Communication Coordinator

Overview

This position closes on 10/13/22 at 10:00pm.

Under the general direction of the Chief Deputy County Clerk, develops office communications, managing public relations, and coordinating community outreach.

Responsibilities

Participates in strategic planning process

• Attends all staff meetings as outlined by the County Clerk.
• Participates in professional development and other learning opportunities that may be optional or required.

Develops and implements the office communications plan.

• Creates an annual communication strategy that includes timelines for promoting the work of the Clerk’s Office.
• Develops and manages media messages including communicating with the media on the office’s behalf.
• Develops content and manages Clerk’s website, social media pages, and other public interfaces.
• Builds and maintains a Clerk Office’s list to distribute information to staff.
• Writes monthly newsletter, press releases, and other public content.
• Maintains a working relationship with the County’s Public Information Office.
• Appears at public events as the office’s spokesperson when necessary.

Develops and implements an outreach plan based on community partnerships.

• Coordinates outreach activities in the community.
• Develops and implements an outreach and education program with local public schools, and other educational institutions.
  • Develops voting curriculum for youth.
• Develops and implements a plan to engage with other government and community organizations to educate their staff and/or members about the Clerk’s office.
  • Works with organizations and other government agencies who work on election related tasks to ensure accurate information is being distributed.
• Develops the office advertising plans and negotiates publishing arrangements with authorized vendors.
• Develops and implements an advisory council for the Bureau of Elections to disseminate accurate information about the voting process and increase voter participation.
• Provides training for Voter Registration Agents (VRAs) according to state law, and maintains VRA information in the Secretary of State’s database.
• Provides National Voter Registration Agent (NVRA) sites within the county with voter registration forms and other necessary information regarding elections on a regular basis.

Serves as the department’s records custodian for requests filed under the inspection of public records act (IPRA).

• Maintains a thorough understanding of New Mexico law regarding IPRA response.
• Inputs requests received by the department via email into the county’s IPRA management software.
• Responds timely to requestors in accordance with state law.
• Redacts protected information on responsive documents with guidance from the county legal department.
• Organizes in-person inspections in coordination with staff within the department.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES. 

• Performs Document Technician tasks and other related assignments as assigned.
• Performs backup duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education. Bachelor’s Degree in related field.

Experience. One year of specialized experience or advanced education relevant to election procedures, staff training and development, community outreach or community organizing.  Must have experience working with media and managing public relations or marketing; experience coordinating activities or community organizing; and experience working with a variety of different types of organizations and boards.

Education/Experience substitution. In accordance with County policy.      

Licenses/Certifications. Valid Class D Driver’s License.

Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver’s license record, etc.). Background and driver’s license check.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED BY THE POSITION:

Must have knowledge of: program planning, implementation and evaluation; financial management and administration; familiarity with election and recording laws; and how to effectively conduct office outreach and community engagement.

Must have skills to: work on a computer (experience with VREMS and County Fusion preferred); develop and make office-related presentations at public meetings; organize with the community to increase awareness of elections and other office related responsibilities; and read, analyze, and communicate federal, state and local ordinances and regulations.

Must have the ability to: work with a culturally diverse population; communicate effectively; work independently; lead, resolve conflicts, adapt to changing needs and priorities as circumstances dictate or as directed; work with employees to build and maintain positive morale and motivation; coordinate publication and advertising of office’s plans and programs.