• Job Description

  Req#: R04173
  Job Title: Information and Communication Specialist II

  Department: Communications and Public Engagement

  Hiring Range: $58,450.38 - $71,845.29

  Compensation Grade: 3004

  Compensation Pay Range: $58,450.38 - $90,598.09

  Posted Internally and Externally

  Job Posting End Date: August 29, 2024

  Purpose of the position:

  The purpose of this position is to develop and disseminate information using internal and external communications across the organization to ensure an integrated message that supports and reflects the mission and vision of the Agency.

  Minimum Education, Training and/or Experience (required at time of hire): Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism, Communications, or closely related field, along with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  Essential Functions of the position:

  • Develop effective internal and external messaging and communication materials that are consistent, branded and targeted to the appropriate audience.
  • Write and edit news and informational communication materials; prepare and disseminate news releases and feature stories through various public information media outlets.
  • May perform public relations activities that involve developing relationships and coordinating activities with County staff other agencies, divisions, and private organizations.
  • May assist in responding to public records requests and may serve as agency spokesperson, representing the County, or specific department at community, public and private meetings, or events.
  • Create content for a variety of internal and external communication channels including social media, web, email, print, TV, video, and presentations.
  • Develop and produce web-based communications for the internal County Intranet and on the County website, keeping content up-to-date, interesting, and interactive; and ensure all content meets brand specifications and design standards.
  • Conduct ongoing reviews and updates of communications materials to ensure information is current and meets the needs of the county, clients, and general public.
  • Responsible for researching, analyzing, and compiling various data to support community communications.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.

  Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

  • Knowledge of journalistic, communication, and public relations principles and practices, as well as public relations communications practices and state public information laws.
  • Knowledge of the techniques for disseminating information to the public through a variety of news media.
  • Knowledge of the methods of planning, writing, and editing publications.
  • Ability to write according to correct English usage and accepted standards and magazine and press publications with an eye to graphic layout and design.
  • Ability to edit and analyze information materials prepared by others.
  • Written and verbal communication skills with ability to compose and communicate correspondence, memos, letters and reports with attention to detail and professionalism on all levels.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of vendors and other persons contacted in the course of work.

  In order to uphold internal pay parity and equity, salaries are non-negotiable for new and current Buncombe County employees. All new employees are paid according to their years of relevant education and experience above minimum requirements for the position and employees have the opportunity to obtain pay increases via cost of living increases and promotions.

  Buncombe County Government realizes the importance of a diverse professional workforce and the need to foster a responsive and innovative organizational culture, one that fully engages all of our employees, honoring and building on each employee's unique experiences, opinions, and perspective.

  It is the policy of Buncombe County to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, physical or mental disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected class under federal or NC State law. In addition, Buncombe County expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment or discrimination.

  Applicants for employment are invited to participate in the affirmative action program by reporting their status as a protected veteran or other minority. In extending this invitation, we advise you that: (a) workers (applicants) are under no obligation to respond but may do so in the future if they choose; (b) responses will remain confidential within the human resource department; and (c) responses will be used only for the necessary information to include in our affirmative action program. We are a company that values diversity. We actively encourage women, minorities, veterans and disabled employees to apply. Refusal to provide this information will have no bearing on your application and will not subject you to any adverse treatment.

• About the company

  Nestled in between the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains lies a serene treasure that is Buncombe County. We have been here for more than 200 years and are named after Col. Edward Buncombe, a Revolutionary War hero.

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