Public Relations Manager #0206 - Hamilton County Election Commission

UNDER TENN. CODE § 2-4-103 EMPLOYEES IN THIS ROLE MAY BE DESIGNATED TO SERVE AS AN OFFICER OF ELECTIONS, JUDGE, MACHINE OPERATOR, PRECINCT REGISTRAR, ASSISTANT PRECINCT REGISTRAR, OR INSPECTOR. ALL ELECTION COMMISION EMPLOYEES MUST BE ABLE TO FULFILL ANY OF THESE ROLES DURING EARLY VOTING, NURSING HOME VOTING, ABSENTEE VOTING, JAIL VOTING, AND EVEN ON ELECTION DAY. BASED ON THIS REQUIRMENT, ALL ELECTION COMMISSION EMPLOYEES MUST RESIDE IN HAMILTON COUNTY AND BE A HAMILTON COUNTY REGISTERED VOTER. 

Under general supervision, serves as the communication liaison between the County Election Commission, the public, the media, and other governmental partners. This role coordinates all media outreach, open records requests under the Tennessee Public Records Act (TPRA), and public data requests. The role of this position is to ensure clear, timely, and nonpartisan dissemination of election-related information and compliance with all state and local requirements. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, physical requirements, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics. This list of tasks is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class.)

Public Communications

Create and implement communication plans to inform voters, candidates, and other stakeholders about election dates, requirements, and changes in law.

Draft press releases, social media updates, voter education brochures, and website content.

Distribute public notices as required by Tennessee election statutes.

Media Relations

Serve as the election office’s primary media contact, coordinating interviews, press conferences, and official statements. Develop relationships with local, state, and regional media outlets to facilitate accurate reporting on election activities.

Open Records and Data Requests

Accept, log, and respond to open records requests in accordance with the TPRA and office policy. Work with legal counsel and the Administrator to ensure compliant responses and appropriate exemptions for confidential information. Track and report all requests for public records and that data dissemination follows Tennessee law.

Voter Education and Outreach

Plan and implement educational and outreach initiatives to promote nonpartisan voter engagement. Represent the office at community events and with civic partners. Ensure the office’s outreach materials are up to date and distributed through appropriate channels.

Data and Reporting

Ensure accurate and timely release of certified election results, statistics, and historical data to the public as required by state law. Assist with preparation of required state and local reports post-election.

Internal Collaboration

Support training for poll officials and staff in proper public communication and open records compliance.

Assist in the planning and implementation of procedures for emergency communications and election contingencies. Supervise and direct the day-to-day activities of direct reports and employees assigned to the Election Commission through the temporary staffing agency.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of all current laws pertaining to the election process
Knowledge of the Tennessee Public Records Act and local election office functions.
Knowledge of professional journalism methods, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of public relations methods, practices and procedures.
Knowledge of research, analysis and interpretation of information.
Knowledge of communication, marketing, public relations principles and practices.
Knowledge of elements needed in the development of general public information plans.
Skill utilizing verbal and written communication in the development of responses, correspondence, public relations and media releases, and newsletters.
Skill utilizing computer software in the development of marketing campaigns, publications and press releases.
Skill in developing public information and publicity plans.
Skill providing information to reporters, media, and the public.
Skill providing instructions and guidance to public officials and employees related to responding to media inquiries.
Skill and experience in conducting media interviews.
Skill researching, analyzing and interpreting information.
Skill determining the appropriate referrals and resources for journalists and reporters.
Skill establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with media resources and others.
Skill effectively communicating in both oral and written form with attention to accuracy and nonpartisanship.
Skill in the use of personal computers and related software
Skill in and experience with social media management, website updating, and standard office software.
Ability to manage multiple priorities under deadline pressure.

Bachelor’s Degree in communications, political science, journalism, public administration, or a closely related field, with five (5) years of direct work experience in public communication, media relations, government operations, or a closely related field. A valid driver’s license is required. 

OR

Associate’s Degree in communications, political science, journalism, public administration, or a closely related field, with seven (7) years of direct work experience in public communication, media relations, government operations, or a closely related field. A valid driver’s license is required.

OR

The equivalent of a high school diploma and nine (9) years of direct work experience in public communication, media relations, government operations, or a closely related field. A valid driver’s license is required.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires the ability to respond appropriately to inquiries and breaking news events outside normal business hours. Nights or weekends as necessary during election cycles

This position is in a regular office setting and will have an increased workload during election periods.

Prior to operating a County-owned vehicle, all employees are required to complete the HC Defensive Driving course and/or an Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) provided at the department level. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work requires extensive periods of sitting and walking; occasional lifting, bending, kneeling and stooping to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds. Work is performed primarily in internal environments with possible exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

All positions within Hamilton County Government are considered work in-person and require regular and punctual attendance.

All positions within Hamilton County Government may require work on Holidays or weekends. Additionally, irregular hours and shift work may be required, including possible extension of shift hours, at times with short notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hamilton County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or the provision of services. A copy of Hamilton County's Equal Employment Opportunity Plan (EEOP) & Utilization Report is available on the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office home page.

https://www.hamiltontn.gov/Department_EqualEmploymentOpportunityOffice.aspx