Communications Manager

Salary: $62,636.00 - $93,954.00 Annually

Location : Augusta, GA

Job Type: Full Time Permanent

Job Number: 201203824

Department: ADMINISTRATION

Opening Date: 04/21/2025

Closing Date: Continuous

DESCRIPTION

Under the general direction of the County Administrator, this position provides timely and accurate information to the public; maintains proactive media relations, and develops communication strategies that promotes transparency, excellence, innovation, and alignment with overall goals to brand the organization; and ensures clear messaging to the community. This position assists with developing and presenting annual and quarterly reports to the Commission, the community, and other special communication requirements assigned by the Administrator, to include providing crisis communications.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develops and delivers internal and external comprehensive communication strategies that align with the strategic and operational direction of Augusta-Richmond County. Coordinates County-wide communications on high profile matters such as public information campaigns, legislative communications, and responding to constituent concerns regarding programs and services.

Collaborates with management on community relations projects, activities and plans, and executes special events from a communications perspective; creates and implements communications plan for event; designs, produces and publishes various materials and articles; communicates information to the public and performs community outreach and engagement

Facilitates and monitors communication activities via websites, social media, print media, newsletters and other venues, and utilizes metrics to track the success of the communication efforts. Works with Information Technology and other departments as needed.

Manages the development of a brand platform and style guides; leads outreach and collaboration efforts with the Administrator, department directors, and other staff regarding the County's brand; and helps ensure consistency, continuity, and effectiveness of communications countywide.

Writes and coordinates the publication and distribution of marketing and promotional materials, including newspaper articles and advertisements, press releases, brochures, fliers, newsletters, etc.; consults with departments regarding program goals and to gather information; consults with Graphic Artists regarding artwork, design and layout; edits drafts and approves final designs; posts and submits materials to County website and media outlets; and takes photographs for use in press releases and newsletters: attends events and activities; chooses and edits photos; maintains photo database and develops images for promotion.

Receives and responds to media inquiries and questions: ensures that communication with the news media is timely, accurate, and responsive; initiates op-ed pieces, news releases and other methods as necessary to ensure organization's position on issues is put before the public. Consults with County staff and management to provide appropriate response to media inquiries and appropriate speaking points; provides and/or coordinates interviews as needed and assists in managing essential and time-critical communications and keeps County staff and management apprised of all media interactions. Reports outcomes of news coverage: monitors and reviews print and broadcast media coverage regarding County activities and services; compiles statistics, program data, and other information; prepares and submits report.

Provides crisis communications: collaborates with County staff and management to formulate response to crisis; determines issues to be addressed and formulates responses; provides regular updates to critical staff; manages and coordinates media interviews and press conferences; monitors the effect of response efforts and media coverage on public opinion and sentiment. Prepares related reports and updates for the Administrator, Mayor, and Commission.

Performs other duties of a similar nature and level. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: BA/BS degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or closely related field of study or Associate's Degree based on applicable experience.

Experience: Three (3) years of experience with BA/BS degree or five (5) years of experience with an Associate's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or closely related field of study.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of communications and leveraging multiple communication tools for maximum effect.

Very comfortable with technology, including social media channels, web sites, and general office systems

Strong interpersonal communication skills, self-motivated, pro-active, positive professional leadership skills

Ability to influence internal customers and effectively establish and build partnerships with external customers and constituencies

Review and analyze a variety of technical review comments on projects; respond effectively to a variety of changing situations; interpret, manage and prepare budget information.

Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, deliver projects on time and on budget

Ability to work long hours as required

Extensive ability to show initiative, independent judgment, and sensitivity to the subject matter

Familiarity with SEO

Excellent organizational and planning skills.

Abreast of industry trends, best practices and emerging technologies to enhance communication strategies and tactics. OTHER:

Travel required from office to other locations on a regular basis.

This position requires staff call up in emergency situations. Licensing:

Possession of a valid driver's license with good driving history. If State license is other than Georgia or South Carolina, applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to synthesize and integrate data for predicting, anticipating, and planning for future events impacting the organization. Includes determining strategic and tactical decisions at the highest organizational levels of authority and responsibility.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of negotiation. Performs such in formal situations within the context of legal guidelines.

Equipment: Ability to operate or use various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operate and maintain digital photography equipment; operate a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operate general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Verbal: Requires the ability to utilize consulting and advisory data and information, as well as reference, descriptive and/or design data and information as applicable.

Math: Requires the ability to perform calculations for essential job functions.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to implement both intellectual and practical relationships; involves responsibility for consideration and analysis of complex organizational problems of major conceptual functions.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in critical and/or unexpected situations involving moderate risk to the organization.

Physical Abilities: Tasks require the ability to perform sedentary to light work.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate cues or signals.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

OTHER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.

Augusta-Richmond County's comprehensive benefit package includes:

Vacation

Holiday

Sick

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life

Long-Term Disability Insurance

Pension

For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, please visit our website below:

01

The answers you provide to the supplemental questions will be used to conclude if you meet the minimum qualifications and requirements for this position. Responses relating to your specific work experience and education MUST clearly reflect the requirements shown in the areas for work history and education on your application. Your application must be completed in full before it is submitted. Additional information may not be accepted after your application has been submitted. Do you accept these terms?

Yes

No

02

Are you a current employee of Augusta Richmond County?

Yes

No

03

To be eligible to apply for a posted position, a current employee must have performed competently for at least six (6) months in his/her current position. If you are a current employee of Augusta, Georgia Government, have you been in your current position at least six months?

Yes

No

This question does not apply to me.

04

If you are a current Augusta, Georgia Government employee, have you received a written reprimand, disciplinary probation, or suspension in the last twelve (12) months? (Informal warnings excluded)

Yes

No

This question does not apply to me.

05

Which of the following best describes your level of education in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, or closely related field of study?

High School Diploma/G.E.D.

Some College

Associate's Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree or Higher

06

Which of the following best describes your years of experience in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, public administration, or a closely related field?

No experience

One to two years of experience

Three to four years of experience

Five to six years of experience

Seven or more years of experience

07

Please explain in brief detail why you feel your work experience meets the criteria for this position.

08

This position requires staff call up in emergency situations. Will you be able to meet the stated requirement?

Yes

No

09

Do you have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record? (If State license is other than Georgia or South Carolina, applicant must obtain a license in Georgia or South Carolina within 30 days of employment.)

Yes

No

Required Question