Public Relations Specialist

Description

Terms: Full-Time / Exempt / Full Benefits

Application Deadline: August 11, 2026

Job Summary:   The Public Relations Specialist serves as Burleigh County’s primary communications professional and public information resource. Under the direction of the County Administrator, this position develops, implements, and maintains strategic communications initiatives that promote transparency, public engagement, and awareness of County programs, services, and activities. This position is responsible for media relations, website administration, social media management, public information campaigns, visual communications, and emergency communication support. In addition, the position provides administrative support to County Administration through document management, records coordination, expenditure tracking, and other administrative tasks. 

Essential Job Duties:

1. Serve as the County’s primary communications coordinator and media liaison. Responding to media inquiries and coordinate interviews, statements, and emergency communication support.
2. Draft, edit, and distribute news releases, public notices, media advisors, newsletters, and official County communications. Assist with preparation, and distribution of meeting agendas, minutes, and supporting materials.
3. Develop and maintain County branding standards across all communication platforms., including websites, social media, publications, presentations, correspondence, and marketing materials.
4. Develop and recommend policies, procedures, and best practices related to County communications and public information.
5. Design, create, and edit accessible communication materials, graphics, presentations, and informational resources that comply with applicable accessibility standards.
6. Assist with public outreach initiatives, community engagement activities, and special projects as assigned.
7. Serve as lead administrator for the County website.
8. Maintain, update, and improve website content to ensure accuracy, accessibility, consistency, and timeliness.
9. Ensure compliance with current Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) standards and applicable federal and state accessibility requirements.
10. Manage and Maintain official County social media accounts and digital communication channels.
11. Monitor digital platforms and coordinate timely dissemination of information regarding County programs, services, meetings, and events.
12. Provide administrative support to County Administration.
13. Answer and route telephone calls, greet visitors, and provide information to the public.
14. Assist with preparation, organization, and maintenance of correspondence, records, reports, and administrative documents.
15. Process invoices, maintain expenditure records, and assist with budget tracking and related administrative functions.
16. Maintain records in accordance with County policies and applicable records retention requirements.
17. Assist the Emergency Manager and County Administrator with public information dissemination during emergencies, disasters, and significant incidents.
18. Support emergency preparedness, awareness, and public education initiatives, and assist with the maintenance and readiness of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC).
19. Participate in emergency response activities, exercises, training events and incident communications as assigned.
20. Be available to work extended, evening, weekend, or emergency hours when operational needs require.
21. Perform other duties, projects, and assignments as required to support County operations.

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or closely related field and a minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible professional communications, public relations, marketing, or public information experience (preferably in a government setting); or an associate’s degree in one of the previously listed fields and over five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, communications, or marketing.
2. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Adobe and digital communications tools like social media management and web Content Management System (CMS).
3. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a high degree of professionalism and tact with the ability to speak effectively to individuals and groups.
4. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multi-task with frequent interruptions while remaining calm, organized, and accurate.
5. Ability to learn and apply local and state laws, including ND open meetings/records requirements.
6. Possess or be able to obtain a valid North Dakota Driver’s License with clean driving record.
7. Successful completion of the interview process, reference checks, and post-offer criminal records check.
8. Candidates must already be authorized to work in the United States on a permanent basis. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.