Oct 2, 2015 - communications programs; administers the County's public information and cable operations ... attending se
Career Opportunity
Communications Manager/ Public Information Officer
The County of Santa Barbara is seeking an experienced p r o f e s s i o n a l t o s e r v e as their new Communications Manager/Public Information Officer. It's an exciting time to serve in this new senior position as the County's inaugural Communications Manager/Public Information Officer, especially considering that this will be an integral component of the office of the Chief Executive Officer. This new position will reflect the County's desire to increase the flow of information between the County of Santa Barbara and a large array of audiences, as well as enhance the public’s ability to fully engage in issues impacting this diverse region of the Central Coast. The selected candidate will have an opportunity to implement and build on a newly crafted Strategic Communications Plan, as well as establish relationships among Santa Barbara’s media editors/reporters, various interest groups, and the public. CLOSING DATE – October 2, 2015 at 5p.m.
County Government
JOB SUMMARY
Santa Barbara County is a service-oriented organization that functions with a workforce of approximately 4,000 employees and an annual budget of nearly $900 million. Covering 2,737 square miles, and bordered on the west and south by the Pacific Ocean, the County is well- known for its mild climate, picturesque coastline, and scenic mountains. County employees span 23 departments and strive to improve the lives of a diverse population of 425,840. Under the Council-Executive form of government, Santa Barbara County is governed by the County Executive Officer (CEO) who is appointed by an elected five-member Board of Supervisors.
Under general direction of the County Executive Officer, the Communications Manager/Public Information Officer advises regarding strategic communications programs; administers the County’s public information and cable operations; implements and supervises all activities of the County’s Public Information Office; manages the County’s CATV government and public access channels and operations; and oversees the County’s website content and social media presence.
Please visit our website for more information: www.countyofsb.org
IMPORTANT JOB FUNCTIONS:
Interacts with a variety of high level individuals, both internally and within the community to provide information, disseminate departmental information and assist in resolving administrative issues.
Follows up on inquiries from various agencies, groups, media, etc., regarding County programs and services.
Oversees contractors to ensure contract compliance and adherence to approved scope of work.
Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Serves as the principal advisor to the CEO and County Departments on matters related to the dissemination of information to the public and media concerning the County’s programs, policies, and issues. Provides strategic communications counsel.
Carries out managerial responsibility in accordance with policies, procedures and applicable laws, including: interviewing, hiring and training staff; planning, assigning and directing work; establishing deadlines; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; coordinating, developing and approving staff training; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.
Plans, coordinates, assigns, and monitors performance and coaches, counsels, mentors, trains, and advises employees for the dual goals of meeting goals and employee career development; assists staff in the completion of assigned tasks.
www.countyofsb.org/csd/
Manages public information activities including: media relations, government information channel, special events and programs, the County’s website, social media presence and various other channels of broad and targeted communications.
Oversees the content and design of the County’s website and social media presence.
Serves as a communications liaison and assists in the communication between the Office of the CEO, Board of Supervisors, County staff, the media, individual citizens, or public interest groups.
Oversees the design, development, writing and distribution of news releases, information materials, fact sheets, etc.; coordinates news conferences; coordinates and uses social media and other tools to inform the public about County programs and services.
Serves as executive producer for the government cable access channel to provide programming and public information.
Plans long-range goals, objectives, management systems, organizational structure, and overall direction for the program; plans and implements shortterm or annual goals, objectives, strategies, projects or programs to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
Oversees the implementation of the County’s Strategic Communications Plan; conducts annual update of the Plan.
Researches, develops, interprets, communicates, and monitors policies, procedures, codes, standards, etc.; recommends improvement when necessary and writes/revises same; develops policy and procedure manuals.
Represents the County and/or serves as a liaison and/or member of various committees/teams and collaborates, presents reports to and negotiates with others outside own work area to coordinate efforts and maintain cooperative and efficient relations.
Reviews and monitors contracts; analyzes and evaluates proposals and agenda items.
Prepares and/or reviews complex reports and analysis; receives, sorts, and summarizes material for the preparation of reports/communications recommendations; relays and interprets administrative decisions, policies and instructions.
