Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Location: Apache Junction, AZ

Job Type: Full Time

Compensation: $78,480.00 – $ annually

Positions assigned to this class implement and manage a comprehensive communications, public affairs, and marketing program for the City. Responsibilities include overseeing public information and educational programs to create an enhanced understanding and awareness of the City’s programs, services, special events, and projects. The incumbent serves as the City spokesperson, actively communicates, engages, and seeks feedback with residents, businesses, and visitors, assists the City Council to engage citizens, and provides a resource for the public on all City‑related information.

• Serve as city spokesperson, providing information to citizens, responding to citizen requests, and addressing media inquiries; publish news releases.
• Coordinate public information and assist staff with interagency emergency management issues for the community.
• Reach out to neighborhoods, council members, and City staff; respond to citizen and business questions regarding events; review and process event applications; schedule event meetings; provide follow‑up information and notification to applicants; mediate and facilitate neighborhood disputes.
• Work closely with city departments on information distribution and marketing; connect City Council goals with community organizations.
• Coordinate responses to social media pages (Facebook, Twitter) and maintain the City website.
• Assist with organization, implementation, and maintenance of educational programs, speakers, and participants.
• Research and prepare letters, talking points, and other material for staff and/or elected officials; prepare and submit award applications; conduct city surveys.
• Support the City’s policies, goals, and objectives and work with management to achieve them ethically; ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university + four (4) years paid full‑time experience in media coverage, communications, facilitation, and community outreach programs; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• City and Department procedures, policies, and guidelines;
  City Code;
  Arizona Revised Statutes.
• Operating a personal computer using standard software such as Microsoft Office and related applications.
• Assessing, prioritizing, and completing multiple tasks and demands simultaneously.
• Conflict negotiation and problem‑solving techniques and methods.

• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with coworkers and other stakeholders; communicate clearly and concisely.
• Address the public and present to various organizations and groups; write press releases.
• Plan and manage projects; navigate social media websites; administer the City website.

Selected candidates may be required to be fingerprinted, complete a background investigation, employment verification, and possibly a drug/alcohol test, medical evaluation, polygraph, or psychological evaluation. Candidates must possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona or meet the transportation needs of the position.

The work is performed in a standard office environment and may include some outdoor work at special events. Employees may be required to sit frequently, continuously operate a computer, and lift or carry items weighing up to 25 pounds.