Communications Manager

Under direction, oversees both internal and external communication platforms for Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH). Develops media strategy and produces content for the organization's communication channels. Provides support to MCCMH leadership in matters related to government affairs, legislation review, and public outreach activities. Maintains continuous media relations while upholding MCCMH's branding and objectives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversees the department's media development and content, ensuring alignment with MCCMH's branding and objectives.

Provides media consulting, coaching, and support to the department.

Manages the organization's communication channels and digital platforms, including email, the website, and social media accounts.

Publishes content and promotional materials to raise awareness and promote the organization's services.

Manages media inquiries, reports, company newsletters, and press releases.

Develops and executes strategic public relations initiatives to increase exposure and promote MCCMH's events, programs, and perspectives.

Manages media projects and collaborates with communication and marketing teams to promote MCCMH initiatives.

Maintains positive working relationships with media contacts.

Formulates strategic messaging plans to effectively communicate with the public through media.

Coordinates media interviews, press conferences, and news events on behalf of MCCMH.

Prepares written content, including media releases, advisories, articles, editorials, talking points, and presentations.

Monitors media reports and communications.

Collects and analyzes data to assess the effectiveness of communication efforts in achieving MCCMH's goals.

Attends press conferences and events, organizes community outreach activities, and serves as the event photographer or arranges external photography services.

Controls video production, postproduction, and video indexing systems.

Manages technology during public meetings and hearings.

Assists with the composition of speeches and creates visual aid materials for MCCMH leadership.

Assists with developing public education efforts for MCCMH.

Collaborates with community mental health counterparts in Detroit-Wayne and Oakland on joint initiatives.

Operates an automobile to perform assigned job functions.

May include evening or weekend work.

Performs related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, News Media, or a related field

• Four (4) years of experience working in public relations, communications, direct media, journalism, government relations, or related field, including working experience using social media channels to deliver marketing content

• Two (2) years of experience in project management, such as managing media campaigns, public relations efforts, digital content development, and public outreach events, while overseeing timelines, deliverables, and coordination with partner organizations

Preferred Education and Experience

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Communications, News Media, or a related field

• Experience or knowledge of the community mental health system

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid Michigan driver's license and operable, insured automobile for authorized travel

Preferred Licenses or Certifications

• Certifications in crisis communication, media relations, or social media management

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

Knowledge of:

• Media law and ethics

• Media networking principles and applications

• Social media strategies and tools

• Principles and practices of public communication and relations

• Microsoft Windows, word processing, spreadsheet programs, and other computer software applications

Skill in:

• Organization and time management

• Researching and analyzing trends in the community

• Managing on-site event coordination

• Operating video production and sound system

• Handling post-production activities  

• Writing, proofreading, and editing

• Coordinating the publication-related printed materials

• Developing verbal and multimedia presentations for community groups

• Operating various social media platforms and content management systems

Ability to:

• Collaborative: Approaches all situations with teamwork and a solution-focused mindset, demonstrated through active participation in meetings, volunteering to assist teammates and other departments as appropriate.  Examples include participation in internal and external committees, subcommittees, process improvement groups, or other multi-organizational initiatives.   

• Accountable: Takes ownership and empowers others to do the same, as evidenced by identifying solutions and acting on job responsibilities and organizational objectives daily.  

• Respectful:  Treats people with dignity while honoring individual differences demonstrated through use of positive and encouraging statements and/or interactions to, about and/or with colleagues and persons served; evidenced by supervisor observation, feedback from other department staff and leadership. 

• Work effectively in high-stress, fast-paced situations and make sound decisions

• Manage multiple projects and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision

• Create original content and initiate projects

• Make sound media decisions following laws and established policies and procedures

• Maintain a high level of confidentiality

• Work in an environment that embraces the County's Dignity Campaign

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, Administrators, Department Heads, staff, union officials, and the public

• Conduct oneself with tact and courtesy

• Effectively speak, write, and understand the English language

• Effectively speaking, writing, and understanding a language other than English is preferred.

• Accurately organize and maintain paper documents and electronic files.

• Work independently

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS:

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment: F/C

Outdoor environment: N/S

Street environment (near moving traffic): N/S

Construction site: N/S

Confined space: N/S

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate: O

Individuals with known violent backgrounds: O

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees): N/S

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees): N/S

Communicable diseases: N/S

Moving mechanical parts: N/S

Fumes or airborne particles: N/S

Toxic or caustic chemicals, substances, or waste: N/S

Loud noises (85+ decibels): N/S

Blood Borne Pathogens: N/S

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

N/S=Never/Seldom   O=Occasionally   F/C= Frequently/Continuously

Demand:

Balancing on even or uneven surfaces/ground: F/C

Bending (forward or backward bending at the waist): F/C

Climbing up or down stairs, ladders, scaffolding and platforms:

Crawling (moving about on hands and knees). Inspecting in confined spaces: N/S

Digging: N/S

Driving on sealed and unsealed roads: N/S

Grasping, gripping, holding, clasping with fingers or hands: O

Kneeling to work at low levels: N/S

Manual Dexterity (fine finger movements i.e., keyboard operating, writing): F/C

Lift/Carry/Move objects from one level/position to another:

Up to 10 pounds: N/S

Up to 50 pounds: N/S

More than 50 pounds: N/S

Over 100 pounds: N/S

Push/Pull objects away from or towards the body: O

Reaching overhead (arms raised above the shoulder) or forward reaching (arms extended): O

Sitting in a seated position during the task performance: F/C

Standing in an upright position without movement: F/C

Walking considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: F/C

Running considerable distances in the facility on multiple surfaces: N/S

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND DISCLAIMERS

Complies with P.A. 390, as amended, known as the State’s Emergency Management Act and the County’s Emergency Management resolution as well as all related plans, policies and procedures covered by those statutes.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.  Please tell us if you require accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.  Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment amongst other possible accommodations. 

GRANT OR EXTERNALLY FUNDED POSITION –This position will continue only if sufficient grant or external funds are provided.