Coordinates public information activities with other departments and/or outside agencies; responds to inquiries from the public.
Makes presentations to Board of Supervisors, various boards, commissions, and others.
Ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
LOCATION Santa Barbara County is a land of beautiful beaches and rolling hills covered with oaks and vineyards. Community celebrations as diverse as Old Spanish Days, Danish Days, Rodeos, Flower, Avocado and Lemon Festivals and an International Film Festival ensure that there is something here for everyone, and with an average temperature near 70, you can enjoy the scenery year round. With an area just over 2,700 miles, and a population of 425,840, there are a variety of communities to choose from, whether you are looking for a small town or midsize city. Santa Barbara County has a number of institutions of higher learning including University of California Santa Barbara, Westmont College, Fielding Graduate Institute, Allan Hancock College and Santa Barbara City College. All institutions participate in cultural, academic and sporting events.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
County leaders are expected to uphold the values of accountability, customerfocus, and efficiency (ACE).
• Incumbents lead other managers and model behaviors that exemplify quality customer service; • Provide effective and ethical leadership; •
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Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field; Master’s degree in related field is preferred; and Five (5) to seven (7) years of progressively responsible related experience; or Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
Licenses and Certifications:
Valid California Driver’s License
Creatively and strategically plan, develop, and implement programs that use human and financial resources to achieve results;
Knowledge of: management of staff and activities, either directly or through
Are accountable for strategy and goal formation consistent with the County’s mission and key business objectives;
Skill in: selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and
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Engage stakeholders;
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Communicate and collaborate effectively at multiple levels;
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Develop employees;
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Analyze issues and data;
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And efficiently use public resources.
subordinate supervision, principles and practices of the public administration, including knowledge of government organizations and operations, principles and practices of project management and budget preparation, applicable state, federal and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues.
professional development, interpreting laws and legislation, public speaking techniques, using tact, discretion, initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines, developing and implementing policy recommendations, using sound judgment and having a creative manner of
approaching issues and develops solutions based on thorough research, information analysis, and collaboration. Ability to: delegate authority to staff, work within a fast-paced, goal-focused environment, facilitate goal setting, establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, communicate in English both orally and in writing at the appropriate level, perform mathematical calculations at the appropriate level, analyze and resolve problems involving several variables and learn and follow County and departmental policies and procedures.
APPLICATION & SELECTION
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS This position will be offered at a salary of (salary plus benefit cash allowance): $78,164-$110,000 DOQ
Application Deadline: 10/02/15 at 5 p.m. Please apply online at: www.sbcountyjobs.com
SELECTION PROCESS:
1. Applications and resumes will be screened based on the criteria outlined in this brochure. Candidates with the most relevant qualifications will be invited to participate in an assessment center (which will include a writing exercise, oral interview, and simulated job duties), anticipated to take place October 23rd. Questions? Please contact: Melissa Grisales, Assistant HR Director at 805-568-2819
Benefit Cash Allowance: $236.51 biweekly (may be used to offset health benefit costs or received as cash). Vacation: 12 to 25 days per year depending on length of public employment.
Holidays: 11 days per year.
Sick Leave: 12 days sick leave per year. Unlimited accumulation, one year of which can be converted to service credit upon retirement.
Health Plan: Choice of medical (with vision care) and dental plans. County contributes $316.50 twice monthly toward the employee’s premium.
Retirement: The County offers a Defined Benefit Plan. For more information, please visit: http://www.countyofsb.org/hr/MOU.aspx?id=10988
Other Benefits: Term-life insurance policy; long-term disability insurance; Flexible Spending Plan, choices include: pre-tax health, life and accident insurance premiums, and health care and dependent care spending accounts.
New Hire Expenses: The County may provide reimbursement for reasonable relocation expenses (governed by Board policy).
For more information on County benefits, please visit: http://www.countyofsb.org/hr The County of Santa Barbara respects and values a diverse workforce and strongly promotes strategies and activities to recruit, develop and retain qualified men and women of varied backgrounds, lifestyles, experiences and races.
