The Fairfax County's Health and Human Services (HHS) organization is comprised of ten agencies totaling approximately 4,000 staff with a total budget size of general, special and grant fund support of $800 million dollars. The Office of Strategy Management (OSM) for HHS executes the strategic vision and priorities of the entire organization under the leadership of the Deputy County Executive of HHS.

Reports directly to the Director of the OSM and serve the strategic communication needs of HHS as well as the Deputy County Executive of HHS. The following duties, though not exhaustive are:

• Writes, edits and corresponds with multiple internal and external county partners with respect to HHS-related initiatives involving the Board of Supervisors and other Boards, Authorities and Commissions (BACs);
• Executes an effective strategic communication effort to strengthen the HHS message with various audiences using different communication tools and mediums;
• Serves as the primary HHS contact for the media with respect to policy and management of critical incidents in coordination with the County's Office of Public Affairs and by direction of the Deputy County Executive of HHS;
• Convenes HHS communication leads in all HHS agencies to ensure appropriate and consistent messaging and to develop targeted plans that are multi-agency involved.
• Supervises and guides public engagement and outreach activities to ensure that the public is well informed of resources, services, and supports;
• Leads, coordinates, and/or supports critical strategic communication efforts that have broad HHS and/or county impact such as the following: Opioid Task Force effort, Health Safety Net, Diversion First, and HHS Resource Plan efforts;
• Plans and executes cross-agency learning opportunities in partnership with other county agencies.

Illustrative Duties Serves on 24-hour call, with responsibility for notifying County officials of significant incidents;Makes decisions under pressure and deadlines regarding information that may be released to the press;Coordinates and provides information regarding emergency incidents and other sensitive matters to the news media;Plans, directs, and executes publicity campaigns designed to inform citizens about variouscounty programs, events or legislation;Supervises the work of subordinates engaged, in public information activities;Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with members of the media;Responds to requests for information regarding agency/County programs;Provides assistance to agency/County staff as to the most effective means of communicating information to the general public, government employees, and other target groups;Monitors and edits County's website content for style, accuracy, and timeliness;Develops and implements County's website publicity program to increase participation and use;Establishes and maintains countywide electronic public information policies;Coordinates electronic FOIA issues;Serves as liaison to vendors, county agencies, and others regarding county website activities;Serves as contact for international, national, and local dignitaries, senior management, and others who desire information about the County's e-government program;Ensures that County's e-government program is effective and useful for internal agencies and the general public;Plans and executes the County's technology marketing program to inform the public about the benefits of e-government;Conducts presentations to County management and Board of Supervisors to present public access technologies and capabilities;Designs, develops, and implements effective navigation schemes for applications and business transactions for the county worldwide website;May write and disseminate Board news releases, coordinate Board members public appearances and ceremonies, and keeps Board members abreast of new communication tools and trends;Conducts audience/constituent research on projects. Required Knowledge Skills and Abilities Detailed knowledge of the requirements of the media regarding content, format, and timing of official releases;Broad knowledge of the principles of public administration and public relations as applied to local government operations;Knowledge of new media and its applications;Knowledge of fundamentals of digital still photography;Ability to plan and execute photographic coverage of complex events;Ability to adapt broadly defined policy guidance to specific situations with a minimal amount of supervision;Ability to work under pressure;Ability to participate in meaningful interchange of views on matters of critical importance to the County;Ability to plan and review the work of others;Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with the public, the press, and County employees. Employment Standards MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to a bachelor's degree in journalism, government, public administration, or a related field; plus six years of progressively responsible experience in public information, broadcasting, or publications editing.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background to the satisfaction of the employer.
This position is considered an emergency service personnel.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Master's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field required. Seven or more years of increasingly higher-level leadership experience in the field of communications. Knowledge and familiarity with health and human services. Demonstrated and extensive knowledge of best practices for media relations, public information sharing and crisis communications. Demonstrated and extensive knowledge best practices for web and social media.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be able to sit, stand and walk as needed to perform core job functions. Must be able to operate computer and keyboard-driven equipment. Must be able to travel throughout the county for day and evening meetings, training and program reviews. May be required to lift up to 15 lbs. Must be able to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing. All duties performed with or without reasonable accommodations.

SELECTION PROCEDURE:
Panel interview, may include exercise.

It is the policy of Fairfax County Government to prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics, or disability in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY.