Salary commensurate with education and experience.

The Manager of External Affairs will manage and coordinate the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (Department) public affairs and community outreach efforts, serving as a key member of the Commissioner’s Office, reporting to the Deputy Commissioner for Administrative Services and External Affairs.  The External Affairs Manager will serve as main point of contact with constituents the Department serves, lead key initiatives and programs on behalf of the Commissioner’s Office, develop and manage marketings and communications strategies, and other duties as assigned. The ideal candidate would have excellent written and verbal communication skills, the ability to cultivate and enhance relationships with key stakeholder and be a self-starter with the ability to take initiative on Departmental priorities.

Primary Responsibilities and Duties:

• Plan and execute public relations campaigns, events, meetings and initiatives to promote the Department’s mission and programs.
• Aid in the creation of marketing and promotional materials, including, but not limited to, social media content, press releases and giveaway items.
• Act as the point-of contact for divisions within the Department, other state and federal agencies, private companies, and nongovernmental organizations for Department-wide initiatives, including the scheduling of statewide partner meetings and events, representing the Department at conferences, and speaking on behalf of the Department at these gatherings.
• Assist with managing media relations, including cultivating and maintaining relationships with media and other key stakeholders, drafting press releases, preparing Commissioner’s Office staff for interviews and meetings, and responding to media inquiries.
• Prepare documents, talking points, or other written communications on behalf of the Commissioner’s Office.
• Identify areas in which divisional public affairs staff can collaborate on projects and messaging.
• Aid with coordination of crisis communications, including developing and implementing strategies to communicate clear and consistent messaging consistent with the Department’s position.
• Coordinate and collaborate with staff on social media, communications, and marketing and promotional materials to increase the overall brand awareness of the Department with the public and elected officials
• Attend meeting, hearings, and other events, and speak on behalf of the Department if needed.
• Direct, manage, and update websites as needed.

NOTE:   An equivalent combination of knowledge, education, job or intern experience, training, or certifications that provides the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully perform the job at the level listed may be substituted year-over-year.

 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference may be given to applicants with:

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Natural Resources, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations/Affairs or related field.

• Previous professional level experience working in external affairs or governmental affairs.

• Previous public sector experience.