Public Affairs Specialist

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The HHH Public Affairs Specialist works under the direction of the Director of Health, Housing, and Homelessness to develop, implement, maintain, and disseminate an effective public information program, including the development of communications arcs and strategies for priority programs. Responsible for the evaluation of communication strategies. The Specialist receives direction from the Director of Communications and is a member of the Citys Communications Team.

The Specialist serves as the Dept. media liaison as well as spokesperson, when needed; writes news releases, talking points, speech materials, newsletters, flyers; leads press conferences for Dept. topics; and attends public meetings; assists with website management and all social media platforms; special events; other related tasks as needed. The position is subject to being on-call, as well as working nights and weekends.

This is an at-will, unclassified position.

* Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Description s are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.*

Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Develop and execute communications arcs on priority programs and evaluate the effectiveness.
• Develop news releases, advisories and statements for the media.
• Respond to and work directly with the media on all inquiries; serve as department spokesperson, when needed.
• Lead the development of talking points for media interviews and press conferences.
• Develop, monitor, and maintain a library of communications materials, databases and files to track activities and history.
• Participate in the coordination of various media events.
• Develop and coordinate programs to promote departmental services and initiatives using videography, photography, public presentations, and social media.
• Coordinate and schedule speaking engagements, special events and media interviews to convey information about specific department programs, inquiries or events.
• Write and/or edit speeches, press releases, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, correspondence, and relevant meeting agenda items for assigned department.
• Develop and coordinate the creation, design and layout of publications including the arrangement of print, photography, illustrations, and artwork.
• Represent assigned department in appearances with various media; make presentations to the public, community organizations, businesses and other groups as needed.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of media and community communication.
• Develop and prepare various reports as required.
• Manage and update department website content.
• Initiate, administer and oversee contracts related to advertising and/or marketing activities; coordinate contract development and signatory activities; verify contract specifications for clients.

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings to promote department priorities.
• Identify and attend professional opportunities to advance communications work.

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* Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
* Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, marketing, communications, business administration, or public relations preferred;

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Three (3) years of communications experience preferred.

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within 6 months fro date of hire.