Public Affairs Specialist ** INTERNAL APPLICANTS ONLY **

Flagler County is dedicated to enriching the lives of those we serve and strives to deliver a vibrant and prosperous community with a focus on providing exceptional quality of life.  As we work together to put the needs of our community first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans – to take care of you and your family now, and in the future.  And with continuing education and advancement opportunities, you can build a long, successful career with us.  You’ll thrive in an environment where we build a culture of innovation by encouraging collaboration and empowering staff to facilitate positive outcomes. We understand the importance of work/life balance, having flexible work schedules and the ability to be able to afford health insurance.  That’s why our benefits are known to be some of the best around!  We offer a robust benefit package that includes low-cost health insurance, no cost onsite wellness center and gym, retirement in the Florida Retirement System, County paid basic life insurance, 14 paid holidays, generous personal leave, tuition reimbursement, longevity pay, and wellness programs to support a happier, healthier you. At Flagler County we aspire to be the catalyst that makes us an employer of choice.

Position Summary:
This professional position encompasses a broad range of communications, public relations, outreach, multimedia production, and engagement duties. The Public Affairs Specialist assists in developing and executing comprehensive public information strategies, manages media relations, produces multi-platform content (written, digital, video, and graphic), coordinates and leads public events and outreach initiatives, handles crisis and emergency communications, and fosters community partnerships to enhance public understanding, trust, and engagement with Flagler County government. The incumbent will work both independently and in a team-oriented environment.

Essential Functions

• Assists in developing and implementing public information, public relations, public outreach, and engagement strategies.
• Collaborates in the creative design process for written, digital, graphic, and video content related to Flagler County.
• Develops story ideas, gathers information, works with other departments and external agencies, coordinates interviews, conducts research and fact-checking, and writes/produces content to create county and departmental news stories, press releases, newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, web content, speeches, and collateral material.
• Assists in crisis and emergency communications as needed; remains on-call and available to respond after hours, during disasters, or in the Emergency Operations Center; supports public information efforts during incidents in coordination with Emergency Management.
• Directs the recording, production, and broadcast/live stream of Board of County Commissioners meetings, workshops, and special events; operates video cameras and equipment to capture county activities.
• Researches, conducts interviews, writes scripts, shoots, edits, and produces original video content for use on social media, website, YouTube, and other platforms.
• Produces and hosts small- to-medium-scale special events, including ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, award ceremonies, open houses, town halls, public information sessions, and other countywide outreach activities.
• Produces and manages content for Flagler County social media outlets; coordinates and implements social media campaigns; monitors trends, engages with users, analyzes metrics, and reports on performance.
• Captures photographs and video at events, facilities, programs, and projects for communications use.
• Prepares media relations materials for events and campaigns, including press releases, advisories, spokesperson prep, briefings, and post-event analysis.
• Edits publications such as “Coast to Country” magazine, the internal employee newsletter, a weekly public-facing newsletter, and other updates.
• Submits nominations for county projects/awards (e.g., NEFRC, FAC, NACo).
• Monitors performance metrics, community feedback, and news relevant to Flagler County; produces data-driven reports, KPIs, and recommendations to improve outreach and communications effectiveness.
• Performs other duties and special projects as assigned. 
• In the event of an emergency, position is required to respond/perform duties as assigned and to work extended shifts in the Emergency Operations Center or other assigned locations within the County, to include holidays or weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, public administration; or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years experience in journalism, marketing, public relations, events, government administration, or a closely related field.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Any equivalent combination of related training, education and experience may be substituted on a year for year basis. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of journalistic principles and practices including techniques of planning, composing, and editing written, electronic, and video content for mass communication.
• Knowledge of audio and video equipment operations, and production and editing principles.
• Knowledge of best practices and principles of public information, public relations, and media relations.
• Ability to operate computers and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to write and assemble interesting and informative news articles, releases, pamphlets, brochures, scripts, speeches, and related publicity materials.
• Ability to use digital cameras and video cameras to produce original content.
• Must be able to comprehend, speak and write the English language.
• Must possess good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent writing, editing, public speaking, and media relations skills; able to craft clear, persuasive messaging for diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to design and execute multi-channel communications campaigns and to produce high-quality promotional materials and digital content.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Creative Cloud or Canva, social media management tools, and content management systems; familiarity with basic audio/video production and editing preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends and to travel countywide as needed.
• Professional demeanor with strong customer service orientation and ability to represent the County in public settings.

• 30 lbs. maximum lifting.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to stand for extended periods at events.
• Ability to perform moderate physical activity associated with event setup.
• Good eyesight for production or safety of self and others.
• Position requires good hand dexterity for operating equipment; ability to hear, comprehend and respond to patrons, co-workers and supervisors both orally and in writing. 
• Subject to working in outdoor weather conditions and high volume public enviroments.