Public Affairs Specialist

Our clerks make a difference in the community everyday. Join our incredible team of clerks and start a rewarding career in public service today!

PAY RANGE: $51,168.00 - $76,752.00

JOB SUMMARY

The Public Affairs Specialist manages the day-to-day communications functions of the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller, including content development, digital media, internal and external communications, website maintenance, publications, and multimedia production. This position creates and coordinates clear, engaging, and accessible content that promotes Office services, programs, and initiatives while ensuring consistent messaging across communication channels.

This professional position reports to the Public Affairs Director and requires creativity, strong writing and technical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage multiple priorities and deadlines. The Public Affairs Specialist ensures timely, accurate, and consistent communications that align with the Office's brand, mission, and strategic goals.

MAJOR DUTIES

• Write, edit, and prepare internal and external communications, including newsletters, publications, press releases, talking points, and announcements.

• Develop engaging content that promotes Clerk's Office services, programs, initiatives, and accomplishments.

• Coordinate recurring publications, communication campaigns, and content calendars.

• Monitor media coverage, identify opportunities for proactive storytelling, and assist with media inquiries as directed.

• Ensure all materials align with Office branding, messaging, and accessibility standards.

• Collaborate with Office divisions to identify communication needs, gather information, and develop materials that support organizational priorities.
• Manage social media content, scheduling, publishing, and engagement monitoring.

• Maintain the internal website and perform routine external website updates.

• Monitor digital communication performance and recommend improvements to reach and engagement.

• Review digital content for accuracy, accessibility, usability, and consistency across internal and external platforms.
• Create graphics, presentations, photographs, videos, and other multimedia content for digital and print communications.

• Provide photography, audiovisual, livestreaming, and communications support for Office events and outreach activities.

• Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing community outreach initiatives, educational programs, and Office events.

• Develop promotional materials, signage, and other visual resources to support Office programs, campaigns, and community engagement efforts.

• Maintain digital asset libraries, templates, and communication materials.

KEY COMPETENCIES OF POSITION

• Adaptability and Initiative – Responds effectively to changing priorities, urgent communication needs, emerging technologies, and evolving digital trends.

• Analysis and Continuous Improvement – Uses platform and campaign analytics to evaluate performance, identify trends, and improve future content.

• Attention to Detail – Ensures content is accurate, accessible, properly formatted, technically sound, and consistent with established standards.

• Brand and Voice Management – Understands and consistently applies the Clerk’s Office voice, messaging, visual identity, and communication standards.

• Campaign and Project Management – Plans and coordinates digital campaigns, content calendars, and multimedia projects while managing multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Communication – Translates complex government, court, and technical information into clear and accessible language.

• Creativity and Innovation – Develops fresh, audience-focused ideas and identifies effective ways to promote Office services, programs, and initiatives.

• Digital Media and Technology – Effectively uses content management systems, social media platforms, Adobe Creative Suite, audiovisual equipment, and other digital communication tools.

• Problem-Solving – Identifies communication or technical challenges and develops practical solutions, escalating issues when appropriate.

• Professionalism and Collaboration – Works cooperatively with employees across divisions, demonstrates sound judgment, and maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

• Tact, Discretion, and Security Awareness – Handles sensitive information and digital resources responsibly and follows established confidentiality, security, and records requirements.

• Writing and Editing – Produces clear, concise, accurate, and engaging content for varied audiences and digital platforms. Demonstrates strong grammar, proofreading, and editing skills.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Public Affairs Director provides general direction and assigns work through established priorities and guidelines. The employee works closely with the Public Affairs team and coordinates with staff in other divisions to ensure accurate, consistent, and timely information dissemination. Work is performed independently within established procedures and standards and is reviewed for accuracy, completeness, technical quality, and adherence to organizational and regulatory requirements.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include Florida Statutes, Florida Rules of Procedure, administrative orders, county ordinances, and office policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• General office environment. Work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or while intermittently sitting, standing or stooping. The employee frequently lifts light objects.

• Occasional local travel to provide assistance at events or meetings.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to ensure final products meet Clerk of the Circuit Courts and County Comptroller’s professional standards and communication goals.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Digital Media, Web Design, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.

• One to three years of experience supporting websites, web content management, or digital platforms in a professional, academic, or internship setting.

• Experience using content management systems (CMS), preferably WordPress.

• Basic knowledge of website structure, content organization, and web editing tools.

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to respond to staff support needs.

• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.

• Ability to work with confidential information and follow state and federal requirements.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, other governmental agencies, attorneys, judges and their assistants, businesses, and members of the public.

• Ability to work in an environment that includes frequent interruptions and simultaneously detailed attention to multiple tasks.

• Ability to work within time constraints and workload surges.

• Ability to sit or stand at for extended periods of time, while concentrating on complex tasks.

• Basic knowledge of AP Style and an understanding of public information and communications best practices.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Two to four years of experience supporting websites, web content management, or digital platforms.

• Experience working with public-sector, government, or other highly regulated websites.

• Familiarity with public records requirements, accessibility standards (ADA/WCAG), and government transparency practices.

• Basic knowledge of HTML and CSS.

• Experience supporting virtual meetings, live streaming, or digital event platforms.

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Candidates may apply through the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Online Application System. All employment actions are taken without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, handicap, disability, marital status, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller proudly recognizes Veteran’s Preference. An applicant claiming Veteran's Preference may waive the educational requirements if otherwise qualified for the position. The St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller is a drug-free workplace and equal opportunity employer.The office maintains its status as an “at-will” employer. Employees can be terminated with or without notice or cause at any time not prohibited by law.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE.  Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply.  Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements.  Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code.  Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here.  All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.

An applicant eligible for Veteran's Preference who believes he or she was not afforded employment preferences in accordance with Florida law may file a complaint requesting an investigation with the Florida department of veterans affairs. Veteran's Preference Coordinator, 11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311, Largo, FL 33778. A complaint must be filed within 60 calendar days from the date that the notice of hiring decision is received by the applicant or within three calendar months of the date of the application is filed within the employer if no notice is given. If no notice is given, it is the responsibility of the preferred applicant to contact the employer to determine if the position has been filled.