Community Relations Specialist - Economic Development

Job Description

PURPOSE SUMMARY.  Provide professional-level support to the Economic Development Department. Serve as a key contributor in building community partnerships and increasing public awareness of County programs, services, and initiatives. Lead, coordinate, and promote outreach efforts with schools, community associations, non-profit organizations, and businesses throughout Doña Ana County.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES. 

1. Engagement and Relationship Building

• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, community associations, non-profit organizations, and businesses.

• Represent the county at community meetings, forums, and public events.

• Serve as liaison to the County Manager department, educational institutions, businesses, community associations, and non-profit organizations.

• Foster relationships with community leaders, government agencies, and other stakeholders.

2. Program Development and Outreach

• Develop and implement outreach strategies, programs, and initiatives that align with the county’s strategic plan.

• Plan outreach efforts to increase public awareness and participation in county programs.

• Collaborate with county departments to align messaging and ensure consistent representation.

3. Communication and Marketing

• Maintain communication with stakeholders through newsletters, email updates, and public reports.

• Collaborate with communications staff to create and distribute promotional and educational materials.

• Represent the county at public events and meetings.

4. Event Coordination

• Plan, organize, and execute events, workshops, presentations, and other community activities.

• Manage logistics, budgets, and coordination for outreach events.

• Coordinate scheduling, materials, and follow-up for outreach activities.

5. Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect and analyze data to prepare special and recurring reports.

• Track and report outreach activities and stakeholder feedback.

• Use data to assess the effectiveness of engagement strategies and recommend improvements.

• Maintain a database of community contacts, businesses, partnerships, and engagement activities.

6. Budget Management

• Develop and manage annual budget for outreach initiatives.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES.  Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS.

A.  Education.  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public relations, business or public administration, or related field. Master’s degree in public relations, business or public administration, or related field preferred.

B.  Experience.  Four (4) years of experience in public relations, community engagement, outreach, communications, media relations, or a related field is required.

C.  Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County policy.

D.  Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver’s license. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy.

E.  Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background check and driving record check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Knowledge of:

• Administrative practices, theories, and methods.

• Principles and practices of public administration and county government.

• Customer service and public relations methods, policies, and practices.

• Principles and procedures of budget preparation and reporting.

Skill in:

• Developing and implementing outreach strategies that align with organizational goals.

• Analyzing data to evaluate program effectiveness and recommend improvements.

• Oral and written communication to prepare accurate, concise, and complete materials.

• Delivering presentations to small and large groups.

• Applying independent judgment to evaluate situations and determine appropriate action.

• Building and maintaining professional relationships with elected officials, community groups, businesses, and employees.

Ability to:

• Interact professionally with diverse groups including the public, businesses, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and county staff.

• Work productively in a collaborative and team-oriented environment.

• Maintain objectivity and confidentiality when handling complex or sensitive matters.

• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Represent the county in a professional and diplomatic manner in public settings.

Compensation Range

$56,825.60 - $92,227.20

Doña Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person’s race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doña Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see http://www.donaanacounty.org/ada/ for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call 575-647-7210 for assistance.

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