Press Secretary/PIO/Communications Coordinator

Serve as Press Secretary for the Office of the County Executive and Public Information Officer for Waukesha County. Draft, edit and disseminate press releases, fact sheets, talking points and Q&A’s for the County Executive; and to perform other duties as required.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for Waukesha County. This includes drafting statements and responding to media inquiries from local outlets regarding County business and serving as a critical spokesperson during emergency events and activities. 
• Draft and edit speeches, talking points, press releases, fact sheets, and Q&A’s for the County Executive and other staff. 
• Edit and approve all press releases from all county departments. Set up and manage media interviews, news conferences, and public appearances for the County Executive and others ensuring, whenever possible, a favorable impression for the county and County Executive. 
• Develop and oversee the creation and execution of an annual communications plan for the County Executive to include a SWOT analysis, branding, key messaging, and a social media and communications calendar aligned with the County Executive’s strategic plan, annual goals, and the county’s Standards of Service Excellence. 
• Support county-sponsored events and initiatives, incorporating and leveraging the use of various media. Enhance the county’s reputation in the media through appropriate and consistent media relations, communications policies and protocols, and crisis management strategies. 
• Engage all county departments to strategically align messaging and enhance the County’s reputation. 
• Manage County Executive’s webpage all social media accounts. 
• Provide effective advice and counsel on strategic or critical communication issues and to exercise effective judgement. 
• Establish and maintain effective public and working relationships with county staff, elected officials, other units of government, community organizations, the media, and the general public. 
• Create and edit video content for special events and social media accounts. 
• Lead the county’s existing Communications Team comprised of staff from various departments and work closely with other departmental communications professionals. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
Essential Knowledge and Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of the function and operation of services offered by a county government through the various departments is preferred. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to connect with a wide array of people and agencies is crucial. A personable, flexible professional who is a team player and team leader is essential. 
• Experience identifying communication opportunities and a proven ability to lead, motivate and effectively work with others both internally and externally. 
• Expertise in writing and distributing press releases, official statements, speeches, and managing social media. 
• Has existing productive relationships with local television, print, radio and online outlets. 
• Ability to perform technical research work and to create and edit comprehensive written and oral recommendations and reports. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with employees at all levels within the County, elected officials, and the public. 
• Strong MS Suite skills including (Word and PowerPoint) and the ability to story board ideas for Apple (iMovie) are necessary.

1. Graduation from a recognized college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations or related studies. 
2. Three (3) years of experience in communications/media related activities, legislative or policy research, or public relations, preferably in the public sector. 
3. A master’s degree in an area listed above may substitute for one year of the required work experience.

$68,120.00 - $90,064.00 Annually

Comprehensive compensation and benefits package, which includes, but is not limited to:

• Health
• Dental
• Vision
• Disability
• Life insurance
• Generous paid time off
• Participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System
• Employees are recognized and valued through a pay-for-performance system. 
• Employee well-being is promoted through both a balanced work/life culture and an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools, including an on-site health & wellness clinic.