Under the direction of the Director, Marketing and Communications, the Media Communications Manager leads the media team in developing and executing public relations, social media, and marketing strategies to enhance brand reputation. The Manager oversees content creation (press releases, digital content, feature stories, speeches and talking points, etc.), manages media relations, and assists in handling crisis communications. This role combines hands-on content creation with staff supervision, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. This position requires the ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as assigned.
Essential Functions
- Research and write press releases, feature articles, media alerts, web and social media content, as well as speeches, talking points, and/or bullet points for the County Commissioners and other County leaders upon request.
- Coordinate with the Graphics Department to develop the annual County recycling schedule and the annual County Directory.
- Assist with coordinating special events, including but not limited to the 4-H Fair, Juneteenth event, 911 ceremonies, and the annual reorganization.
- Manage assigned campaign/project teams, developing goals and strategies, assigning tasks and timelines, overseeing development and delivery of work product.
- Monitors the marketing budget, reviews and approves requisitions and payments in the financial management system in partnership with the Director, Marketing and Communications.
- Partner with the Director and Human Resources regarding staff changes and employee relations matters.
- Act as a liaison to various County divisions, attending meetings and networking to ensure awareness of division issues, upcoming initiatives, and to help identify communication opportunities.
- Handle media relations for the County as directed by the Director, Marketing and Communications.
- Maintain list of media contacts, building strong press relationships with representatives of newspapers, radio stations, cable TV, digital sites, social outreach, community groups, and hyperlocal media websites.
- Research and/or recommend equipment and supply purchases.
Perform other duties as assigned by management.
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Qualifications
Essential
- A bachelor’s degree in English, public relations, communications, journalism, or related field
- 5-7 years’ experience leading communication campaigns and public information programs.
- Knowledge of marketing, communication, and public relations best practices and industry standards.
- Knowledge of public sector and/or local/county government operations and communication policies/regulations.
- Ability to expertly take and edit photographs at ops when assigned.
- Excellent writing, proofreading, and editing skills along with proficiency in various writing styles (creative, factual, speeches).
- Must possess clear verbal and written communication abilities in the English language.
- Ability to effectively communicate via email, the internet and web, and to create and evaluate content for the Somerset County website.
- Strong organizational and project management skills.
- Leadership and team management experience.
- Thorough knowledge of Somerset County Government and the operations of the individual Departments and Divisions therein.
- Proficient in MS Office Suite.
- Familiarity with content management systems and communication tools.
Must have a valid NJ Driver’s License.
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Preferred
Prior experience using Creative Suite, specifically Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign .
Salary: $85,000 - $95,000/year
B enefits include health coverage (medical, prescription, and dental), paid time off (vacation, holidays, and sick), a deferred compensation plan, and enrollment in the NJ State Pension System.
