Communications Specialist, Senior

About the position

Under direction, responsible for developing, editing and publishing visually appealing and effective media content to support and amplify the essential messaging of Macomb County. This role involves producing various forms of visual media, including videos, photos, graphics, digital, and print content. Combines technical expertise with creative touch, thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about engaging the community through impactful storytelling. Drafts clear and engaging written content to complement visual media, ensuring consistent messaging and impactful communication. Manages workflow and provides regular status reports related to completed, current and future projects.

Responsibilities

• Creates or approves materials for advertisements, brochures, reports, signage, website and social media images, billboards, branded merchandise, displays, flyers, invitations, and other collateral materials.
• Develops, edits, and standardizes a wide range of visual media, including videos, photographs, graphics, and other digital and print content, to support the county's messaging and communication goals.
• Works closely with other members of the department and other county departments to develop media content to meet the county's communication needs.
• Drafts and edits clear, engaging, and accurate written content to accompany visual media, ensuring the messaging is consistent, compelling, and aligned with the county's communication strategy.
• Stays updated on the latest trends and best practices in media creation, graphic design, and digital communication to continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of content produced.
• Assists in developing themes for special initiatives, create logos, presentations, banners, and additional products, as needed.
• Ensures that all media content aligns with the county's branding and communication standards, maintaining a consistent visual identity across all platforms.
• Manages the publication of visual and written content across various platforms, ensuring all materials are distributed promptly and effectively.
• Develops rough draft designs for print or digital display, including the selection of color, images, text style, and layout.
• Prepares mock-ups and reviews, incorporates feedback, and finalizes the material for its intended use.
• Maintains a catalog of finished work.
• Monitors and reports on the performance of digital campaigns and content.
• Uses analytics to recommend improvements and optimize future initiatives.
• Photographs events and people, as requested.
• Selects suitable images and organizes for use.
• Delivers and picks-up materials and equipment, as assigned.
• Facilitates the department's digital presence by developing websites, maintaining social media, conducting online advertising, optimizing search engines, ensuring cross-platform compatibility, and developing content.
• Represents the department and participates in meetings, presentations, and project conferences to present strategic plans, operations, proposals, etc.
• May be required to work evenings and weekends; must be flexible and available on short notice, as needed.
• Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Graphic Design, Public Administration, Business Administration, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience working as a graphic designer in an environment where multiple clients with differing needs are served as well as marketing experience in the public or private sector requiring extensive contact with business and/or government officials.
• Experience in public or private sector relations, public communications, direct media, journalism, government relations or a closely related area.
• Experience with professional-grade digital cameras and editing software for both photo and video.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with a governmental agency or communications and marketing organization.
• Graduate certificate in Graphic Design or a field directly related to it from an accredited college or university.
• Marketing certification in areas such as project management, content marketing, digital marketing.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) licensed drone pilot.