EM Communication Specialist

$51,195 - $87,032/Yr

Johnston County - Smithfield, NC

Full-time - Entry Level

Smithfield, NC

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Johnston County Emergency Services Department is seeking a dedicated and skilled Emergency Services Communication Specialist to join their team. This full-time position is crucial in supporting the department's mission to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the public. The ideal candidate will have professional-level experience in communication, technology support, and emergency preparedness. The role encompasses a blend of emergency management and public relations responsibilities, focusing on the creation and dissemination of multimedia content aimed at informing and educating the community while also bolstering emergency management efforts. As an Emergency Services Communication Specialist, you will be responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and producing various forms of multimedia content. This includes creating safety graphics, brochures, and handouts that are essential for emergency preparedness. You will also maintain and update the department's website, ensuring that all links are functional and that the information presented is current and relevant. Your role will involve conducting research to support departmental requests and operating technology platforms and equipment, such as EOC technology, drones, and the County Emergency Notification System. In addition to emergency management support, you will play a key role in communication and public relations. This includes operating digital cameras and audio/video equipment, editing multimedia content using the Adobe Creative Cloud suite, and creating engaging social media content to promote Johnston County. You will prepare content for various formats, including print, digital, audio, and video, and assist in planning external communications through different media channels. Your efforts will help develop public relations and marketing materials that effectively reach and engage the community. The position requires strong organizational skills, the ability to manage multiple projects under pressure, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. You will also need to be capable of working independently and establishing effective working relationships with colleagues and the public. The role may require you to publish emergency content or communications after hours, highlighting the importance of flexibility and responsiveness in this position.

Responsibilities

• Assist with emergency preparedness, safety graphics, and the development of JCES forms, brochures, handouts and programs.
• Maintain and update the department website, including repairing broken links.
• Conduct research on various departmental requests.
• Operate, support and troubleshoot technology platforms and equipment such as EOC technology, Drones, WebEOC and the County Emergency Notification System.
• Video, photograph and document Emergency Services drills and activities for training, public information and historical purposes.
• Monitor and review social media posts related to Emergency Services, creating content and posting as needed.
• Support and engage in EM related activities.
• Provide customer service via phone calls and emails and serve as EOC staff when required.
• Operate digital cameras and audio/video equipment.
• Edit videos, photos, and graphics using Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects).
• Create engaging social media content across platforms to promote Johnston County.
• Prepare content for Emergency Services in print, digital, electronic, audio and video format.
• Support and help plan external communications through various media channels.
• Assist Emergency Services in developing public relations and marketing materials.
• Research and support Emergency Services staff on effective public outreach and assist in development of special campaigns.
• Direct and coordinate video content for educational and preparedness initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, graphic design, journalism, public relations, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Progressive experience in communications, graphic design, public relations, journalism, and/or media relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Access) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Extensive knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud suite for editing and graphic design.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to communicate effectively on each.
• Understanding of photography composition, color correction, and video production.
• Ability to prioritize and organize work to meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Capability to manage multiple projects under stress and shifting priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to establish effective working relationships with colleagues and the public.
• Ability to publish emergency content or communications after hours.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with emergency management communications.
• Familiarity with community outreach strategies.
• Knowledge of local government operations and public service.
• Experience in crisis communication.