There is one 0.75 Full Time Equivalent Public Information Specialist position in the Community Engagement, Evidence and Partnerships Division of the Public Health and Social Services Department (PHSS).

This position will provide public with vital health information, and create positive awareness and understanding among all Thurston County residents of PHSS mission and programs. It leads department efforts to become more effective and strategic in external communications, and manages capacity of the department to publish information in media, including on-line, social and other/ traditional (print, radio, etc.) formats:

  • Maintains and updates style guide and templates for press release or other public documents.
  • Prepares press releases and media contact summaries for distribution to media and Board/County Management, respectively.
  • Serves as liaison with news media and the general public, as assigned on specific projects, building strong working relationships with local media and responding to media inquiries.

The position requires devoting time to coordination and conducting education and outreach on public health matters. It demands a high level of skills and training to be effective.

Supervises the production of graphic materials and key publications (Olympian Health Matters column; Talkin’ Trash page), explaining desired typography, illustrations, layouts, and other requirements to printers and other consultants.

Guides colleagues within PHSS to understand key elements of effective written and visual communication.

Contributes to the formation of partnerships and other positive relationships in the community, particularly with other communications specialists and on environmental health outreach, to ensure more extensive spread of public health information.

Serves as liaison for department with County Public Information Office and Public Information Officers coordinating with those staff and Commissioners, their staff, department heads and division and program managers on visual products and information that accompany speaking engagements, forums, workshops, meetings, and open houses; assists with design and production of associated promotional materials for those public meetings and events to facilitate a positive contact with Thurston County.

Manages internal and external communications functions in emergency response situations.

Works on education and outreach efforts, particularly on environmental health related to hazardous materials.

Plays central role in keeping PHSS website content current and developing social media strategies and content.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
  • Three (3) years of professional experience in public relations, communications, marketing, journalism or related field is required.
  • Current Washington State Driver’s License or have requested and obtained an appropriate accommodation.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Expression Web, PowerPoint and all Microsoft Office Programs.
  • Familiar with social media and the use of other various mediums used to communicate both internally and externally.

https://agency.governmentjobs.com/thurstonwa/default.cfm?action=view