This is an entry to mid-level media relations position focused on moderating and facilitating communications between the organization and multiple media outlets. The position’s responsibilities involve supporting media engagement plans and strategies to support the organization’s vision, mission, priorities and goals. This position reports to the Public Information and Community Outreach Manager.
Serves as a county Public Information Officer for Sarasota County Government to include all departments, and as a back-up for the Emergency Services PIO. PIO responsibilities include implementing media engagement plans, writing, and distributing media releases/alerts/pitches/talking points and serving in a rotating on-call capacity. Responding to media queries, facilitating media pitches, providing on-site media relations support (assisting in the coordination of news conferences, media tours, and event coverage, etc.), and working with media representatives to promote timely and accurate information/coverage.
Develops and maintains working relationships with the area reporters and media outlets. Work with media to promote timely and accurate media coverage; and to correct misinformation. Maintains a working database of area reporters.
Assists in the coordination of the county’s PIO Network which includes scheduling regular meetings for network members that offer training and/or speakers, and sending regular emails/updates about topics, events, and professional development opportunities. Maintains the PIO database that includes contact information, titles/roles, emergency responsibilities, organizational information and channels, and organizational SOPs.
Monitor the media for trending stories and provide news clips to senior leadership and subject matter experts so they can stay abreast of trending, county-related stories. Provide analysis and reports of trends, county media contacts and engagements to management.
Participate in training as necessary or prescribed to stay current on crisis communications skills, strategies, and tools.
About You
Communications Associate I -
Education, experience, certification, license, etc. as required for the job:
Minimum of Associate’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, Mass Communications, Marketing, or related field. – OR– Significant related experience in public communications or related fields.
Communications Associate II -
Education, experience, certification, license, etc. as required for the job:
BS Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, Marketing, Mass Communications, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Illustration, or related field with three (3) years of related experience – OR- MS, MA, MBA degree from an accredited college or university in above fields with two (2) or more years of related experience. (Related professional experience may substitute for the required education.)
If higher-level requirements or more/specific experience is preferred, list them here:
Bilingual is highly preferred.
Professional accreditation and/or certification in related career field are highly preferred.
Salary Range:
Communications Associate I - $25.45 - $26.39
Communications Associate II - $55,577.60 - $58,000.00
Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).
If you are selected to join our team, please click on this link to review the Required First Day Documents. You will need to present the following items on your first day:
1. I-9 Acceptable Documents to show your identity and authorization to work. Use this link to learn more and review the different document options: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents
- If your position requires a Florida Driver’s License, this must be one of your documents. (Your Florida Driver’s License can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List B Documents.)
2. U.S. Social Security Card (signed, physical card). This is a requirement of our Payroll Department and failure to provide this document could jeopardize timely compensation. (Your U.S. Social Security Card can serve as one of your documents listed in link above – List C Documents.)
Benefits:
- Enjoy great benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Florida Retirement System (FRS) and many, many more! Choose one of three great medical plans, including one with a $0 premium option, with completed preventative visits!
- For more information about employee benefits, please click this link or visit SCGov.net for additional information.
- Utilize our award-winning wellness program including free gyms at multiple Sarasota County Government locations.
- Enjoy 11 paid holidays, 3 personal days and 16 paid vacation days in the first year of full-time employment with increasing accrual rates with years of service. (That adds up to a possible 30 days off in your 1st year!)
A different blend of voices prompt better conversations, choices and results for everyone. Sarasota County – Many Voices, One Team.
We celebrate and value the experiences, backgrounds, perspectives, talents and strengths that make us different.
Our vision is to attract, develop, retain and engage a talented workforce broadly representative of the citizens and communities we serve. To further value creativity, innovation, collaboration and great customer service – internally and externally.
A job applicant with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to participate in the application/selection process is requested to make known the need for an accommodation to Human Resources or appropriate county staff members. For assistance with the application, please call 941-861-5353.
Sarasota County prohibits discrimination in all services, programs or activities. View the complete policy at scgov.net (keywords: ADA Compliance).
Sarasota County Government is a Tobacco-Free/Drug-Free Workplace.