Director of Communications and Public Information

The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill one (1) regular, full-time position in the class of Director of Communications and Public Information at the County Administrator's Office. The first application review date is 30 days after the initial publication of this job announcement.

The County Administrator's Office implements the policies and strategic plan of the county organization, as set by the Board of Supervisors, and provides executive management for the County departments and agencies. For additional info, see County Administrator | Yolo County.

The Director of Communications and Public Information manages the County’s communications with the public through press releases, social media, videos, live media and the County website. The Director informs and engages the community and other stakeholders regarding County activities, services, and strategies. The Director also functions as the County Spokesperson which requires knowledge of County programs and policies. As a member of the County Emergency Operations Center personnel, the Director acts in a lead capacity in disseminating information during an emergency.

• is an experienced, dedicated, innovative, and proactive media relations professional who possesses outstanding team-leading skills, high integrity, solid ethical standards, and can exercise appropriate independent judgment.
• understands the dynamics of County government and is exceptional in the art of articulating messages to the community through all available outlets.
• enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and is able to respond quickly and thoroughly to Yolo County’s communications/information needs.
• has strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.
• is highly collaborative and successful at cultivating and maintaining effective working relationships with their teams, the community, media outlets, and other agencies.
• leads by example and delivers outstanding customer service with compassion and empathy at all times.
• has experience working in multilingual communities.

To view the full Director of Communications and Public Information job description, .

Interested applicants should submit an online County of Yolo Employment Application, resume, verification of education, and responses to the supplemental questions at the time of filing. For important and detailed information regarding the application and selection process for this recruitment, please see the APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS section of this job announcement.

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Leads the development, implementation and evaluation of the highly visible County-wide communications and public information program that supports organizational priorities and engages internal and external audiences.
• Serves as the County’s advisor on media relations, public messaging and communication strategy and coaches County leaders and departments on media protocols and response practices.
• Prepares, and directs the creation and dissemination of written, digital and multimedia materials including newsletters, reports, press releases, speeches, presentations and major publications.
• Acts as the County’s primary spokesperson and represents the organization with the media, community groups, partner agencies and the public.
• Provides strategic oversight of the County’s digital presence including social media, website content, branding and digital engagement to ensure accuracy, consistency and effective messaging.
• Builds and maintains relationships with media outlets, community organizations and internal stakeholders and responds to complex and sensitive inquiries with professionalism and tact.
• Leads and implements County public outreach efforts including briefings, workshops, events and major communication campaigns and directs emergency communication planning and participation in the Emergency Operations Center when needed.
• Guides cross-departmental communication initiatives to ensure consistent messaging and alignment with County policies and priorities.
• Develops and implements communication policies, procedures and standards that promote…