Public Affairs Officer, Senior

Bachelor's Degree in public relations or a related field required; supplemented by five years of experience in public relations to include one year of lead or supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to produce and release information about the programs and activities of the County, including marketing and promotions, media management, and assisting with special events. This classification is distinguished from Public Affairs Officer in that incumbents in this classification provide lead direction to other Communications staff and provide crisis communications as needed.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Leads and coordinates daily work activities of assigned co-workers: confers with supervisor to obtain direction regarding work assignments and priorities; organizes tasks in order to complete assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; confers with co-workers, assists with complex/problem situations, and provides technical expertise; assists with training and instructing co-workers regarding operational procedures and proper use of equipment; assists with supervision of co-workers by reporting employee problems and providing input on disciplinary action and employee performance evaluations.

Working with assigned County Departments, develops communication plans, press releases, brochures, fliers, etc. Manages communications projects; works with Graphic Designers regarding artwork, design and layout; edits drafts and approves final designs; posts and submits materials to County website and media outlets.

Receives and responds to media inquiries and questions: consults with County staff and management to provide appropriate response to media inquiries; provides and/or coordinates interviews as needed; assists in managing essential and time-critical communications; keeps County staff and management apprised of all media interactions.

Takes a lead role in coordinating special events and activities: creates and implements communications plan for event; designs, produces and publishes publicity materials and articles; assists with event activities such as set-up and break-down as needed.

Reports outcomes of news coverage: monitors and reviews print and broadcast media coverage regarding County activities and services; compiles statistics, program data and other information; prepares and submits report.

Takes photographs for use in press releases and newsletters: attends events and activities; chooses and edits photos; maintains photo database.

Provides crisis communications: meets with and consults with County staff and management to formulate response to crisis; determines issues to be addressed and formulates responses; provides regular updates to critical staff; manages and coordinates media interviews and press conferences; monitors the effect of response efforts and media coverage on public opinion and sentiment; prepares related reports and updates for County Commissioners and staff.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including press releases, brochures, fliers, and proclamations; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including media outcomes report, press releases, brochures, media announcements and advisories, and articles; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates or uses various equipment, and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains a digital camera or other equipment; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, desktop publishing, Internet, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Communicates with County officials and department heads, supervisor, other employees, the media, the public, and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT:
*All applicants must agree to and successfully pass a background investigation, drug screening and polygraph to be considered for employment with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office.*

EXAMINATION:
APPLICATION MUST DOCUMENT THAT THE APPLICANT POSSESSES THE MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EDUCATION AND LICENSING TO BE QUALIFIED. IF SELECTED, AN OFFICIAL, ACCREDITED COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT IS REQUIRED FOR ALL DEGREES USED TO QUALIFY FOR THIS POSITION.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL BEFORE THEY ARE SUBMITTED. PLEASE REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS FOR ACCURACY AND MAKE ALL CORRECTIONS BEFORE SUBMITTAL BECAUSE ERRORS CAN RESULT IN NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED BY THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to act as a first-line supervisor, including instructing, assigning and reviewing work, maintaining standards, coordinating activities, and evaluating employee job performance.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetics, disability or sexual orientation.