Position Overview:
Responsible for coordinating all public relations activities, developing communications plans, and managing media relations while exercising a high degree of discretion and independent judgment in the performance of assigned duties. Receive, review, and coordinate the compilation of records in order to respond to requests and ensure compliance under the Pennsylvania Right to Know Law. Assist in media content development to engage the public to learn about Centre County. The Communications Coordinator must display strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to multi task and work comfortably under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Essential Job Functions:
- Writes, proofreads, and edits all public relations content including press releases, briefing materials, newsletters, articles, communications materials, and social media content.
- Fields and coordinates responses to media questions and interview requests.
- Fields and coordinates responses to incoming internal and external emails for the Commissioners' Office.
- Implements, maintains, and manages social media platforms and website updates.
- Monitors and approves social media accounts and usage by County departments.
- Organizes press conferences and media events within the County and with external agencies.
- Performs research and compiles data for special projects, reports, or other publications, by specified deadlines following the County’s goals and objectives.
- Manages the County’s obligations, including processing initial requests for records and performing general statutory duties required of an open-records officer designated pursuant to Section 502 of the Right to Know Law, 65 P.S. §67.101 et seq. (RTKL)
- Tracks incoming RTKL requests; processes, reviews, and assembles responses; analyzes the content of records according to applicable legal and policy requirements to make a disclosure determination under RTKL.
- Independently plans, develops, and implements comprehensive communication and education plans on all aspects of the RTKL.
- Interprets and executes County rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as they relate to the coordination and dissemination of readily understandable information.
- Assists with the coordination of emergency response and crisis communications.
- Leverages existing media relationships and cultivates new contacts within local media.
- Attends and networks with other media organizations at conferences, community events, public workshops, town hall, and municipal meetings, etc.
- Coordinates and assists Human Resources office with internal employee newsletter.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Other Duties:
- Performs advanced-level analytic and technical work in the analysis, data management, and research relevant to RTKL administration and compliance.
- Provides public relations guidance, recommendations, and advice to executive management and elected officials.
- Obtains opinions and assistance from the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records as necessary.
- Plans, organizes, and coordinates activities of assigned functions; advise and aids the County Administrator in analysis, design, development, and implementation.
- Assists in achieving County goals and objectives through effective collaboration with local governments and other public agencies, community residents, business interests, and other special interest groups.
- Acts as liaison and serves as a County representative at meetings, conferences, or discussions.
- Oversees and coordinates public outreach, public participation, and other key functions; develops strategies to encourage public participation and support of County programs, activities, and regulations.
Minimum Requirements to Perform the Work:
Education/Training Qualifications:
Associate degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, communications, or related field and two (2) years of professional administrative experience in an office setting required.
Must possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and a willingness to travel as needed.
Work Experience:
Prior experience with records management and time-sensitive document processes preferred. Demonstrable experience with building effective media relationships and developing materials such as press releases, websites, and conducting press conferences and interviews.
Benefits
Medical Benefits:
- Capital Blue Cross Medical Insurance
- Health Savings Account
- Wellness program with wellness incentives
- Capital Blue Cross Vision Insurance
- United Concordia Dental Insurance with two options
Retirement Benefits:
- County Retirement Pension
- 5% minimum pre-tax contribution required, with the option of increasing your contribution over 5% up to 15%.
- Fully vested after 5 years of credited service
- Voluntary 457b Deferred Compensation Plans
- Military Time Buy Back Options
Paid Time Off:
- Vacation – Earn from 10 to 24 days annually based on years of service.
- Personal – Earn 2 days annually.
- Sick – Earn 1 day per month, with unused accumulation applying toward extended sick bank.
- 13 Paid County Holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
Additional Benefits:
- Group Life Insurance Plan - $20,000 life insurance provided.
- Education Assistance
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – certain eligibility requirements must be met
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Account
- Voluntary Benefits – Short- and Long-Term Disability, Term and Whole Life Insurances, Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Insurances, Pet Insurance.
Please visit our website for a list of job opening and to apply: https://ccpa.recruiting.pdsvista.com/
TECHNOLOGY SUPPORT/ISSUES WITH APPLYING:
If you are having technology issues with the application process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 814-355-6748.
Centre County Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Pay: $27.83 - $33.39 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
