Communications Specialist

Under the direction of the Communications Director, the Communications Specialist assists in developing and executing marketing and communications strategies and provides communication services to multiple County departments. The position creates and coordinates clear, professional, and engaging content across print, digital, social media, web, and other communication channels while ensuring consistency with County brand standards. The specialist collaborates with departments to increase awareness of County programs and services, evaluate communication effectiveness, and strengthen public understanding and trust.

This is a full-time, benefited position working at the Fillmore Complex in West Olive at 12220 Fillmore Street, West Olive, MI 49460. The schedule is Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Some travel to other county locations, as needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Assist in the development, implementation, and evaluation of marketing and communications strategies and campaigns that promote programs, services, and initiatives while supporting the County’s overall communications goals.
• Develop press releases and other public communications, coordinate interviews, and select appropriate outlets to increase understanding of County programs and matters.
• Research, write, edit, and coordinate written and visual content for newsletters, reports, publications, websites, social media, and other communication materials, including conducting interviews and gathering photography.
• Contribute to the social media calendar by identifying messages from designated offices and creating timely, helpful, and engaging written and visual content.
• Create and maintain databases for designated electronic newsletter distribution lists.
• Participate in website maintenance and content updates for designated departments, ensuring information is accurate, timely, accessible, and consistent with County standards.
• Coordinate video and graphic design projects for designated departments in collaboration with the Digital Communications Specialist and Graphic Designer.
• Manage and protect the County and designated departments’ brand identity by ensuring communications and creative materials remain consistent with established standards.
• Monitor communication analytics, campaign performance, media use, distribution, and engagement to ensure communications are effective, cost-conscious, and consistent with quality standards.
• Stay up to date on emerging communication channels and technologies through conferences and other educational opportunities.
• All other duties assigned.

Required Education, Training And Experience A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field. At least three years of progressively responsible experience in communications, writing, editing, publishing, social and news media relations, marketing and public affairs.

Additional Requirements And Information REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud

Proficiency with Canva

Proficiency with word-processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications.

Mastery of written, visual and verbal communication and ability to present to diverse audiences.

Knowledge of WordPress powered websites and UX a plus.

Physical Requirements Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations; including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions Work is performed in a normal office environment.

Disclaimer This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Ottawa County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Unclassified Benefits Summary for more information.

The current Unclassified group manual can be viewed here.

The Ottawa County Universal Wage Scale can be found here.

• Part-time benefitted positions will receive prorated benefits.