Job Description

Under the supervision of the Department of Strategic Impact Director, oversees project management and support needs, which includes research and analysis, technical communications, and public-relations, educational materials and presentations, for an array of high-profile and complex DSI initiatives. Oversees and assigns tasks to Project Support Specialist position(s) to execute the communication and technical project assistance needs of the Department in an effective and timely manner.

This is a full-time benefited position working out of the Fillmore Complex in West Olive, MI.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 
  Prepares or directs the preparation of technical reports, in-depth research, and effective strategic communication campaigns and educational materials for an array of department programs and initiatives.
• Leads the design, development, and execution of research projects to provide data and analysis to support informed decision-making with respect to department initiatives
• Provides technical direction for and assistance to Project Support Specialist staff in conducting research, data analysis, drafting of technical reports, letters, and communications materials, and formatting data reports and executing other research functions.
• Performs macro-level analyses including financial trending, economic trending, budgetary analysis, and projections
• Leads efforts to raise public awareness and understanding of initiatives and DSI’s mission and role; ensures all activities, ongoing and planned, position DSI for project success.
• Conceives of, creates, and oversees the release of unique and effective DSI project content utilizing a variety of traditional and digital media including (but not limited to) print, social media, video, and more.
• Coordinates communication between DSI and external constituents such as community groups, local and regional organizations and the general public to ensure cohesive message.
• Prepares an annual plan for communications and promotional activities, assists in the planning and organizing of special events, meetings, trainings and other projects, securing meeting sites, ancillary services such as catering and equipment, and other support.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in public or business administration, communications, applied economic or statistics, or related field with at least five years of progressively responsibility and experience in communications, research methodology, data analysis, public relations, graphic design, and/or other related field.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• 
  Strong research skills and the ability to learn and intelligently summarize technical subject matter and see the big picture.
• Possesses knowledge of the principles and practices of effective communications, marketing, branding, public relations, journalism, graphic design, photography, videography, website design, and more.
• Possess a thorough understanding of local government services and operations and how it relates to other units of government.
• Highly skilled in graphic design, presentation design, writing, editing for both a professional and general audience. Has some photography and videography experience, or is willing to learn.
• Expert knowledge in a variety of communication software tools including Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or other desktop or Cloud-based publishing tools, video editing tools, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, and other related to areas of responsibility. Possesses the aptitude to learn other technology as necessary.
• Capacity to absorb information quickly, thinking comprehensively, analyzing thoroughly, and act strategically, is versatile and self-motivated.
• Possesses editing skills for clarity, appropriateness and grammar, has an eye for photography and graphics.
• Ability to critically assess and respond to workplace challenges, problem-solve, and to work effectively within deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team, possess self-supervising attribute and have a positive, congenial attitude.
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional research skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, accurate mathematical skills.
• Extensive knowledge of GIS applications and flowcharting software.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with County, state and local unit officials, executives and administrators; employees, community and business representatives, and members of the general public with widely divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of communication skills and analytical knowledge and sophistication.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a normal office environment.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Job Description

Under the supervision of the Department of Strategic Impact Director, oversees project management and support needs, which includes research and analysis, technical communications, and public-relations, educational materials and presentations, for an array of high-profile and complex DSI initiatives. Oversees and assigns tasks to Project Support Specialist position(s) to execute the communication and technical project assistance needs of the Department in an effective and timely manner.

This is a full-time benefited position working out of the Fillmore Complex in West Olive, MI.

Essential Job Functions

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• 
  Prepares or directs the preparation of technical reports, in-depth research, and effective strategic communication campaigns and educational materials for an array of department programs and initiatives.
• Leads the design, development, and execution of research projects to provide data and analysis to support informed decision-making with respect to department initiatives
• Provides technical direction for and assistance to Project Support Specialist staff in conducting research, data analysis, drafting of technical reports, letters, and communications materials, and formatting data reports and executing other research functions.
• Performs macro-level analyses including financial trending, economic trending, budgetary analysis, and projections
• Leads efforts to raise public awareness and understanding of initiatives and DSI’s mission and role; ensures all activities, ongoing and planned, position DSI for project success.
• Conceives of, creates, and oversees the release of unique and effective DSI project content utilizing a variety of traditional and digital media including (but not limited to) print, social media, video, and more.
• Coordinates communication between DSI and external constituents such as community groups, local and regional organizations and the general public to ensure cohesive message.
• Prepares an annual plan for communications and promotional activities, assists in the planning and organizing of special events, meetings, trainings and other projects, securing meeting sites, ancillary services such as catering and equipment, and other support.
• Performs other functions as assigned.

Required Education, Training and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in public or business administration, communications, applied economic or statistics, or related field with at least five years of progressively responsibility and experience in communications, research methodology, data analysis, public relations, graphic design, and/or other related field.

Additional Requirements and Information

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• 
  Strong research skills and the ability to learn and intelligently summarize technical subject matter and see the big picture.
• Possesses knowledge of the principles and practices of effective communications, marketing, branding, public relations, journalism, graphic design, photography, videography, website design, and more.
• Possess a thorough understanding of local government services and operations and how it relates to other units of government.
• Highly skilled in graphic design, presentation design, writing, editing for both a professional and general audience. Has some photography and videography experience, or is willing to learn.
• Expert knowledge in a variety of communication software tools including Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or other desktop or Cloud-based publishing tools, video editing tools, GovDelivery, Mailchimp, and other related to areas of responsibility. Possesses the aptitude to learn other technology as necessary.
• Capacity to absorb information quickly, thinking comprehensively, analyzing thoroughly, and act strategically, is versatile and self-motivated.
• Possesses editing skills for clarity, appropriateness and grammar, has an eye for photography and graphics.
• Ability to critically assess and respond to workplace challenges, problem-solve, and to work effectively within deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team, possess self-supervising attribute and have a positive, congenial attitude.
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional research skills.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, accurate mathematical skills.
• Extensive knowledge of GIS applications and flowcharting software.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• Ability to interact positively and professionally with County, state and local unit officials, executives and administrators; employees, community and business representatives, and members of the general public with widely divergent socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and varying levels of communication skills and analytical knowledge and sophistication.

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodations, including, but not limited to, visual and/or audiological appliances and devices to increase mobility.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed in a normal office environment.

Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is benefited and is subject to the Unclassified group manual.

Ottawa County offers a wide range of benefits to support you in your career. View the Benefits page for more information.

The current Unclassified group manual can be viewed here. The 2023 Ottawa County Universal Wage Scale can be found here (Download PDF reader).