County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction to develop, organize, coordinate and plan Alameda County Employees Retirement Association (ACERA) internal and external communications associated with retirement planning, associated benefits and services, informational releases, member education; and to perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This is a single position classification characterized by overall administrative responsibility to manage the communication function for the department This position reports directly to the Assistant Chief Executive Officer and works with various levels of management and staff to provide awareness and understanding of retirement benefits, plan information, policies and processes to members, retirement association staff and to the general public through written communication and web content. Incumbents are responsible for the overall technical and administrative responsibility to manage the communications function for Alameda County Employees Retirement Association (ACERA).

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Manage the development, design and publication of booklets including narrative and statistical information for retirement system benefits, comprehensive annual financial report, popular annual financial report and health insurance programs.
2. Consults with and provides technical communication assistance to ACERA staff for style guides, format and design concepts for correspondence, forms, web content, policies, procedures, financial and account statements and investment reports.
3. Oversees production and printing of publications by vendors and including blue lining/proofing, selection of printing materials, color schemes and distribution/mailing.
4. Develops ideas, contributes articles, and or serves as editor and designer for newsletter including layout, printing, mail house, and distribution.
5. Designs surveys and evaluation forms, tabulates and analyzes results to measure communication effectiveness and to recommend improvements and changes.
6. Designs and maintains plans for ACERA communication plans and projects.
7. Coordinates requests from ACERA departments for review and approval of their communication efforts.
8. Supervises support staff on projects and routine assignments.
9. Writes, edits, prepares and distributes internal/external communications.
10. Plan and coordinate the work of vendors to ensure timely delivery and accurate printing of media.
11. Develop, direct and implement effective communication programs and projects; evaluate the needs and implement recommendations in order to effectively increase awareness and understanding of retirement benefits policies and processes.
12. Design and layout and produce ACERA’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report “CAFR” with information received from the Accounting Manager, Internal Auditor, and associated staff; prepare CAFR for printing and publication.
13. Prepares documents for web site development and posting of information via agency website.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, English, Business Administration, Human Resources or a closely related field AND

Experience:

The equivalent of two years of full-time experience designing business communication plans, and outreach/public information projects including newsletters, booklets, guides, website, desktop publishing, symposiums and mass mailings.

(Additional professional-level experience as outlined above may be substituted for the education on a year-for-year basis.)

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Methods, techniques and styles of business and article writing, organization, spelling, grammar, editing, punctuation and word usage.
• Communication and public relations concepts, practices, principles, and strategies.
• Methods and techniques used for formatting, design, layout for print and electronic text and graphic design.
• Principles and practices of organization administration budgeting and public information.
• A variety of word processing and desktop publishing equipment and software programs.
• Principles, techniques, procedures and methods used in the composition and production of a variety of print and internet communications.
• Information dissemination techniques and methods.

Ability to:

• Work under pressure.
• Exercise appropriate judgment in answering questions and releasing information; analyze and project consequences of decisions and/or recommendations.
• Write concisely and cohesively for diverse audiences incorporating design appeal, color and graphic schemes.
• Operate a variety of word processing and desktop publishing software programs.
• Design and produce in-house publication, guides and presentations.
• Research, interpret, summarize and explain complex legislative bills, statutes, case law and other information regarding the administration of public retirement systems and benefits.
• Coordinate multiple activities with conflicting deadlines.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Research and write and variety of business communications documents.
• Take complex information and communicate that information in a format that is easily understood.
• Understand and effectively communicate the governing laws and provisions of the County Retirement Law of 1937 and related benefit laws.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with clients, staff and general public.
• Stay abreast of trends and changes in communications field, including methodology and technology changes related to print and electronic media.
• Make effective decisions.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

SG:po 10/16/07
Newspec: 1363.doc
CSC Date: 12/5/2007

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.