DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS 9657

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class plans and directs major media releases from all County departments on a variety of topics, and interprets new policies and procedures as directed by the County Executive. The incumbent acts as spokesperson for the Office of the County Executive, and coordinates press conferences with the media. Supervision is exercised over a professional and clerical staff. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans and directs major media releases from all County departments on a variety of topics, and interprets new policies and procedures as directed by the County Executive;

Acts as spokesperson for the Office of the County Executive;

Acts as a liaison with County departments in their relationships with the media, approving any responses to inquiries relating to Suffolk County;

Prepares statements for the County Executive on major issues such as: The State of the County, Operating, Capital and College Budgets, and Social and Health Services Programs;

Develops press releases, and coordinates press conferences with the media;

Attends meetings which are represented by the media and community organizations pertaining to Suffolk County;

Organizes and directs a professional and clerical staff in principles, practices, methods and techniques of effective communication.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles, techniques and practices involved in the field of public relations; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration; good knowledge of the functions and operations of the various areas of county government; good knowledge of current literature, sources of information and the methods and techniques used in public administration; good knowledge of effective supervisory techniques; ability to acquire a good knowledge of the programs and services conducted by the County Executive's Office; ability to prepare news items and other public statements, arrange press conferences and process and draft official correspondence; ability to maintain a constant flow of information to the public and the various new media; ability to analyze facts and to exercise sound judgment in arriving at conclusions; ability to supervise the work of personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to represent the Office of the County Executive at various functions and affairs; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, department heads and the general public; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports; good judgment; tact; courtesy; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position is in the exempt jurisdictional class; therefore, there are no minimum qualifications.

2/26/91

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Exempt

Review 2/26/92