Canton Public Information & Health Communications Manager

Public Information & Health Communications Manager

The Public Information & Health Communications Manager leads Canton City Public Health's communications, public information, and community engagement efforts to advance awareness of public health programs, services, and priorities. Serving as the department's Public Information Officer (PIO), this position develops and implements strategic communication initiatives, manages public messaging and media relations, and supports emergency and risk communications. The position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to promote community engagement, strengthen public trust, and ensure communications align with organizational goals, public health best practices, and accessibility standards.

The Public Information & Health Communications Manager provides supervision and direction to the Performance Improvement & Accreditation Coordinator and supports organizational accreditation, performance improvement, and communications continuity efforts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to public health practice and embrace the mission, vision, and values of Canton City Public Health.

Position Summary:

The Public Information & Health Communications Manager leads Canton City Public Health's communications, public information, and community engagement efforts to advance awareness of public health programs, services, and priorities. Serving as the department's Public Information Officer (PIO), this position develops and implements strategic communication initiatives, manages public messaging and media relations, and supports emergency and risk communications. The position collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to promote community engagement, strengthen public trust, and ensure communications align with organizational goals, public health best practices, and accessibility standards.

The Public Information & Health Communications Manager provides supervision and direction to the Performance Improvement & Accreditation Coordinator and supports organizational accreditation, performance improvement, and communications continuity efforts. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to public health practice and embrace the mission, vision, and values of Canton City Public Health.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage the department's communication plan, branding guide, and messaging strategies and campaigns for public health programs.
• Conduct audience analysis and evaluate communication campaign effectiveness using engagement and performance metrics.
• Develop communication strategies tailored to diverse populations and priority public health initiatives.
• Support internal communication initiatives that promote organizational awareness, employee engagement, emergency notifications, and consistent agency messaging.
• Regularly communicate with team members and community members.
• Collaborate with all divisions of CCPH to support communication, outreach, education, and public awareness activities.
• Develop data visualizations, infographics, dashboards, and reports that communicate public health trends and outcomes to internal and external audiences.
• Handle media inquiries, write press releases, and manage public relations for routine matters and public health emergencies.
• Supervise direct report staff: assign duties; complete employee evaluations, career development, training matrix responsibilities, and disciplinary actions (as necessary); oversee the accuracy and completeness of work, etc., in collaboration with the HPP Director.
• Create and revise processes and policies to ensure efficient department communications.
• Serve as an active member of the Division Leadership Team (DLT), collaborating on division operations, strategic planning, resource allocation, policy development, and organizational decision-making.
• Create and update content for social media, websites, and newsletters to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
• Monitor social media analytics, website traffic, and campaign performance to improve engagement and outreach effectiveness.
• Monitor and respond appropriately to public comments, misinformation, and emerging communication concerns in coordination with department leadership.
• Prepare communication performance reports and recommend strategies for improving public engagement and outreach effectiveness.
• Communicate scientific, technical, and public health information in clear, accurate, and accessible language for diverse audiences.
• Capture and produce photography, video, and multimedia content supporting public health communication initiatives.
• Ensure all digital and printed communications comply with accessibility and plain language best practices, including ADA, Section 508, and digital accessibility best practices where applicable. Develop culturally responsive messaging appropriate for diverse community populations.
• Develop educational materials and campaigns for health initiatives (e.g., vaccination clinics, disease…