Community Affairs Manager - Public Works

Salary: $71,705.92 - $114,729.42 Annually
Location : Vero Beach, FL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 01893
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 02/10/2025
Closing Date: Continuous

Description
Welcome, we are excited you are here.
Take a peek at what our beautiful County has to offer -
Community Affairs Manager - Public Works:

Responsible for professional level work to include serving as a member of the County Administration's Cross-Departmental Communication Team, developing a comprehensive communications strategy for the Public Works Department, managing the Public Works Department's intergovernmental affairs and communications, managing the front-line Customer Service Desk, and the department web page.
This exempt, at-will position works under the general direction of the Public Works Director in collaboration with the Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager. The Public Works Community Affairs Manager will manage content creation, public outreach, and public education programs, as well as oversee public meetings and assist with media relations. This role also involves supporting grant research, proposal writing, and intergovernmental affairs in coordination with the Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager. This position serves as an integral member of the team charged with enhancing public and community relations for the County with a specific focus on the Public Works Department.

Essential Job Duties
Services Content Creation and Digital Presence Management:

• Lead the creation, coordination, and maintenance of digital content for all Public Works and its divisions on the Indian River County website.
• Collaborate with the County Webmaster to ensure timely updates and maintenance of the County's website sections related to Public Works.
• Utilize social media platforms to distribute marketing and educational campaigns to raise public awareness and engage the community.

Public Meetings and Community Engagement:

• Schedule and coordinate public information meetings for Public Works ensuring all logistics are effectively managed.
• Prepare presentations, charts, aerial displays, and construction exhibits for public meetings, facilitating community input and transparency.
• Act as a spokesperson for the County, delivering clear and concise public statements, attending meetings, and representing the Department at public forums and events.

Grants Research and Development:

• Identify and evaluate relevant grant opportunities for the programs and projects in Public Works and its divisions.
• Write grant proposals and assist in securing funding for key projects, working cross-departmentally to ensure alignment with County objectives.
• Collaborate with the Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager in the grant application process.

Legislative Affairs and Public Relations Support:

• Work closely with the County's Legislative Affairs and Communications Manager to support the Department's legislative agenda, advocating and lobbying on behalf of Public Works and its divisions.
• Assist with preparing press releases, media kits, and public statements to ensure positive media coverage.
• Manage relationships with local media, municipal agencies, stakeholders, and governmental bodies to ensure effective communication and community outreach.

Public Education and Information Programs:

• Develop and implement public education and awareness programs for the Public Works Department, including creating educational materials, presentations, and promotional campaigns.
• Coordinate project tours and community outreach initiatives to engage residents, schools, and other community stakeholders.

Crisis Communication and Internal Collaboration:

• Assist with crisis communication efforts, ensuring consistent messaging across all divisions within the Department during emergencies or unexpected events that impact public services.
• Coordinate internal communication with other departments to align strategies and ensure the consistent dissemination of public information.
• Provide administrative support as needed, including reviewing service request tracking systems and maintaining accurate public records.

Performance Reporting and Stakeholder Relations:

• Oversee the front desk, managing citizen inquiries, and customer service protocols.
• Prepare regular reports for the Public Works Director and Legislative Affairs Manager on communication efforts, public engagement, media coverage, and grant activities.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including media, local government officials, non-profits, and community leaders, to foster collaboration and enhance the County's public image.

Typical Requirements
Education and Experience:

• Associate's degree and 4 years of directly related experience in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and graphic design capability.
• Strong organizational skills and project management knowledge.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize multiple tasks.

Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:

• A valid Florida driver's license is required.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:
Knowledge of marketing, media and communication strategies.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) as well as presentation and design software programs.

Knowledge of office policies and procedures.

Knowledge and practice of organizational and time management skills.

Ability to operate various office equipment.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to prepare and deliver public presentations.

Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to use a personal computer and various computer programs.

Ability to read and comprehend information from a variety of sources and prepare correspondence, grant applications, and reports.

Ability to effectively interact and establish working relationships with staff and the public.

Ability to research documents.

Supplemental Information
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
This position is primarily office-based but may require travel to various locations for public meetings, site visits, presentations, and community outreach events, including an occasional outdoor event.
This position is not a hybrid or remote position.
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position activities and requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and assign other duties as necessary. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
JOB DESCRIPTION / ADA ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ATTESTATION

I understand that a qualified employee or applicant with a disability may be afforded a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential job functions of a position in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

I have read the job description for the above position and understand the job duties, requirements, and responsibilities for the position. I attest that I am able to perform the essential functions as outlined in the job description either with or without accommodation. I understand that if I require accommodation, I will contact the Human Resources Department to request accommodation.
If I have any questions about the job duties described in the above job description, I should discuss them with my immediate supervisor or a member of the Human Resources staff.
I have discussed any questions I may have had about this job description prior to signing this
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This is a salaried position exempt from overtime pay. Exempt employees are provided four administrative leave days per calendar year in addition to vacation leave, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, and a personal day. Please review our benefits handbook at