• Write speeches for elected officials including the BoCC Chair, Vice Chair, and other senior leaders.
• Assist BoCC Chair and other senior leaders in preparing for speeches, public appearances, and presentations.
• Write and/or assist BoCC with social media content
• Write blogs for the BoCC and Executive Staff as needed.
• Familiarize yourself with Adams County stories, programs, projects, events, current happenings, etc.
• Prepare and distribute news releases, in conjunction with the Communications team and Adams County departments.
• Identify news worthy content and pitch to media, as needed.
• Assist with news conferences as needed.
• Regularly monitor local news and provide feedback, updates, and analysis on issues of interest related to Adams County.
• Coordinate with PIO to provide recommendations to BoCC and other departments on media responses for sensitive subjects as needed.
• Participate in weekly BoCC study sessions to become familiar with county priorities and upcoming projects.
• Attend weekly Public Hearings to provide support for BoCC and gather content for outreach channels
• Respond to media inquiries and requests for information regarding Adams County programs, priorities, policies, procedures, events, services, etc. as needed.
• Some weekend and evening work will be required on occasion and as media stories and BoCC events necessitate

• Knowledge of public affairs, media strategy, print and broadcast media.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of style guidelines for writing news releases and language usage and terminology used by various news media.
• Ability to effectively communicate with the public and collaborate and partner with local jurisdictions and agencies as needed.
• Ability to present information in a clear and concise manner both orally and in written form to various audiences.
• Experience writing speeches at a senior leadership level and working with senior leadership to prepare for speeches, etc.
• Ability to handle sensitive information appropriately, with tact and diplomacy.
• Use sound judgment in the release of information and effectively communicate highly sensitive information.
• Collaborate with Communications team, Adams County Health Department, and Office of Emergency Management to create and implement a crisis communications plan.
• Knowledge of social media engagement strategies
• Ability to make effective and interesting oral presentations.
• Ability to organize a news conference.
• Ability to effectively and persuasively write and edit, including excellent stylistic and grammar skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple projects, meeting required deadlines, and handling more than one project simultaneously.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with county officials, co-workers, media, community partners, and residents.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.
• Video voiceover experience a plus, but not requited.
• Experience with videography a plus, but not required.
• Experience in video script writing a plus, but not required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or closely related field required.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in public affairs, public information, communications, journalism, or public relations.
• Previous experience and/or knowledge of county or local government preferred, but not required.
• Must have a demonstrated track record in media relations and crisis communication. Extensive public speaking experience is a must.
• Previous experience working with elected officials preferred, but not required.

Other:

• This will be a hybrid position with some in-office and remote work once training has been completed.

Adams County provides a comprehensive benefits package to employees that goes above and beyond what is offered at most organizations.

Click here to watch our video about why Adams County is an Employer of Choice!

Benefits You Expect:

• AFLAC Supplemental Medical Insurance
• Basic Term Life & Optional Term Life Insurance
• Deferred Compensation Plan
• Dental/Vision/Medical Plans
• Generous Vacation/Sick leave
• Long-Term Disability
• Retirement Plan
• Short-Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Fitness Center
• Employee Health Clinics
• Flexible Work Schedules
• Recreation Center Discounts
• Training & Tuition Reimbursement Programs
• Wellness programs