Job Description

Incumbent works under the direction of a Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) Division Chief or designee, developing, planning, implementing and evaluating various internal and external communications activities that support, protect and improve community health goals.

Compensation: $37.77/Hour

Essential Functions:

• Oversee the Communications Section operations (e.g. assessments, education, generating checks, follow-ups) ensuring timely completion of program activities in accordance with applicable State and Federal laws, rules, regulations, policies and guidelines.
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with clients, supervisors, County employees, elected officials, attorneys, law enforcement, judges, other agencies, and the public.
• Comply with Civil Service policies and regulations, collective bargaining agreements, County policies, department policies and laws to create a cooperative, safe, respectful and quality work environment.
• Supervise (e.g. training/orienting, scheduling, assisting, monitoring, coaching, evaluating, recommending personnel actions) assigned staff.
• Oversee health communication and information line activities ensuring staff achievement of section goals.
• Develop integrated health communication strategies, coordinate and plan DCHD’s communication plans, risk communication strategy, brand strategy, working with subject matter experts.
• Research and identify applicable grants for continued communications-related program funding.
• Serve as a public information officer developing strategic messaging, addressing emerging media questions/concerns, and planning, coordinating and facilitating media events.
• Provide strategic communications counsel and advice to management and other internal customers advising on communication implications (e.g. policies, actions).
• Research and coordinate the production of public and employee communications products (e.g. press/news release, website information, factsheets, newsletters) soliciting, writing and editing content.
• Use visual communications tools and techniques increasing effectiveness of messages and create graphics (e.g. videos, press releases, factsheets, newsletters, educational materials, policy messaging) for social media and other uses.
• Identify and assess the communication needs of targeted audiences determining the best communication methods and tools.
• Oversee language access program assisting in bilingual, translation and community outreach coordination and support ensuring plan development, review, approval, and implementation on behalf of the communications team.
• Advise on external strategic partnerships creation (e.g. community organizations, diverse community leaders) advancing DCHD’s health equity work.
• Develop media strategies engaging regional, community and multi-lingual media outlets providing timely information to the public speaking points, coordinating online media events and managing press conferences.
• Lead media training for DCHD staff.
• Report to and staff the Emergency Information Line.
• Participate in public health emergency response planning, training and respond during emergency.
• Develop and recommend Section goals, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare and present budget recommendations managing expenses within established budget.
• Safely operate a motor vehicle when required to travel on County business.
• Report to work with regular, consistent attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned and directed.