on social media platforms.
• Assists with branding efforts to ensure branding is handled consistently across the county on all platforms. Enhances and updates Olmsted County’s brand guidelines and supporting materials on a regular basis. Creates graphics to support branding and/or coordinates with vendors as needed.
• Develops various digital assets for the county, ensures compliance with accessibility protocols, and manages the county’s digital imagery and email subscription service.
• Provides communications assistance in the event of a crisis or emergency.
• Acts as county communications lead or liaison for identified external relations needs or community events.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Knowledge of communication principles, practices strategies, and techniques.
• Knowledge of risk communication principles.
• Knowledge of target audiences.
• Knowledge of effective communication media, methods or tools, specifically internal and external communications strategies including print and electronic media.
• Knowledge of the business and political implications of decision making.
• Skill in writing, creating content, and editing material on a wide range of topics and is comfortable within a formal communications review/approval process.
• Skill in interpersonal communication.
• Skill in managing projects, prioritizing multiple requests, and meeting multiple deadlines.
• Skill in the use of written, digital, and social media communications.
• Skill in verbal communication including presenting to a variety of audiences.
• Skill in the use of computers and technology including Microsoft Office Products, design applications, and image editing tools.
• Skill in editing and proofreading.
• Ability to initiate work proactively and with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a group, with collaboration and inclusivity.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and good decision-making during routine and highly stressful situations.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and decisiveness.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to conduct data analysis and make recommendations.
• Ability to develop and implement training and other documentation.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and follow data privacy rules and regulations.

Persons with disabilities: the above is a general listing of job duties. Essential and non-essential functions may vary by individual position. Reasonable accommodations may be available for both essential and non-essential job duties.