COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR 0987

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class assists in developing and implementing the policies and programs undertaken by a municipal agency or department to improve the quality of the relationship between the department and the community. The incumbent will be responsible for consulting with the public, private organizations and community leaders in order to define community needs and identify gaps in services. This position may require interfacing with the press and electronic media to keep the public informed regarding available programs and explain policies which affect the public. Duties are performed under the direction of an administrative official; and work is reviewed in progress and upon completion for effectiveness. Supervision is exercised over employees who are responsible for individual activities within the program. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Attends meetings of local organizations to present policies and programs of the department, and fields questions from the participants;

Contacts town and village leaders, civic and business groups and other such organizations in order to establish community needs and priorities;

Represents administrative officials at official functions;

Designs informational literature for printing and distribution;

Schedules speaking engagements for administrative officials;

Recommends and develops innovative programs to improve community relations or to provide new services to the public;

Monitors the effectiveness of existing community relations programs and modifies such programs as required.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the principles and practices of community relations; good knowledge of legislative procedures and public administration; ability to establish effective working relationships with government agencies, private organizations, community representatives and individuals; ability to plan innovative and effective approaches to improve community relations or to provide new services; ability to prepare literature that effectively communicates the policies and programs of the department; ability to plan and direct the activities of personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; empathy in listening to the public's complaints and the ability to solve problems in the best interest of both parties; ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; persuasiveness in attaining the cooperation of representatives of a popular media; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

Graduation from a New York State or regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and four (4) years of experience in an administrative level position, two (2) years of which must have been in public contact work involving responsibility for explaining and interpreting organizational policy, procedures or programs.

NOTE: Relevant additional experience will be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Public Relations Assistant, Public Relations Specialist, or Community Relations Specialist.

R 02/03/05

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive