PUBLIC WORKS COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER – FIRST REVIEW DATE: AUGUST 14, 2023

OVERVIEW
Position Overview
The Communications Manager leads the development and execution of strategic communications and public relations strategies for the Public Works Department. As the leader of the communications, education, outreach, and information management community of practice, the Communications Manager will ensure the department communicates consistently with the public across all service areas, coordinating messaging, branding, outreach and information across our department as well as with the County's Communications Manager, and other Kitsap County departments and agencies. Responsible for internal and external communications, public website development, and social media engagement, according to County standards and policies. Coordinates with the County call center to ensure Public Works customer relations are responsive, accurate and complete. The position is also responsible for information management in the form of proper document control, records management, public disclosure requests and business analysis services. As a member of the Public Works incident response structure, the manager networks and engages with the County Communications Manager, and communications professionals from emergency management, law enforcement, fire and rescue as well as public utilities and school districts. In this role, the communications manager is the department's primary spokesperson with news media, state and federal agencies, and the public during emergency operations and incident response. Work is performed under general supervision of the Director with considerable independence for exercising judgment while acting within established policies, procedures, and departmental objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR PERFORMANCE OF THE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in business/public administration, communications, management information systems or related field, and
• Five years progressively responsible communications management, to include areas of public relations, communications and/or administration, and
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and education that provides the applicant with the desired knowledge, skills and ability required to perform the work.

Preferred Experience and Education

• Master's Degree preferred.
• Experience managing an enterprise website.
• Experience with software associated with communication activities.
• Proven experience in implementing new technologies.
• Experience with social media channels including content creation, and record retention.
• Experience with National Incident Management System and Incident Command Systems.

Driving Requirements
The successful incumbent must meet the driving requirements of this position and submit a copy a current driving record/abstract (from state of residency) to review for eligibility to drive for Kitsap County prior to employment. The successful incumbent must obtain a valid Washington State Driver's License prior to hire and maintain a satisfactory driving record as outlined in the Kitsap County Vehicle Use Policy. This position is categorized as:
Category 1: Driver operates County-owned vehicle.

Required Licenses, Certificates, Examinations/Tests and Other Requirements
Please note: The incumbent is responsible for obtaining and maintaining all of the following required licenses, certifications and other requirements.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must:

• Submit official transcripts from an accredited college or university or business school, if education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications.
• Pass all job-related examinations/tests necessary to demonstrate required knowledge, skills and abilities, as determined by the hiring authority at time of job posting.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of:

• Communication principles, practices, and strategies.
• Management and supervisory principles and practices, employee selection and development, project management theories and techniques, budget development, staff appraisal and contract management principles and techniques.
• Common software used in Communications including Adobe's Creative Suite, Microsoft SharePoint and Dynamics, Site improve, Granicus Communication Cloud. Command of English, both orally and in writing.
• Laws, rules and regulations related to assignment area.

Skilled in:

• Coordinating work unit activities and handling multiple tasks.
• Planning, assigning, directing and evaluating work of project participants.
• Conflict resolution, problem solving and negotiation.
• Budget development and monitoring.
• Providing program advice and education to the public.
• Presenting information to audiences of all sizes.

Ability to:

• Develop and implement long and short-range service delivery plans
• Write analytical and statistical reports.
• Research, gather and analyze data.
• Build interpersonal relationships using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Coordinate, analyze and perform a wide variety of tasks including studies, programs, and projects.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize and evaluate a variety of data.
• Organize facts and present findings, conclusions and recommendations in a clear, concise and logical manner.
• Work independently with limited supervision.
• Appear for scheduled work and complete assigned tasks within a reasonable period of time.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to policy and procedures of the county and department.
• Utilize various computer applications specific to the department including databases, word processing, document imaging, spreadsheets, and web-based systems for entering, retrieving and researching data and records.
• Physically perform assigned duties and essential functions of the position.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

