ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS - Plans, develops, and implements comprehensive County-wide marketing, communications, public relations, and community engagement strategies to support the BOCC, CEO, and executive leadership initiatives. Provides strategic advice to the BOCC and CEO regarding complex issues, public perception, emerging concerns, and policy-related communication impacts. Leads the development of policy-related communication materials and collaborates with internal and external partners to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely messaging on County initiatives, public policies, and community priorities. Coordinates, leads, and implements proactive community engagement strategies that build understanding, transparency, and trust between the County and residents, community partners, business organizations, and stakeholders. Serves as spokesperson for the County when designated and assists the BOCC and CEO with responses to media inquiries, public information requests, interviews, and issue-specific messaging. Represents the County at public meetings, briefings, and community events. Crafts, reviews, and disseminates key communication tools including fact sheets, presentations, briefings, policy updates, newsletters, public reports, media releases, and digital content for web and social media platforms. Works closely with County departments, public information staff, and communication managers in a matrix environment to align messaging and ensure consistency across all County platforms. Partners with County lobbyists, policy advisors, and subject matter experts to research, evaluate, interpret, and communicate policy proposals, legislative updates, ordinances, resolutions, and Board initiatives to internal and external audiences. Leads engagement efforts for targeted initiatives, including public outreach campaigns, listening sessions, community education efforts, and feedback collection. Utilizes engagement data to inform communication strategies and policy recommendations. Develops and monitors County branding and graphic standards as approved by the BOCC, ensuring consistency and adherence across all communication channels. Manages the County’s external website content for assigned areas to ensure accurate, relevant, and accessible information for the public. Provides technical support to leadership for County-wide public information programs, including scripting, speaking points, editing, and message alignment. Builds and maintains strong working relationships with media, elected officials, community partners, business organizations, state and regional agencies, and constituent groups to support policy communication and strategic outreach. Participates in planning, research, and analysis to support long-term public policy, communications, and engagement strategies for major County and regional initiatives. Directs emergency communication and public information efforts during County-wide or region-wide incidents and collaborates with regional partners as needed. Develops and delivers media training for County officials and staff to ensure effective message delivery and consistency. Leads, mentors, and develops assigned staff through collaborative supervision, clear expectations, coaching, and performance evaluation. Performs other related duties as assigned. Performs other related duties as required/assigned. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Political Science, Marketing, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Communications, or a related field is preferred but not required. Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in communications, public relations, public policy, community engagement, or a related field. Or, a combination of education and experience to be able to perform the essential functions of the position. Experience advising executive leadership and supporting policy, legislative, or strategic initiatives is strongly preferred. A valid driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation. NOTE: Incumbents in this classification may be required to attend evening and weekend events. Additionally, duties may require travel, including overnight travel.