Gov & Com Relations Associate

The purpose of the class is to support and maintain the mission of the County’s Government and Community Services Department; to improve the quality of life for Richland County constituents through outreach, advocacy, strategic programming, and education. This position develops, promotes, and maintains professional, collaborative, and cooperative relationships with internal (County staff and Council) and external stakeholders (elected and appointed officials, business community, schools, and designated community agencies);

engages and involves the public in policies and practices that directly impact communities; measures the impact of initiatives through surveys, reports, and involvement; effectively communicates accurate and essential information to all audiences in conjunction with other County departments’ serves as an outlet between the County and its constituents, customers, and partners; and works to continuously improve public involvement in the government process.

This position is also responsible for ensuring GCS programs and services delivered are consistent with the Richland County Mission to provide essential services, efficiently and effectively, in order to improve the quality of life for its citizens with minimal bureaucracy, with integrity, and within the parameters and power set forth in applicable federal, state, and local laws.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

Represents the Department and County in various meetings with boards, commissions, civic groups, and officials of other agencies; provides assistance to community agencies, community groups, and appointed/elected officials; and acts as a liaison between such groups/agencies and Richland County government.

Works with other County departments to receive and respond to public inquiries, concerns, and complaints regarding the services, programs, and personnel of the County.

Participates in Department marketing and public relations efforts; makes public presentations to inform the public about Department projects and programs; and receives public input.

Assists co-workers with projects and assignments as necessary.

Attends training, conferences, seminars, workshops, etc., as necessary to enhance job knowledge and skills; in-county travel is required.

Performs general administrative duties as required, including: preparing reports and correspondence; entering and retrieving computer data; preparing spreadsheets; copying and filing documents; answering the telephone; etc.

Assists in developing departmental policies and procedures.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAININGAssociate Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business Administration, Communications, Education, or a closely related field.

Two (2) years of related work experience.

-or-Any combination of education and experience that meets the requirements for performing the essential functions of this job.

Licenses/Certifications/Other:

Must possess a valid state driver’s license.

Must have demonstrated understanding of political processes (local, state, and federal); strong organizational skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; demonstrated ability to work with multiple constituencies and demonstrate diplomacy; and demonstrated ability to research, analyze, and recommend strategies for program and policy development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Data Involvement:
Requires synthesizing or integrating data or information analysis to discover facts or develop knowledge or interpretations; then recommending changes to policies, procedures, or methodologies based on new facts, knowledge, or interpretations.

People Involvement:
Requires collaboration, coordination, communication, negotiating, and exchanging ideas, information, and opinions with others to formulate policy and programs or arrive jointly at decisions, conclusions, or solutions; requires persuading or influencing others in favor of a service, point of view, or course of action as well as continuous interaction with general public concerns; requires giving information, guidance, or assistance to…