Overview

At Orange County Government, we are proud to serve the public with integrity, honesty, fairness, and professionalism. We develop innovative policies and services that impact Central Florida and shape the future of our community. We believe in hiring the very best. Our workplace experience sets us apart and makes us a great place to work. Our goal is to create an environment of exceptional organizational values, customer service standards, and employee satisfaction. Orange County Government is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment and services to all individuals.

Orange County Utilities provides water resources and solid waste recovery services to protect and enrich the lives of the citizens and guests of Orange County, Florida.

The Orange County Utilities Communications Group is seeking a well-qualified individual to fill the position of “Public Relations and Outreach Specialist”. This role is responsible for external communication efforts on behalf of the Utilities Department, including disseminating information to media outlets and citizens of Orange County.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Job Description

Representative Duties/Assignments

Coordinates with the County’s Office of Communications on the overall plan, implementation, organization and direction of communication strategies and public information activities.
Provides information to media outlets by generating news releases, coordinates media interviews, and serves as a proactive media liaison between the department, public, elected officials, and news media.
Provides general media and public relations training to department staff.
Monitors media reports pertaining to the department and industry. Tracks communication engagement for department reporting.
Establishes and maintains relationships with representatives from the community, department management, employees, elected officials, and public interest groups.
Engages in research, writing, and other activities to provide analysis, recommendations, and strategies to management concerning the department's public image.
Provides media support and coordinates communication efforts during emergency activation.
Assists with social media campaigns, including monitoring and responding to department related inquiries and messages on social media platforms.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree from an accredited institution and four years of experience in media relations to include one year of large project management experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Experience communicating with the media, industry partners and internal and external clients.

Preferences

Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public or Business Administration, Marketing or a closely related field.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and project management applications, and digital/social media software.
Experience conducting on-camera television interviews.
Public relations and communications experience in a utility environment.
Ability to work nights and weekends when necessary.
Possess and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license

Application Deadline

Open Date: 06/22/2024
Close Date: 07/14/2024

This posting is subject to close without prior notice.

Salary Information

Pay Grade: 019 - $66,144.00 to $95,929.60 annually ($31.80 to $46.12 an hour)
FLSA Status: Exempt

(Placement is based on Qualifications)

Benefits

10 paid holidays including 2 floating holidays annually.
18 days paid time off per year.
Longevity bonus based on years of service.
6 days of paid TERM (sick) time annually.
Low-cost medical, dental, vision, additional life insurance.
Free basic life, long term disability, and employee assistance for all the family members effective on day one.
Participation in the Florida Retirement System.

Employee assistance program includes multiple free one on one sessions with licensed counselors and online tools for legal advice, financial planning, personal life balance, etc.
Free access to Orlando Magic gyms for the whole family, free access to County Wellworks gyms.
Free onsite wellness coaching, including dietician and nurse.
Tuition reimbursement program.
Earn service time to forgive student loans.

For more information on Benefits visit - https://www.ocfl.net/EmploymentVolunteerism/EmployeeBenefits.aspx

Veterans Preference

If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the closing date of the posting. Please scan and upload a copy of your cover letter and supporting documents, to Orange County Human Resources Division via the secure Box.com folder.

Your cover letter should include the Job ID number you are applying for, the title of the position, your full name and the last 4 digits of your social security number. *If you are a current employee returning from active military service, you may be eligible for promotion preference if the active military service qualifies for Veterans' Preference. Please note that Veterans' Preference applies only to a Veterans' first promotion after reinstatement or reemployment, without exception.

Educational Requirements

If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.

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Address

9150 Curry Ford Road | Orlando, FL - 32825

Notes

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.

Candidate selected for this position will be required to successfully complete the pre-employment drug, physical and background investigation process

Orange County Government jobs

Public Relations & Outreach Specialist