• Develops, implements, and manages public marketing, communications and public relations strategies and policies for Public Works. Develops key communications strategies and tools for effective communications outreach, including briefings, fact sheets, displays, newsletters, pamphlets, reports, news releases, advertising, and live and taped broadcasting. Works with and oversees department level communications contacts to coordinate consistent communication throughout the Department. Creates content for internal and external distribution. Assists the Department with responses to requests from the news media and the public for information, interviews, perspectives and opinions on issues. Represent the Department at public meetings, news briefings, or incident command center events. Implements department policy and procedures regarding communication strategies and channels. Develops and implements long-range strategic communications plans, formulates goals and objectives. Develops, implements, and monitors the Department's graphic standards and branding, in accordance with County standards, as approved by the Director.
• Responsible for internal and external communication for Kitsap County Public Works. Provide oversight of the Department's social media strategy and presence. Manages the Public Works external website, ensuring it serves as a communication resource for constituents. Provide training in technical areas and to ensure compliance with County standards, procedures, and strategies for solution. Regularly evaluates emerging software to enhance communication efforts.
• Coordinate Public Works response and engagement with the consolidated County Call Center. Work directly with Senior Program Managers or designees to determine workflow solutions. Ensure Public Works related requests, reports, and complaints are responded to and resolved in an appropriate way. Provide analysis of data to improve process. Analyze and evaluate any operational deficiencies or difficulties; determine alternatives and recommended courses of action. Works with various departments as well as staff to develop an integrated plan that complies with County standards, embraces new concepts and technologies where appropriate, and seeks to maximize support to users.
• Directs the Department's emergency public information and communications efforts and represents the Department in emergency response. Coordinate with law enforcement, fire and rescue, and Department of Emergency Management regarding communications issues during inclement weather and other emergencies. Maintains real-time active database of county road closures, including closures within incorporated cities. Anticipates and advises the Director, Assistant Directors and Division Managers about a variety of issues affecting public perception and emerging concerns.
• Manages assigned staff, to include prioritizing and monitoring workload, identify and resolve workload issues, conduct employee performance appraisals and development plans, oversee employee selection, training, and discipline as necessary. Leads department education, outreach, and communications community of practice, plus business analysis and records management staff. Responsible for meeting records management and public disclosure requirements for Public Works.
• Provides oversight and direction to the Department's education and outreach programs and staff in support of the Senior Program Managers and their missions. Supervises and executes the public information and outreach programs for Roads and Sewer Utility, plus Department-wide events, publications, or media engagements.

OTHER POSITION RELATED INFORMATION

• Who May Apply : This position is open to the general public. Applications will be screened for qualifications and completion of all the required materials and forms. The most competitive applicants may be contacted for further steps in the selection process.
• This position is classified as exempt from overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
• This position is classified as "at will". Incumbent's continued employment is at the discretion of the Director.
• Kitsap County is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please contact our Human Resources Office.
• This recruitment is being used to fill an existing open position, and may be used to fill future openings for up to six (6) months.

Work hours for this position will typically be Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Work is subject to 24-hour call out for critical incidents.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

This position is open until filled, but applicants are encouraged to submit their materials as soon as possible. First screening of applications will take place the week of August 14, 2023 and interviews of qualified applicants will begin the week of August 21, 2023.

At Kitsap County, we strive to take care of our team! Our employees are the greatest asset of Kitsap County, and we take pride in offering a highly competitive compensation and benefits package to all eligible employees.

County Paid Benefits Include:
Medical - Kaiser Permanente (HMO) or Aetna (PPO)
Dental -Delta Dental or Willamette
Vision - VSP
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Life Insurance - Basic, Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D), Voluntary Term Life Insurance (VTL)
Disability - Short-term disability & Long-term disability
Voya Voluntary Insurance
Transportation incentives
Employee Assistance Program
Travel Assistance Program
Wellness program https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Wellness.aspx
Benefits become effective on the first calendar day of the month following the month in which the employee is hired except if the employee's hire date is the first calendar day of the month, benefits begin on the day of hire. More information about employee benefits is available on the county's website at: https://spf.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Benefits.aspx or the Kitsap County Digital Benefits Guide .

*Voluntary benefit options also available at the employee's expense

Retirement:
Employees are covered under the PERS retirement plan provided through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems and Social Security.

Deferred Compensation (IRS Plan 457b): tax-deferred savings program

Holidays
11 paid holidays and 2 additional floating holiday per year

Vacation Leave
New employees are credited with 48 hours of annual leave upon hire and will be begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 360 hours from one calendar year to the next. Annual leave accrual will increase upon tenure, as follows:

Upon completion of 3 years: 15 days per year (10.00 hours per month)
Upon completion of 5 years: 20 days per year (13.33 hours per month)
Upon completion of 10 years: 25 days per year (16.67 hours per month)
Sick Leave
All new hires will be credited with 48 hours of sick leave upon hire and will begin accruing at the rate of 8 hours per month starting on their 7th month of employment. Employees may carry over 1200 hours from one calendar year to the next.

***Part-time employees benefit contributions and leave accruals will beprorated***

Current County Employees
If you are transferring or promoting into this position you are responsible for reviewing these benefit changes; prior to accepting a position. In addition, it is your responsibility to notify the Auditor's Payroll Division of a change in union status.

NOTE: This is a general overview of the benefits offered through employment with Kitsap County, and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. If any information on this document conflicts or is incorrect with the provisions of the Personnel Manual, applicable laws, policies, rules or official plan documents they will prevail. The Personnel Manual is available at: https://www.kitsapgov.com/hr/Pages/Personnel-Manual-2019.aspx

Closing Date/Time: Continuous