Communications/Community Relations Director

Morrow, GA

Department:              Communications

Pay Grade:                 119                                        

FLSA Status:             Exempt

Pay Range                  Min $135,476 / Mid $176,117 / Max $216,763

DEADLINE:                Open Until Filled

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for CCWA Communications strategy ensuring that it is timely and aligns with CCWA vision, mission, goals, objectives, and crisis communications. In addition, the position is responsible for management and oversight of outreach and public education activities associated with the Newman Wetlands Center. It is also responsible for all public outreach and public participation programs, media relations, brand management, and all project-related communications with customers and other stakeholders. Manages all community education/engagement activities including conservation programs, public outreach components, participation in statewide water planning and legislative activities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:      

• Directs internal and external communications strategy for CCWA. Ensures strategy is up-to-date and aligns with CCWA vision, mission, goals, crisis communications and objectives.
• Serves as spokesperson for media relations; performs media relations duties; writes and distributes news releases; organizes press conferences; and receives, researches, and responds to requests from the media.
• Responsible for establishing goals and objectives for public engagement as well as external and internal communications programs. Provides strategic support, guidance and recommendations to CCWA leadership while developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies and programs.
• Directs and manages public engagement and communications while leading employees in developing and administering internal and external communications, CCWA volunteer groups, and outreach programs.
• Develops and manages organizational change management strategies, plans, and messaging; helps manage change impact on projects or initiatives such as Prosci methodology, ADKAR models, and PCT Model.
• Responds to requests for assistance from CCWA officials and staff regarding print, web site, media releases, video, photography, or special events: reviews and evaluates projects; and reports as needed on the status of projects.
• Writes specifications and obtains bids for major projects; and researches, selects, and negotiates media purchases. Contracts with and manages consultants for public/community relations, graphic design, and other outside work when needed.
• Researches and develops marketing communications plans; determines target audience; and implements plan in various media platforms.
• Develops, coordinates, and promotes special events and activities.
• Oversees communications staff to ensure successful implementation and development of events, print and graphic materials, and program messaging as scoped, providing direction as needed. Responsible for the recruitment, hiring, mentoring, development, and retention of staff. Includes but not limited to development of plan for staff reporting, performance and compensation reviews, progressive counseling, and succession planning.
• Researches, prepares, and makes presentations to civic groups and the general public as required; responds to citizen inquiries on CCWA programs. Coordinates with Ambassadors who represent CCWA at community, school, and industry events; manages Tap and Go Outreach Initiative, plant tours, and participation in community events.
• Serves as webmaster for CCWA website. Manages social media accounts including content, scheduling, and responding to inquiries.

• Performs other assigned duties.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field; seven (7) years of experience in communications, public relations, or related field, to include management experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

• Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all CCWA or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• This position classifies the physical exertion requirements as light work involving lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, one must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities. If someone can do light work, then he or she can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.
• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

At CCWA, it is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees, including temporary employees, and applicants for employment based on qualifications, abilities, and merit. Therefore, CCWA prohibits discrimination against employees, applicants or any other legally covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity or expression), citizenship, genetic information, disability status, past, current, or prospective membership in the uniformed services or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to job advertisements, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, benefits, and training.

Clayton County Water Authority has the right to revise this position description at any time and does not represent in any way a contract of employment.