Communications and Strategic Partnerships Manager

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Position Information

Want to learn more about Senior Services? See what the Senior Services staff have to say: The Departmental Communications Manager is responsible for advancing the department's mission and vision. They act as the main point of contact between Senior Services and community stakeholders, working to strengthen community engagement, secure sponsorships, and build strategic partnerships. This role also involves identifying external funding opportunities to support department programs, events, and initiatives. Additionally, the Communications Manager develops partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, civic groups, and other community members, while actively pursuing both public and private funding to enhance services. The person in this position will plan and lead campaigns to boost public involvement in department programs, services, and events. This position also oversees the communications team, media relations, and community outreach efforts. Willing to work some evenings and weekends.

Essential Functions

Manages public relations activities for a department: facilitates public meetings, prepares departmental communications plans; advises department leadership regarding media and public relations matters in collaboration with County communications; recommends strategies; provides assistance and guidance to the department regarding media contacts and interest, publication, and image matters; assists with crisis communications, complex problem solving, and provides technical expertise; manages social media strategy for the department; being on-call especially during emergency situations/inclement weather/county closings.

Writes and coordinates the publication and distribution of materials, including articles, newsletters, advertisements, press releases, brochures, flyers, etc.: reviews artwork, design and layout of materials; proofs and edits materials created by subordinate staff; and posts for the department's social media accounts.

Receives and responds to media (social, mass, and/or broadcast) inquiries and questions regarding assigned department: consults with department staff and management to provide appropriate response to media inquiries; provides and/or coordinates interviews as needed; collaborates with County Communications staff; manages essential and time-critical communications activities; monitors media coverage of departmental activities; and represents the department at events.

Manages departmental community engagement and outreach program: works closely with community partners in building relationships and collaborating on special projects, initiatives, and programs; and develops strategies or solutions to reach and serve the community as a whole.

Collaborates with internal/external agencies and community groups to plan and implement educational programs through community outreach: works with schools, non-profits, local businesses, other County departments, volunteer organizations and other agencies to develop programs and partnerships for their target audiences; receive and give advice and direction, provide subject-matter expertise, guidance, and recommendation; attends and/or facilitates meetings and participates on various boards and committees.

Manages a variety of technical applications, including social media, web, mobile applications, e-news, e-mail and others: manages content for internal and external audiences; develops email newsletters; and works with vendors to prepare technology platforms. Performs other related duties as assigned. This position manages, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.

Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to department director; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field required; supplemented by seven years of experience in marketing, advertising, public relations, or related field, with two years of experience managing teams; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Licenses and Certifications

Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.

Physical Abilities

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.

Sensory Requirements

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors

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

EEOC Statement Cobb County Government is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.