Communications Specialist

The Chester County Health Department is seeking a dynamic Communications Coordinator to work across all public health programs and initiatives to design, develop and dissemination across various channels for routine (website, social media, newsletters, press releases), special campaign, and emergency communications; identifies and recommends communication best practices and strategies; and analyzes communications data for decision making. Strong writing and interpersonal skills is required. This position works closely with the County's Public Information Office and offers collaborate with other County communications personnel.  

This is an Essential Employee position.  Essential employees are obligated to report to work as scheduled or remain at work during emergencies. Following is the Duty Statement for Essential Employees:
“Carries out essential job functions or assigned emergency duties which may involve assignments within the Department of Health Command Center, deployment to a field location to participate in public health activities, or other duties as required during periods of emergency.  If received, emergency assignments may be performed under adverse conditions and continue for periods ranging from a few hours to several weeks.”

A criminal background check is required.

PA State child clearances are required.

• Plan, coordinate and implement public health promotion, education and public relations strategies for the Health Department.
• Interface with the County’s Public Information Officer to identify and respond to inquiries.
• Ensure timely dissemination of public health information in emergency and non-emergency situations.
• Review, research, and recommend standard operational policies, procedures and guidelines for communications.
• Contribute to the development of, as well as implementation and maintenance of the Health Department’s communications plan to include branding.
• Design promotional and communication materials and ensure conformance to brand and Health Department guidelines.
• Draft, edit, proof and arrange for the publication or production of a variety of educational and promotional materials such including digital, print, and audio/visual content.
• Assist in development of content and graphics for the website and newsletters; maintain content for the Department’s websites and newsletters. 
• Assist in the development and dissemination of content for all social media platforms on current health events, programs, key messages.  
• Engage and interact with the public through social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Research, plan and implement new projects and/or proposals to promote public health priorities, services, and programs.
• Manage, schedule, edit, design and produce promotional materials. 
• Establish, develop and maintain communications and working relationship with area businesses, government officials and representatives, media and community organizations to disseminate information and further the Health Department’s sphere of influence.
• Prepare and distribute press releases and other promotional information to various media (newspapers, radio, TV and publications) and new markets as they emerge.
• Advise and guide Health Department staff in identifying and reaching target audiences for specific program services through marketing channels.
• Provide input to budget to support Health Department communications.
• Research and select most effective and economical graphic production methods.
• Assist with Health Operations Center (HOC) activations and drills.
• Perform other duties, tasks and special projects, as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience in Communications, Advertising, Public Relations, English, or related field.
• Two or more years’ experience with communications, design, managing web content and social media platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain composure in all public arenas.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to analyze complex issues.
• Excellent planning, organizational and coordination skills.
• Ability to prepare and maintain written reports/plans.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to identify and proceed with objectives.
• Excellent decision-making skills.
• Extensive knowledge of all aspects of graphic production.
• Ability to work within deadlines.

 Preferred Skills, Knowledge & Experience:

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Health, Communications, Advertising, Public Relations, English or a related field.
• Public Health experience.
• Knowledge of digital marketing best practices, public relations and graphic design.
• Strong professional ethics.
• Strong ability to think strategically.    
• Ability to follow protocol, procedures and guidelines.
• Ability to resolve reoccurring problems.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
• Strong project management skills.
• Strong time management skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong working knowledge of County of Chester policies and procedures.

Relevant background checks, clearances, physicals, drug tests, and any other assessments or evaluations will be conducted after an offer of employment is given per County policy.

Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have:

• Advanced Word skills
• Intermediate Excel skills
• Advanced PowerPoint skills
• Intermediate Outlook skills (Email and Calendar)
• Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator), Canva or similar programs
• Advanced social media platform skills
• Website Design

• Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to adjust focus of the eye to bring an object into sharp focus
• Depth perception (three-dimensional vision, ability to judge distances and spatial relationships)

• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• Work will be performed in an office environment approximately 95% of the time.

• This position requires professionalism.
• Ability to work extended hours as necessary (evenings and weekends).