Director of Communications

This position’s main objective is to develop, oversee and implement the county’s communication strategy; direct the county’s Communications Department; ensure that all public and internal communications of the county are of the highest quality and produced in an efficient, timely manner; that all required approvals of communications are received. This includes developing and directing communications on behalf of the County Manager and all county departments, including press releases, the county website, social media, and graphics. Works with the media for interviews and all public information. The director also coordinates communications to and for the County Council. Serves as the county government spokesperson, unless delegating to the department head, subject matter expert.    

This position reports directly to the Division Head of Infrastructure, Community and Economic Development, and works in conjunction with the County Manager.

• Serves as the Director of the Communications Department for development, oversight, and dissemination of county-wide information for internal and external audiences through all modes of communication. Serves as the point person for media requests and is the county governmental spokesperson. Briefs County Manager and County Council on ongoing issues affecting the county and create strategic communication plans for those efforts. 
• Sets strategic county communication goals. Consults with management and staff on Communication goals and strategic planning. Identifies Communication issues or problems confronting departments.  Create communications and marketing campaigns for departments when needed. Consult departments and create strategic communications for issues. Provides Talking points and professional training for media interviews.       
• Requires excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to produce superior final content within tight deadlines within the context of an in-depth knowledge of county government. 
• Strong interpersonal skills, including relationship building with media and stakeholders, are a must for outgoing collaboration with elected officials, department heads, senior management, media representatives, and outside agencies. 
• Oversight and direction of county-wide communications requests, press releases, speeches, proclamations, public events, and emergency events
• Oversight of marketing materials, videos, photography, and any additional content for marketing materials for the promotion of Luzerne County Government facilities and services for 50+ departments. 
• Serves as the editor-in-chief of all public communications, via print or electronic medium, prepared on behalf of the County Manager and all departments. Directs the prioritization of projects for the Communications Department. 
• Identifies and directs website content management and social media needs. This involves working with the IT Director and department heads to review and evaluate the overall content of the county’s website. Ensure that the county’s website illustrates a useful and valuable resource for the public. Involves working with key stakeholders inside and outside the government to develop effective social media campaigns, develop and maintain a network of followers and contributors, for all forms of social media. 
• Serves as a member of the senior management team and the County Manager to discuss and strategize key issues such as long-range planning, policy matters, and budgetary impacts. 
• Serves as the main spokesperson for Luzerne County government, unless directed to other Subject Matter Experts for media interviews.  
• Perform other duties, tasks, and special projects as needed

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships
• Knowledge of all media used in communications and public relations.
• Knowledge of writing and editing techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.
• Ability to speak effectively before large groups.
• Ability to develop and coordinate the development of final copy in all formats within demanding timeframes with minimal rewrites and revisions. 
• Knowledge of principles and practices of governmental organization and administration.
• Knowledge of the techniques to analyze and evaluate the public relations impact of County programs and policies, and the effectiveness of various public relations and communications media and methods.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, and/or related field required; master’s degree preferred, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in media and/or media relations with a multi-functional communications operation tasked with the development, distribution, and assessment of written, electronic, and audio-visual content, including social media, required 
• A minimum of 3 years of writing/editing content for all forms of media. 
• A minimum of 1 year of experience in developing and implementing strategic communications plans is required. 
• At least two years managing a Communications and/or Public Relations Office, with one year of direct supervision of employees preferred. 
• Or any equivalent combination of acceptable training and experience which has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities cited above.

The County of Luzerne is an EEO/ADA employer.