Public Information Officer

*** DISCLAIMER:
The City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the  Closing Date  of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

The finalist must pass a pre-employment physical, drug screen, and background check.

Under general direction of the City Manager or his/her designee, the Public Information Officer develops, organizes, directs and evaluates a comprehensive communications, marketing and community relations program for the City; promotes the City’s image by raising the level of public awareness of City operations and accomplishments in providing services to its customers; writes, edits and designs a variety of public information materials;

oversees content of City website and cable channel; acts as the City’s point of contact for all media relations; and coordinates assigned activities within and among City departments and in conjunction with other agencies. Exercises supervision of video production staff and volunteers, interns, community volunteers and public information specialists.

• Organizes communication activities to foster public understanding of City goals, policies, programs and services;
• Brings to public attention through various forms of media, significant facts, opinions and interpretations to keep the public informed;
• Develops materials to be presented in press announcements, including press releases, press briefings, press conferences and feature articles on various City services;
• Develops, coordinates and participates in news conferences, special events, and other programs of City and public interest;
• Facilitates the accurate and full coverage of City issues by the news media;
• Takes photographs for publications, audiovisual presentations and public displays;
• Consults with Police and Fire department field supervisors and/or incident commanders, is reasonably available for call-out to public safety incidents, and serves as liaison to the media to assure appropriate access and flow of information;
• Reviews daily police logs for release to the press;
• Organizes emergency public information in the event of a local disaster;
• Supervises operations of the City’s government access cable television channels and facilities;
• Supervises script development and production of original video content for government access cable channel as well as audiovisual content for other media, including, but not limited to, podcasting and web-based video;
• Supervises the content and design of City publications, including newsletters, informational booklets, pamphlets and fliers;
• Advises City staff and elected officials in media relations and public information policies and procedures;
• Consults with staff and elected officials in the preparation of speeches and letters on behalf of the City;
• Coordinates and conducts special events ceremonies and City functions;
• Develops and implements methods and materials to promote special events sponsored by the City or its departments;
• Coordinates assigned activities with other City departments;
• Prepares, maintains, files and disseminates a listing of media contacts, including names, addresses, email, phone and fax numbers;
• Maintains files of newspaper articles and other related media clippings;
• Logs and maintains files of City press releases;
• Maintains a photo library of City events and personnel;
• Monitors news coverage and/or public information regarding the City or pertinent to City activities;
• Responds to difficult and sensitive public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations.
• Performs duties of a disaster services worker in event of an emergency.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Receives administrative direction from the City Manager. Exercises no supervision of staff.

This is a Management Deputy Director classification that oversees, directs, and participates in all activities of the Public Information Officer department, including short- and long-term planning, development, and administration of departmental policies, procedures, and services. This class provides assistance to the City Manager in a variety of administrative, coordinative,…