Strategic Communications Director

The hiring range for this opportunity is $101,399 to $131,821. The maximum salary for this position is $162,244. An offer above the hiring range may be made depending upon the qualifications of the selected candidate.

Applicants should apply by Friday, June 18, 2021, but the position will remain open until filled. Final Interviews will be held July 12 – July 16, 2021.

The Director of Strategic Communications leads the Communications Department, which is responsible for all communications functions of the county including internal and external communications, marketing, public relations, and digital communications. The position directs the strategic planning, development, budgeting and implementation of the county’s communications & marketing programs, including the design and content of the county’s internal and external websites and social media sites; oversees the development of all traditional and printed material produced by the county; oversees the internal communications program, and oversees management of ecgtv, the county’s government access channel.

In addition, this position ensures that language justice is practiced consistently in all internal and external communications using strategies and technologies that are both culturally relevant and linguistically correct for audiences and ensures that communications and marketing activities continue to innovate and leverage the technology most relevant for effective communications within the organization and larger community. This position is responsible for developing, promoting and maintaining a positive image and brand of the county aimed at building trust and driving awareness, facilitating transparency and two-way communication between the county and its varied constituencies and provides leadership for special projects as assigned by the county manager.

Recruitment Brochure

Job Duties:

• Leads the Communications Department and develops the county’s strategic communications priorities. Oversees the dissemination of public information through all outlets, including traditional media, social media, websites, e-news, print collateral, advertising, ecgtv programming and other mediums. Assesses new technologies and implements those that will advance the county’s communications efforts. Advises and works collaboratively with all offices and departments to ensure timely, clear and consistent messages are presented to the public.
• Identifies the scope and magnitude of public policy issues and analyzes public response to county initiatives. Advises elected officials, county managers and peers on existing or emerging issues of community interest and/or concern. Facilitates the development and dissemination of messaging around those issues to support the county’s position and influence public opinion.
• Develops and directs strategies to facilitate transparency in government.
• Reinforces the county’s values surrounding open communications through modeling and coaching. Facilitates two-way communication between all offices and departments and the county’s varied constituencies.
• Develops a strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles, communications strategies and technologies to ensure that language justice is utilized internally with the organization and with the community at large
• Provides leadership, facilitation and management for special projects including the county’s strategic planning process, internal process improvement efforts and other initiatives as assigned by the county manager.
• Serves as county spokesperson in both planned and unplanned situations.
• Speaks with autonomy and has freedom of contact with the public, media and county partners, as well as with local, regional, state and federal officials. Serves as public information officer during incident response and is on-call to disseminate emergency messages as needed.
• Directs and evaluates internal communications programs to support an educated and informed workforce. Oversees the dissemination of internal information by leveraging and innovating communications methods, using the county’s intranet, internal videos, employee gatherings and other mediums.
• Develops and monitors the Communications Department and ecgtv operating budgets. Ensures compliant use of restricted PEG revenues including overseeing development of the ecgtv capital improvement plan and budget.
• Ensures countywide compliance with all regulatory requirements surrounding public information including the Colorado Open Records Act, Federal Communications Commission standards and local cable franchise agreements.

Qualifications:

• At least 10 years professional experience in public relations, marketing, media relations, or organizational communications.
• At least 5 years of experience managing employees
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing or a closely related field, and or any combination of education, training and experience which produces the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
• Knowledge of general theories and principles of public relations, marketing and organizational communications; website development and content administration platforms; social media strategies; project management techniques; graphic design standards; journalistic style guidelines, and television production processes. Possesses a high level of comfort with technology.
• Ability to identify constituent groups and develop strategies and tactics to influence such groups. Ability to direct message development, continuity and timing and identify appropriate communication delivery methods.
• Knowledge of local and regional public affairs. Ability to stay abreast of the county’s legislative and intergovernmental activities as well as the major programs, services and initiatives administered by other offices and departments.
• Ability to garner and maintain the trust of elected officials, county leadership, county attorney and peers to monitor emerging issues. Ability to assess the political climate and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles and communications strategies to ensure language justice is practiced throughout the organization
• Ability to lead a specialized, experienced and technical team. Ability to recognize and develop employee talent. Possesses mentoring, coaching and supervisory skills that meet the needs of a highly professional staff.
• Ability to create and maintain relationships with the public; local, regional, state and federal organizations; journalists; and other county partners. Collaborates with other governmental entities to foster interagency cooperation.
• Possesses excellent verbal and written communications skills. Ability to speak and write clearly and persuasively for various audiences.
• Ability to work independently and exercise excellent judgment in critical and/or high-stress situations. Ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System, Incident Command System and the National Response Framework.
• Ability to keep abreast of emerging trends and new technologies through educational opportunities, trade journals and professional organizations.
• Driver License and satisfactory motor vehicle check

Preferred:

• Proficiency in Google applications including docs, sheets, and slides highly preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred
• Experience working with, creating dialogue, and communicating to black, indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) communities
• Experience understanding government organizations
• Understanding of Incident Command Structures (ICS) and Public Information Officer (PIO) responsibilities
• Accredited Public Relations certification preferred.

Additional Information:

A career with Eagle County Government impacts and enriches the lives of our community members… Creating a Better Eagle County for All. With nearly 500 amazing employees, Eagle County is a progressive and values-driven organization located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a small town community are attracted to Eagle County for the amazing lifestyle. Although we are best known for our world-class skiing, hiking, biking, fishing and outdoor activities, it is really the people that make our valley so great!

Benefits for full-time employees:

• Comprehensive and low cost medical, dental and vision insurance
• Wellness program where you can earn cash or extra days off
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid time off and medical leave
• Paid volunteer hours
• 6% match retirement plan
• Free classes at Colorado Mountain College
• Eagle County University classes (internal trainings)
• Tuition reimbursement programs
• Free bus pass and more

As a certified healthy workplace our culture recognizes the importance of individual needs and enjoying life outside of work. Other perks may include flexible work arrangements, bringing your dog to work and daytime fitness classes/bike rides.

Eagle County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Working in a diverse, respectful and inclusive environment is essential for our employees be successful in serving our community. We do not discriminate with regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Eagle, CO Relocation Guide (Courtesy of Town of Eagle & Eagle Chamber)

Vail Valley Relocation Guide (Courtesy of Vail Valley Partnership)