Communications Director

JOB SUMMARY

Serves as the Salt Lake County Mayor’s chief communications, media, and public relations officer. Develops and implements strategic communications and public relations strategy for the Salt Lake County Mayor. Works in a close confidential relationship with the Elected Official and her office. Reports to the Mayor through the Chief of Staff.

RECOMMENDED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or other closely related field, plus six (6) years of related experience; OR an equivalent combination of related education and experience. 

Master’s degree preferred. Policy or government experience preferred.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Works in a close and confidential relationship with the Mayor and Chief of Staff, maintaining confidences and exhibiting characteristics of senior leadership.
• In coordination with the Mayor and Chief of Staff, acts as the lead in devising strategic communications plans impacting the mayor and her office and serving as the key communication advisor on public relations matters impacting the Mayor and Salt Lake County.
• Acts as director of communications, media coordinator and public information officer for the mayor and her office, including writing and distributing press releases and public information announcements.
• Promotes the Mayor and the County through positive media exposure locally, nationally, and internationally.
• Counsels the Mayor and department heads on public relations protocols and implications of issues vital to the wellbeing and best interests of the County.
• Responds to media requests for information, interviews, and position statements.
• Coordinates the creation and implementation of the mayor’s social media.
• Provides high level direction and coordination with agency communications leads within the mayor’s portfolio at Salt Lake County.
• Supports the Internal Communications lead with select messages to employees.
• Assists the Chief of Staff in implementing constituent response communications.
• Serves as a key member of the County’s disaster information team.
• Reviews and advises on Mayor’s scheduling requests when asked.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Mayor or Chief of Staff.

Knowledge of:

• Strategic communications and outreach, including use of broad communication technologies, strategies, and techniques.
• Social media engagement, applications, and techniques
• Salt Lake County and regional organizational and political structures
• Management and administration theories
• Speech writing
• Public and Media relations techniques
• AP Style, technical writing, and business English
• Local media outlets and system
• Principles and strategies of web design
• Microsoft Office, Adobe, social media platforms, and web-based content management systems
• Research, data analysis, and report writing techniques
• Strategic, rhetorical use of social media and other communication channels
• Intergovernmental issues
• Sensitive and complex issues affecting the public and government both locally and historically