The Communications and Social Media Manager will support the Public Information Office through internal and external comprehensive communications -- primarily graphic design and social media management -- public engagement and outreach. Assists with the development and dissemination of public information to keep the public informed of County programs, services and special events. Regularly interacts with the general public, Council and other County departments to create captivating content for use by County departments, in the news media and on the County’s website, social media and other digital platforms. Must be strong in graphic design, social media, communications campaign development and coordination, verbal and written communications, and event planning. Must be relational, collaborative and a creative thinker. Performs various assignments under deadline pressure. Develops work methods and sequences under general supervision.

ESSENTIAL TASKS

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

• Cultivates and maintains relationships within the Richland County community for the purposes of storytelling across various platforms.
• Adept in graphic design, creating on-brand materials/campaigns (using a variety of software) for various design requests to include flyers, electronic graphic materials, reports, presentations, brochures, booklets, signage, branded wearables, and more.
• Develops and manages execution of social media strategy, assists with creating social media policy and best practices, remains up to date on current trends.
• Supervises and provides direction and hands-on guidance to the Social Media Specialist – with supervisory experience in day-to-day operations and performance reviews.
• Possesses and has demonstrated work experience of strong AP-style writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to craft complex information for internal and external publication, projects and initiatives, for various audiences.
• Supports the creation of content for use in the news media and on the County’s website, social media and other digital platforms.
• Strong planning and project management skills to design, plan, communicate and execute on short- and long-term graphic design projects/campaigns.
• Responsible for drafting quarterly and annual reports of departments.
• Demonstrates strong people skills as the PIO liaison with various County department staff, partners and the public.
• Assists with the coordination and promotion of community events, news conferences and other media events. Helps with event setup at facilities as necessary.
• Gathers video and photographs at community events as a backup/as necessary.
• Backup to receiving and responding to news media inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints, ensuring compliance with Freedom of Information Act requirements.
• Attends County, community and committee meetings as appropriate; represents the County at community events and activities.
• Performs general administrative work as necessary, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, ordering supplies and materials, etc.
• Performs duties of supervisor or reporting staff member as required in his/her absence.
• Performs other related work as required.
• Some evening and weekend work required.

DATA INVOLVEMENT:

Requires coordinating or determining time, place or sequence of operations or activities based on analysis of data or information and may implement and report on operations and activities.

PEOPLE INVOLVEMENT:

Requires giving information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants.

INVOLVEMENT WITH THINGS:

Requires handling or using machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner.

REASONING REQUIREMENTS:

Requires performing coordinating work involving guidelines and rules with constant problem solving.

MATHEMATICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires performing addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires reading journals, manuals and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, general public, people in other organizations; composing original reports, scripts, articles, press releases, brochures, and other publication materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style.

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires performing professional-level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical or managerial methods to solve administrative or technical problems; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressure.

VOCATIONAL/EDUCATIONAL PREPARATION:

Requires bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, communications, graphic design, marketing or a closely related field.

SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES:

Must possess valid state driver’s license.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Requires five years or more of internal/external communications experience, including graphic design and social media + supervisory experience.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS:

Requires sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time, exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis, and sustained keyboard operations.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

The job risks exposure to no known environmental hazards.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing and speaking ability, color perception.

JUDGMENTS AND DECISIONS:

Requires being responsible to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting the individual, co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but many variations from the routine.

COMPENSATION:

The salary for this position starts at a minimum of $56,697.75 annually. Final compensation will be determined based on your education, experience, and skills, and can exceed the stated minimum. While we are unable to share the full salary range for this role, we are committed to offering a competitive package aligned with market rates and your qualifications.

BENEFITS:

Richland County is proud to offer employee benefits, including health and wellness benefits, insurance benefits, financial benefits, paid leave, and professional development.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Richland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.