Community Affairs Manager- Utilities

Community Affairs Manager
- Utilities:

This is a professional position working under the general direction of the Director of the Department of Utility Services. The position helps to increase public awareness through the implementation of a community relations program for the Department of Utility Services. The position is responsible for professional level work developing a comprehensive communications strategy and managing the Department of Utility Services’ public affairs and communications through planning, implementing, and managing the community relations outreach program.

The position is an integral member of the cross‑departmental communications team and receives guidance and direction from the leader of this team. The position receives guidance and general direction from the management team but is expected to exercise a high degree of independent judgement, initiative, and problem‑solving abilities in planning, developing, and implementing assigned duties.

• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, statutes, policies, and procedures related to municipal utilities in the State of Florida and Indian River County.
• Plans, develops, and manages major public information and customer and community relations programs, events, and policies to enhance and foster community confidence in the IRC Department of Utility Services, its employees, and services.
• Researches and writes media releases, feature articles, scripts, and other material for website, newspapers, magazines, radio, television programs, social media platforms, collateral promotional materials, and advertising campaigns.
• Works as a liaison with other County Departments, jurisdictions/agencies, and community stakeholders to coordinate the Utilities Department agenda.
• Works with the County Legislative Affairs & Communications Manager during the legislative process, advocating and lobbying on behalf of the Department of Utility Services.
• Ability to maintain the Department of Utility Services’ website as a mechanism for the distribution of pertinent information. This includes writing, editing, and ensuring content is updated to maintain accuracy and consistency in appearance.
• Ability to utilize social media platforms to assist with the distribution of marketing and ad campaigns to build the community’s knowledge surrounding the Department.
• Produces or supervises the production and dissemination of annual reports, folders, fact sheets, bulletins, brochures, bill inserts, and other information and promotional publications.
• Ability to work cooperatively with other department staff to research the availability and applicability of grants.
• May perform as a guest speaker to any group or organization within the County.
• May represent the Director and/or the Department at conferences and meetings.
• Provide or coordinate tours of Department facilities to students or various interested parties.
• Essential employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency.
• Perform related work as assigned.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Management, Political Science, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in marketing, public relations, or public information for a government agency or for a private agency servicing local government clients.
• Experience with videography and film is preferred.
• Experience with water and/or wastewater systems is preferred.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential function of the job can be substituted for the above qualifications.

• Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver’s license.

• Skill in oral and written communication, public speaking, and detailed problem‑solving.
• Skill with video equipment and equipment used to create online content.
• Knowledge of social media outlets and the ability to create content to share with the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with city employees, customers, and the general public and be able to give…