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NEOGOV · 3 days ago

Executive Director of Communications

Colorado Springs, CO

Full-time

Onsite

Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$135K/yr - $203K/yr

5+ years exp

NEOGOV is seeking an Executive Director for the El Paso County Communications Department, responsible for providing strategic public relations advice and managing communications efforts. This role involves overseeing content development, fostering relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring effective communication strategies align with the County's vision and goals.

GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware

Responsibilities

Serves as an integral member of the County’s Executive Team to develop and guide the County’s vision and strategic goals. Exhibits and promotes the County’s Core Values: service focused, collaborative, accountable, trustworthy, and transparent

Provides strategic and innovative public relations and communications advice and support to the Board of County Commissioners, County Administrator, and County leadership. Provides effective, efficient, and collaborative support to Executive Leadership and Elected Officials

Provides information, resources, and direction to the Communications Department, stakeholders, and news media to ensure adequate and positive coverage of El Paso County

Establishes and fosters positive working relationships with stakeholders, community partners, and media representatives; oversees the coordination, production, and distribution of public information and announcements

Responsible for administering, directing, and organizing the functions of the Communications Department; provides strategic and fiscal oversight and planning

Establishes departmental strategies, goals, and objectives to align with El Paso County’s strategic plan and meet the organization's needs. Develops and directs long-range planning for the department in coordination with other County departments

Directs and oversees the production of content for the County’s website, social media platforms, newsletters, digital recordings, public information materials, and executive communications

Oversees responses and/or responds to critical or sensitive public information, Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) requests, media, elected/appointed officials, and others; ensures legal compliance in areas affecting public access to information. Develops and updates policy for public information responses

Develops crisis communication plans in coordination with necessary internal and external partners/agencies

Serves as the County's representative for various community-based organizations, boards, councils, and committees

Performs other duties as assigned

Qualification

Public relationsCommunications strategyContent developmentBudget managementCrisis communicationInterpersonal skillsWriting skillsConflict resolutionCollaborationOrganizational skills

Required

Must demonstrate a strong understanding of the structure and county government's primary functions and responsibilities

Must possess exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills

Proficiency with computer systems and desktop publishing software, including electronic media, websites, and social media platforms

Ability to assess situations and make prudent and appropriate recommendations and decisions; ability to maintain strict confidentiality

Ability to work with frequent interruptions, prioritize tasks, and move between projects on short notice

Ability to understand, develop, and manage department budgets and procurement in compliance with County policies and procedures

Ability to communicate and work effectively with Elected Officials, Appointed Officials, Executive Directors, County staff, clients, vendors, other agencies, and the public

Ability to foster goodwill by working collaboratively with various offices, departments, agencies, volunteers, and others

Ability to efficiently plan, schedule, and organize

Ability to apply conflict resolution and problem-solving skills

Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, journalism, media relations, or closely related field

Four years of related professional experience may substitute for the required degree

Five years of demonstrated managerial and administrative leadership experience

Five years of experience in related public/media communications, public policy, and/or intergovernmental relations functions

Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license

Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen