Division Manager III, Public Affairs

Job DescriptionUnder the direction of the County Judge, this position oversees the Public Affairs Division of the County Judge's Office and assigned staff. Work involves managing all the intergovernmental, external, media and public relations activities for Hidalgo County Commissioners' court and on a county-wide basis. Develops and implements outreach activities designed to provide County employees, citizens and area media with current information regarding all aspects of County operations. Works directly with Commissioners' Court and County departments in the areas of public information, media relations, outreach & promotion, and other internal and external communications services. This position also provides general support, guidance, and technical assistance to the County Executive Office and County departments. Responsible for research, writing, content development for correspondence, press releases, talking points, presentations, issues briefs, and other print and online publications. Oversees and implements the development of projects, programs, events and services to promote County awareness in the community. Researches, processes and prepares timely responses to information requests and inquiries from media and the public. Acts as a liaison between the County and citizens/media during Commissioners Court and other public meetings. Oversees and implements special events, press conferences, and other County activities. Schedules media interviews with key departmental staff & elected officials; acts as County spokesperson. Prepares and disseminates news releases, newsletters, information articles, legislative testimony, speeches and other materials; Distribution of information includes the use of the Internet. Interacts with public & community organizations to develop and implement key partnerships to promote County programs and services and the County presence. Interacts with the Commissioners Court, Elected Officials, County departments, media, community and civic organizations, government and public organizations, private and business organizations and the general public. Facilities internal communications and organizational effectiveness within and among County departments and offices. Devises ways to better utilize resources, improvement of management accountability, and efficient means to reach program objectives. Maintains trend data and prepares, updates, and publishes reports and manuals. Develops and delivers presentations in public forums regarding a wide array of County programs, services, and activities. Supervises and directs assigned staff. Performs all other related duties involved as assigned or required. Work in a fast-paced, demanding environment. In emergency or crisis situations, must be available to work on call and/or around the clock. Performs other related duties as assigned.ResponsibilitiesDevelop outreach activities that provide County employees, citizens, and area media with current information regarding all aspects of County operations.Work directly with Commissioners' Court and County departments on public information, media relations, outreach & promotion, and other internal and external communications services.Provide general support, guidance, and technical assistance to the County Executive Office and County departments.Conduct research, write, and develop content for correspondence, press releases, talking points, presentations, issues briefs, and other print and online publications.Oversee and implement projects, programs, events, and services to promote County awareness in the community.Research, process, and prepare timely responses to information requests and inquiries from media and the public.Act as a liaison between the County and citizens/media during Commissioners Court and other public meetings.Oversee and implement special events, press conferences, and other County activities.Schedule media interviews with key departmental staff & elected officials and act as County spokesperson.Prepare and disseminate news releases, newsletters, information articles, legislative testimony, speeches and other materials; distribute information using the Internet.Interact with public & community organizations to develop and implement partnerships that promote County programs and services and the County presence.Facilitate internal communications and organizational effectiveness within and among County departments and offices.Devises ways to better utilize resources, improve management accountability, and efficient means to reach program objectives.Maintain trend data, prepare, update, and publish reports and manuals.Develop and deliver presentations in public forums regarding a wide array of County programs, services, and activities.Supervise and direct assigned staff.QualificationsBachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration or related field.Two (2) years of related experience may be substituted for one (1) year of education.Master's degree preferred.Three (3) years of experience in public service or equivalent combination.Certificates, Licenses and RegistrationMust have a current valid Texas motor vehicle operator's license. Must be able to be insured by the County's insurance carrier.Knowledge and SkillsKnowledge of principles and best practices of public relations and mass communication.Extensive knowledge and understanding of local government.Extensive knowledge of marketing techniques and practices, including public opinion research techniques, methods, and tools.Extensive knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act.Graphic design & desktop publishing experience.Experienced in basic journalistic photography & photo editing.Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.Bilingual (Spanish & English) with the ability to converse fluently in both languages.Ability to research and produce written material and content in a timely manner.Ability to enunciate and articulate well enough to speak to groups of people.Ability to keep abreast of emerging issues, media trends, best practices.High standards of excellence, tact, discretion, honesty, integrity and professionalism in interpersonal and community relations.Ability to use independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.J-18808-Ljbffr