Job Description
Description Summary The Director of Communications and Public Information Officer is responsible for developing and managing comprehensive communication strategies and the communications liaison for Finney County. This includes oversight of the County website, internal and external communications, social media platforms, and public relations efforts. The role involves collaborating with County departments and elected officials to ensure clear, consistent messaging, while also fostering community and media relations. The position supports publication design, content creation, and staff development in communication practices. Close collaboration with City of Garden City other external stakeholders is also essential. This position reports directly to the County Administrator.
Definition and Examples of Work 90% Develop and manage comprehensive communication strategies and programs; build brand awareness and drive engagement internally and externally.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a strategic Finney County Communication Plan that supports all county departments.
• Coordinate and manage communication tools outlined in the Communication Plan, ensuring consistency and quality across platforms.
• Provide training to departments on content creation and structure for the website, social media, media releases, and other communication channels.
• Maintain the integrity, consistency, and accuracy of website content, working with departments to ensure updates reflect current information.
• Serve as Social Media Manager, overseeing public engagement, regular updates, citizen interaction, and digital presence.
• Write, design, and produce a variety of communication materials including publications, social media posts, and promotional content.
• Oversee the County's visual identity by managing marketing materials and proper use of logos and branding.
• Develop and execute public relations and communication strategies to promote County programs, services, and initiatives.
• Foster and maintain strong working relationships with Commissioners, elected officials, department heads, media, peer agencies, and community members.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate comprehensive communications programs, including public service announcements, informational brochures, and event advertising.
• Collaborate with departments to identify and promote positive information and communication opportunities.
• Assist in managing video streaming of County Commission meetings and support other public-facing digital tools.
• Support communication efforts during emergencies.
• Assist in planning and promoting special events in coordination with County departments and partners.
• Assess communication needs, recommend new tools or strategies, and support continuous improvement in County-wide communication efforts.
• Provide internal and external communication support to departments, staff, and elected officials; assist with media and community relations as needed.
• Lead day-to-day communication activities such as managing content for social media, digital and print resources, and other communicationchannels.
5% Offsite work requirements
- Attend offsite events, employee activities, and operational work for use in internal and external communication.
- Develop and write press releases, respond to media inquiries and may serve as the spokesperson for the County during routine operations and emergencies.
5% Administrative
- Administrative duties as required.
Additional duties may be assigned as business needs require.
Requirements Qualifications - Possesses excellent oral and written communication and public relations skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Proficient in basic computer systems and software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, email, timekeeping software, work order inputs, Canva, Hootsuite (or similar program), Meta Business Suite; proficient in spreadsheets and databases.
- Basic understanding of clerical procedures, systems, and tools such as recordkeeping, filing, 10 key, copier, scanner, etc.
- Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
- Ability to keep information confidential.
- Ability to work independently without supervision and use own judgment in determining priorities and procedures used, obtaining assistance in new or unusual situations.
- Knowledge of local governmental operations and agency relationships.
Required Education and Experience - Bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school with major coursework in journalism, marketing, mass communication, public relation, etc.
- Three years of related experience and/or training
Preferred Education and Experience - Master's degree or equivalent from an accredited two-year college or technical school with major coursework in journalism, marketing, mass communication, public relation, etc.
- One to three years of related experience and/or training
Certification, License, Registration - Valid Kansas Driver's license
- CPR/First Aid & Defensive Driving certification (or ability to obtain)
Job Tags
Work at office, Local area,