Public Relations Manager

$57,854 - $75,909/Yr

Pottawattamie County - Council Bluffs, IA

Full-time - Mid Level

Council Bluffs, IA

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

Pottawattamie County is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Relations Manager to join our Team! This individual will be responsible for the development and administration of the county's communication program. The communication program encompasses the creation of communication strategies, media and public relations, community relations, and the dissemination of information related to Pottawattamie County. The Public Relations Manager will play a crucial role in enhancing the county's public image and ensuring effective communication with the community and stakeholders. The successful candidate will direct, lead, and implement communication strategies for the county. This includes managing various forms of communication such as public speaking engagements, media relations, website updates, social networking, and both print and broadcast communication. The Public Relations Manager will assist in preparing and creating county-related materials for public promotion of programs and services, including flyers and posters. They will also seek avenues to strengthen the county's effectiveness in communication and generate strategies to create public awareness of county services and programs. In addition, the Public Relations Manager will serve as the county's brand manager, ensuring that all communication is presented professionally and adheres to the county's brand guidelines. They will work closely with all departments to address their specific communication and public relations needs and will serve as the primary resource for information from the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors. The role also involves facilitating community visibility and engagement for the County Board, promoting relationships with key business partners, cities, and citizens within the county, and monitoring and responding to community feedback. The Public Relations Manager will analyze the public's understanding of county programs and determine how to educate and communicate effectively regarding these programs. They will assist with the county's online presence, including social media and the website, arrange press conferences, statements, interviews, and appearances with county officials, and provide guidance to county officials on effectively presenting messages and information.

Responsibilities

• Direct, lead and implement communication strategies for the county.
• Manage communications including public speaking, media relations, website updates, social networking, print and broadcast communication, digital communication, etc.
• Assist in preparing and creating county related material for public promotion of programs and services, including flyers and posters.
• Seek avenues to strengthen the county's effectiveness of communication.
• Generate communication strategies to effectively create public awareness of county services and programs.
• Serve as the county's brand manager, ensuring all communication is presented professionally and follows the county's brand guidelines.
• Work closely with all departments on department specific needs regarding their communication and public relations.
• Serve as the primary resource for information from the Pottawattamie County Board of Supervisors.
• Facilitate County Board community visibility and engagement.
• Promote relationships with key business partners, cities and citizens within the county.
• Attend meetings and events within the county.
• Monitor and respond to community feedback.
• Analyze extent of public understanding of county programs and business and determine how to educate and communicate regarding such.
• Assist with the county's online presence including social media, website, etc.
• Arrange press conferences, statements, interviews and appearances with county officials.
• Provide guidance and strategies to county officials on effectively presenting message and/or information.
• Assist with internal strategies as needed.
• Perform other duties as directed or as the situation dictates.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field.
• At least five (5) years of direct work experience in public relations, media relations, communications work including writing, editing and public speaking, government relations or spokesperson responsibilities for a complex public or private organization.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and familiar with Microsoft 365.
• Valid driver's license at the time of hire and maintain it throughout the course of employment.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public, county employees and other governmental agencies and governmental officials.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work with little or no supervision.

Benefits

• Wellness program
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan