Public Affairs & Communications Chief

at Gila County in Globe, Arizona, United States

Job Description

Under limited supervision serves as the County’s principal advisor and administrator for public affairs, strategic communications, public information, media relations, crisis communications, digital communications, and community engagement activities for Gila County.

Develops, coordinates, and administers Countywide communications strategies and public information initiatives supporting the County Manager, Board of Supervisors, County departments, emergency operations, and County strategic priorities. Serves as the County’s designated Public Information Officer (PIO) and oversees emergency and crisis communications in accordance with Incident Command System (ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) principles.

Provides executive-level communications support involving strategic messaging, media coordination, public outreach, website administration, social media management, reputation management, and organizational transparency efforts.

Regularly assigns work to other employees and supervises related activities. 

Provides recommendations on managing employees who also report to other managers.

• Develops, implements, administers, and evaluates Countywide public affairs, strategic communications, media relations, public information, digital communications, and community engagement initiatives supporting County leadership, departments, and organizational priorities. Provides executive communications guidance and strategic messaging recommendations to County leadership involving sensitive, controversial, or high-profile matters.

• Serves as the County’s designated Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, disasters, incidents, and crisis situations. Coordinates emergency public information activities in accordance with Incident Command System (ICS), National Incident Management System (NIMS), and Joint Information Center (JIC) principles. Develops and disseminates emergency notifications, public advisories, media briefings, and crisis communications materials.

• Oversees County website content, social media platforms, digital communications systems, public messaging standards, branding consistency, accessibility compliance, and multimedia communications efforts. Monitors public sentiment, media coverage, and communications trends impacting County operations and reputation.

• Coordinates media relations activities including press releases, interviews, public statements, executive messaging, speeches, presentations, talking points, and responses to public inquiries. Represents County Administration during meetings, public events, media engagements, and intergovernmental activities.

• Assists departments with public outreach initiatives, communication planning, public education campaigns, strategic initiatives, and organizational transparency efforts. Researches and implements communication best practices, emerging technologies, and community engagement strategies.

• Performs other duties as assigned.