Communications Specialist

Salary: $47,856.00 Annually Location : Cumming, GA Job Type: Full-time Job Number: 03220 Department: Parks & Recreation-Administration Opening Date: 12/05/2024 Closing Date: 1/5/2025 11:59 PM Eastern Position Information The purpose of this classification is to perform professional level work providing direct support to county management and/or assigned departments in the development and communication of public information and a positive image of the county. The primary work emphasis is on writing and designing a variety of communications, including newsletters, brochures and releases, and managing assigned social media channels in accordance with the County's strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications. . Job Summary The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Coordinates and participates in the development, research, writing, editing, design, production, and publication of various reports and communications materials, including articles, reports, brochures, newsletters, and other publications: develops, designs, proofreads, or writes the publication of various documentation; prepares/edits speeches, correspondence, or projects as requested; develops text and illustrative slides for public presentations; designs and coordinates the printing and distribution of departmental brochures, programs, reports or other materials; assists with the coordination and integration of departmental reports/slides into consolidated reports or presentations; All public facing messaging, campaigns or communications will be produced in accordance with the County's strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented and updated by the Department of Communications. Manages assigned social media accounts, to ensure consistent and professional branding and messaging across platforms; leverages social media as vital conduit for disseminating information to the public, including in emergency situations; monitors social media to ascertain the sentiment of Forsyth County residents and other stakeholders; coordinates with their direct supervisor and Department of Communications regarding issues and areas of concern observed on social media channels. Coordinates the production of monthly newsletters and other print materials to include writing and layout: takes photos and coordinates utilization of photographs to accompany news articles, press releases, internal releases, newsletters, or other publications as requested; designs graphics to accompany print material; works with vendors to coordinate the production of various print media as requested; and distributes materials as appropriate. Assists with development and maintenance of information for publication on the County or assigned department's web sites and Intranet, social media sites,information channels, bulletin boards, or other media as requested. Provides information to the public under the direction of their direct supervisor in accordance with the County's strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications: keeps the public informed about programs, services, activities, and issues; responds to inquiries or comments from the public via telephone, e-mail, or mail; answers general questions or refers questions to appropriate individual/department; consults with county officials to review operations/activities, review/resolve problems, receive advice/direction, and provide recommendations relating to the dissemination of information to the public and media. Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of strategic plans for public information, communications, and public relations. Assists the assigned department(s)/organization(s), in developing, executing and monitoring a consistent/positive image of county in accordance with the County's strategic communications and public relations strategy as presented by the Department of Communications Prepares the completion of various assigned forms, reports, correspondence, press releases, internal releases, newspaper articles, newsletters, calendars, draft documentation, departmental brochures, advertisements, reports, slides, presentation materials, or other documents; for review/approval before public release. Attends meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed. Assists in organizing, publicizing, and/or coordination of special events/activities. Assignment to Parks & Recreation Department may include the following additional duties: Performs graphic design, development, research, writing, editing, layout, production, and publication of various reports and communications materials, including brochures, newsletters, fliers, signs, social media, presentations, and other publications. Captures and maintains database of photographs and video; coordinates utilization of photographs to accompany print and web-based communications. Assists with development, implementation, and maintenance of the department's Marketing & Community Relations Plan for public information, communications, and public relations; assists direct supervisor in developing, executing and monitoring a consistent/positive image of department. ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, making copies, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail. Performs other related duties as required. Minimum Qualifications Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or closely related field; supplemented by one (1) year previous experience and/or training that includes public/media relations, communications, marketing, graphic design and desktop publishing; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Some video production experience preferred. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. BENEFITS PROVIDED BY FORSYTH COUNTY TO FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES: Personal Leave Accrual Personal leave shall be accrued as follows: 0 - 4 Years - 20 days per year - 6.16 hours per pay period 5 - 14 Years - 25 days per year - 7.70 hours per pay period 15Years - 30 days per year - 9.24 hours per pay period Observed Holidays New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving (2), and Christmas (2). Medical Insurance The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers employees a choice of two medical plans offered by Aetna and a plan offered by Kaiser Permanente. Aetna Choice POS II - $2000 Individual Deductible (Basic Plan) Aetna Choice POS II - $1000 Individual Deductible (Plus Plan) Kaiser Permanente HMO- $0 Individual Deductible Dental Insurance The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners offers two dental plans from Delta Dental: Base $1,000 Plan Buy-Up $1,500 Plan Vision Insurance The vision plan offered by Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is administered by Aetna and will offer office visit copays for exams, as well as copays for lenses, frames, and contacts. Basic Life & AD&D Insurance The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners recognizes the importance of basic life insurance for all of its employees. The Board provides term life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) protection for each full-time employee. This is a County-paid benefit. Disability Insurance - Short Term and Long Term 100% paid by Forsyth County. Eligibility begins date of hire. Short Term Disability - 60% of weekly earnings to a maximum of $1,000.00 a week. Eligibility begins 14 days after an accident or sickness and has a benefit period of 24 weeks. Long Term Disability - 60% of monthly earnings to a maximum of $5,000.00 a month. Eligibility begins at 26 weeks to coordinate with the end of Short Term benefits and continues 24 months (Own Occupation). Additional Life Insurance and AD&D Rates vary based on amount of coverage selected. Additional life insurance may be purchased for employee, spouse, and children. Retirement Plan (401K) Fully vested at five years of employment - 20% graduated vesting annually. Eligible to begin contributions immediately upon hire. Six Months through One Year of County Service Forsyth County matches your contributions, dollar for dollar, up to 5% of your pay. That's a 100% return on the first 5% of pay you save. Years One through Five Forsyth County "seeds" your account with 5% of your pay each year, and matches 100% of what you contribute, up to 5% of your pay. Years 5 through 10 The County continues its automatic "seed" contribution of 5% of pay, matches up to the first 5% of pay that you contribute, then adds a 50% match up to the next 5%. After 10 Years of Service You continue to receive a 100% County match on the first 5% of pay you contribute, and 50% on the next 5% of pay you save. But now, the automatic contribution the County makes to "seed" your account each year increases to 7.5% of your pay. 01 Do you have an Associates Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or closely related field? Yes No 02 Do you have at least one (1) year previous experience and/or training that includes public/media relations, communications, marketing, graphic design and desktop publishing? Yes No 03 Do you have a valid driver's license? Yes No Required Question