PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST - 40008725

Join Durham County Government
Durham County Government is home to over 2,000 dedicated professionals working together to deliver essential services that strengthen and support our vibrant, diverse community. As the heart of a fast-growing region, we offer meaningful careers across a wide range of fields—giving you the opportunity to make a real impact where you live, work, grow, and play. Learn more at www.dconc.gov.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of this job is to perform responsible technical and administrative work providing public information and education about Durham County Government by creating, writing, editing publications, producing video packages about county employees and programs and coordinating a variety of special events. Position serves as media liaison in the Director’s absence and performs other related duties as required.

Work is performed under the Chief Communications Officer.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this position. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the position as necessary.

• Produces employee newsletter.
• Plans, writes, edits, lays out, designs and coordinates various publications such as annual report, news releases, brochures, fliers and posters.
• Researches, writes, lays out, and plans news conferences and media events including preparation of media kits and background information.
• Develops and delivers appropriate presentations for civic and school groups.
• Completes research and public affairs assignments for County officials and others as necessary.
• Produces video packages for Durham County’s TV show.
• Responds to requests for information about Durham County.
• Posts relevant articles to Durham County’s Internet and Intranet web sites; maintains the web site Calendar of Meetings.
• Coordinates and participates in special events including operation of booths or public information areas.
• Takes photos of Durham County personnel and events to use for publications, website and social media.
• Coordinates County’s customer service recognition program.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• General knowledge of the functions and operations of county agencies.
• Knowledge of Windows 2000, MS Word, Adobe PageMaker and PowerPoint.
• Skilled in use of digital camera and scanner technology, knowledge of effective writing and graphic presentation practices and techniques.
• Ability to design and produce newsletters and public information materials.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate events, interviews and meetings.
• Knowledge of communication theory.
• Ability to master computing technology and develop effective web site information and copy.
• Excellent planning, organizing and project management skills.
• Ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects and tasks both internally and externally and to make an active and meaningful contribution to the team.
• Ability to maintain effective working relations with officials, employees, media and the public.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelors degree in communications, English, journalism, media or a related field and two years experience in writing newsletters, news releases, video packages, feature articles and providing general public information activities. Ability to read or speak Spanish highly desired.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE:

Durham County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires Durham County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management. 

BACKGROUND CHECK STATEMENT:

This position may be subject to a background check, which could include, but is not limited to, criminal history (employment-related and/or SBI fingerprint-based), credit history, motor vehicle records, educational verification, and checks of the sexual offender registry, depending on the specific requirements of the role. A conviction record does not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment consideration, unless otherwise required by applicable state law.