EMPLOYER: Stafford County Government, Stafford VA

CLOSING DATE: August 1, 2008

TO APPLY: Apply on-line @ www.co.stafford.va.us  Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of County application.

DESCRIPTION:  Performs intermediate professional work in assisting with public information, citizen service, media and community relations programs for the County. Work involves conceptualizing, developing, and implementing major media and advertising campaigns, marketing programs, and various special projects. Work is performed under the regular supervision of the Public Information Administrator. Supervision may be exercised over support staff. Coordinates public relations activities for various County departments;
Coordinates media relations programs to include participating in interviews with reporters and working with media representatives to publicize various programs, events, or other information. Conducts public information campaigns and special events; Researches information for and writes press releases, speeches, advertisements, editorials, media kits, calendars, brochures, public service announcements, articles, flyers, award submissions, proclamations, and other informational documents;  Researches, writes, takes photographs for and creates slide shows; Assists with the conduct of public information related classes for employees; Responds to citizens' requests; Serves as a backup spokesperson to the media on routine matters as well as during disaster situations.  Assists with internal communication programs for employees;  Assists County Webmaster in website design and content management; Assists with employee newsletter including design, writing, and photography composition; Submits appropriate County programs and initiatives to various award programs such as the National Association of Counties; Serves as a liaison to various committees and community groups as assigned; Assists the Public Information Administrator with organizational management initiatives; Assists the Public Information Office staff with projects for the Telecommunications Commission to include attending monthly meetings;
Assists the Public Information Office staff with programming for the County's cable television channels; Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless external and internal customer service; and performs related tasks as required.

Requires thorough knowledge of writing and editing techniques required to prepare accurate, comprehensive and professional public information materials; thorough knowledge of public information and modern principles and practices of public relations media; considerable experience in media and public relations; ability to develop promotional copy and perform technical editorial work; ability to use various desktop publishing programs to create public information materials; ability to write public information reports and releases; ability to work closely at all levels with various citizens, committees, volunteers and staff members; ability to meet deadlines; ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously; ability to communicate orally with other employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public by telephone, in a one-to-one, face-to-face setting, and in a group setting; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; good research and organization skills; proficient in the use of various computer programs.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, or a related field, and considerable experience preferably in the public sector or with a local government. A driver's license valid in the Commonwealth of Virginia, (copy of current DMV record, dated within 30 days, must be provided before the employment start date). Candidate selected will be required to satisfactorily complete a criminal history and fingerprint check, post-offer, pre-employment medical exam, alcohol and controlled substance tests at the County's expense unless this requirement has been completed for current County position. EOE

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