Department:

Communications

Start Here. Grow Here. Stay Here.

As the Solid Waste Public Information Officer (Communications Associate III) you will be responsible for coordinating public communications (written, visual, and social media) and community outreach programs. The ideal candidate is experienced in time management and has proven proficiency in providing difficult, at times sensitive, senior-level communications strategies.

The pay starts out between $61,734.40 - $66,00.00, based on experience, benefits begin within 60 days of hire, and there are opportunities for advancement. Apply today!

About the Position

This role is funded by the Solid Waste Department but resides within the Communications Department, providing synergy between countywide initiatives and department-specific messaging. The position takes daily direction from the Communications Department’s Public Information and Community Outreach manager in support of the county’s Solid Waste Department’s missions and goals. If selected, you will...

• Lead and Support the Team: Oversee the Community Outreach Coordinator’s day-to-day work, set a positive tone, and encourage teamwork, enthusiasm, professionalism, and high-quality results.

• Coach and Develop Staff: Mentor, train, and support staff growth to help them meet their full potential.

• Set Goals and Standards: Help define benchmarks and goals to keep the team focused and on track.

• Act as Public Information Officer (PIO): Serve as the go-to person for media relations and communication for the Solid Waste Department, including emergency on-call responsibilities.

• Handle Media and Social Media: Create media engagement strategies, write press releases, manage social media, and respond to media inquiries to ensure timely and accurate info.

• Be the Media Liaison: Coordinate with local and regional solid waste communication teams, organize media tours and press events, and serve as the face of the department in media matters.

• Train Staff in Media Relations: Work with team leads to train personnel on how to interact with the media, including one-on-one coaching for leadership.

• Be Present On-Site: Regularly work in person at the Sarasota County Landfill and Bee Ridge Administration Offices to stay connected and informed.

• Manage Communications Projects: Lead various communications projects by developing and tracking plans that support the department’s mission and programs.

• Promote Community Engagement: Partner with the Solid Waste Department outreach coordinator to plan community events, and speaking engagements, and share positive stories that showcase the department's work and build public goodwill.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

• Full-time, 40 hours per week.

• Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (no weekends!)

• This position does require on-call rotation, as a result, work schedules may vary due to on-call, rotations, and/or emergencies.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, Marketing, Mass Communications, Graphic Design, Visual Arts, Illustration, or a related field -WITH- Five (5) years of related work experience.

• -OR- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in one of the above fields -WITH- Three (3) or more years of related work experience.

• -OR- Nine (9), or more, years of work experience can substitute for the necessary education.

• Valid Florida driver's license by date of hire.

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.

• Professional accreditation and/or certification in a related career.

• Time management (an ability to coordinate numerous projects simultaneously and prioritize and organize workload for self and team members).

• Proven proficiency in providing difficult, at times sensitive, senior-level communications strategies.<