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DEFINITION
The Director of Communications plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Communications Department; serves as a key member of the District’s management team; implements comprehensive District government relations, community outreach, and media relations programs and activities; oversees the planning, development, and maintenance of educational programs for youth and adult learning institutions within the District; coordinates assigned activities with other District departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationship among District departments and with governmental and regulatory agencies and various community groups.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
The Director of Communications receives administrative direction from the District Manager. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

CLASS CHARACTERISTIC 
The Director of Communications oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Communications Department, including short- and long-term planning, as well as development and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. Successful performance of the work requires knowledge of public policy, District functions and activities, including the role of the Board of Trustees, and the ability to develop, oversee, and implement projects and programs in a variety of areas. Responsibilities include coordinating the activities of the department with those of other departments and outside agencies; and managing and overseeing the complex and varied functions of the department. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing departmental planning and operational goals and objectives, and for furthering District goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.  

The Director of Communications is an active component of the District’s management team that collaborates to assist the District Manager in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating the District’s goals and objectives.

Examples of Duties / Knowledge & Skills

EXAMPLE OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

The District reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

  • Develops, and implements strategic communications, public relations, and branding campaigns that increase public awareness and support of District programs, services, and activities and enhance the District’s prominence among key audiences.
  • Develops, directs, oversees, and implements comprehensive public and governmental relations programs utilizing various forms of media, including press releases, marketing collateral, videos, newsletters, public service announcements, social media, articles, speeches, position papers and other District-produced informational publications; oversees and determines methods of presentation, distribution, and assessment of information to target audiences; represents the District in governmental relations.
  • Manages and participates in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; maintains and monitors appropriate budgeting controls; monitors compliance with budget parameters and general financial policies.
  • Oversees the formulation, strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of the District’s communications, education, government, and community relations programs, projects, and activities.
  • Manage training opportunities for staff to maintain state certification; coordinate paperwork submissions for staff to take state examinations as related to certification; and assist staff with inquiries regarding the acquisition of and maintenance of state certification.
  • Promotes District-sponsored community events, activities, and programs; acts as a liaison to target audiences such as residents, learning institutions, and community groups in providing information and promoting positive public health behavior change.
  • Directs, coordinates, and procures mass media advertising, including radio, television, newspaper, magazines, social media networks, podcasts, and websites for maximum return on investment of time and resources.
  • Travels periodically to conferences, trainings and/or meetings on behalf of the District.
  • Attends and participates in meetings of the Board, commissions, and committees as required and serves on assigned committees, community groups, and task forces; prepares board presentations and reports; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to public and governmental relations programs.
  • Manages, directs and coordinates the work plan for the assigned function; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors workflow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
  • Receives inquiries and provides information to the public regarding a wide variety of topics and successfully communicates with the public, other agencies, target audiences, and a variety of news media; responds to media questions and inquiries.
  • Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints; and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
  • Ensures staff observe and comply with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Education and Experience 
Bachelor's degree, from an accredited college or university with an emphasis on communications, journalism, public health, biological sciences, or related field; Master’s degree is preferred; AND five (5) years of experience managing a public outreach, campaign development, marketing, or public affairs program. Relevant experience should include extensive contact with the public, members of the private industry and governmental entities in a public education or public relations capacity.

Candidates possessing an equivalent combination of qualifying work experience and education as described above will be considered.

License and Certifications
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license by time of appointment.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, certification in Public Health Vector Control Categories A-D, as required by the California Department of Public Health, within one year of the date of hire and maintained throughout employment in this classification.

Knowledge of:
  • Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program and project development, implementation and evaluation, and supervision of staff, either directly or through subordinate levels of supervision.
  • Public agency budget development, contract administration, District administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
  • Principles and practices of leadership.
  • Principles, practices, and techniques used in an effective marketing and public relations program, including governmental relations, advertising, strategic communications, and community relations.
  • Principles, practices, and procedures related to media relations, media law, reporting, and news writing.
  • Basic knowledge of content management systems for websites and digital marketing; and their integration into a strategic communications plan. 
  • Basic knowledge of vector control, biology, and entomology.
  • Theoretical and applied research findings about the process of learning and behavior change. 
  • Research methods and analysis techniques.
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinance, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
  • District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
  • The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
  • Methods and techniques of media design and print reproductions, including the use of equipment and graphic arts software.

Ability to:
  • Plan, organize, and manage a variety of public information, media, design, and legislative related activities and programs.
  • Coordinate assigned operations with District departments and external agencies.
  • Develop effective learning institution and community outreach strategies and campaigns with District-wide and organizational impact.
  • Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
  • Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
  • Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for the Communications Department and the District.
  • Prepare and administer budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
  • Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
  • Understand and apply all pertinent law, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  • Effectively represent the department and the District in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.
  • Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
  • Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgement within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
  • Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
  • Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Supplemental information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various District and meeting sites; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds. In all cases with heavier objects, the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff is required.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

POST-OFFER PHYSICAL EXAMINATION 
A medical doctor must certify that a candidate is physically able to perform the duties of the position and is free of illegal substances as determined by a drug screen. A medical doctor and/or laboratory designated by the District shall perform the post-offer physical examination and drug screen and the District shall pay all costs.

THIS ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY
The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with an employee's Form I-9 information to confirm that they are authorized to work in the U.S. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In accordance, the District will provide the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration, with information from each employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information regarding E-Verify, the Federal Government's online employment eligibility verification system, please visit www.dhs.gov/e-verify.

The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector District reserves the right to modify, delete, augment, or supplement the duties, qualifications, and requirements stated at its sole and absolute discretion.