Public Information Officer

The Town of Farragut has a reputation for high standards, and this applies to our workforce as well as our vision for the community. We thrive on professionalism and integrity, and genuinely enjoy serving residents. The Town is seeking applicants for an full time Public Information Officer.

The starting rate of pay is $77,148 (min) to $98,850 (mid) annually, salary exempt.

The Town offers a competitive benefit package that includes:

• 88% Town paid health coverage for employee and up to family plan, including a wellness program and multiple EAP plans.
• 100% Town paid Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and LTD
• Optional STD, FSA, Additional Life for family, Hospital Insurance, Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401k Retirement plan that includes a 6% Town contribution (no match required) and a matching program upon hire.
• Paid Time Off (Paid Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave)
• Park and Recreation Discounts
• Student Loan Repayment Option

Performs responsible professional, administrative, technical, and strategic communications work for the Town of Farragut. Serves as the Town’s primary public information and media contact, develops and implements internal and external communication strategies, and provides timely, accurate, and consistent information regarding Town programs, services, projects, policies, initiatives, and events.

Provides communication counsel and messaging support to Town leadership, staff, elected officials, and departments. Work includes media relations, public information, crisis and emergency communication coordination, website and social media oversight, publications, branding, public engagement, and related communications projects. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative and must establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town staff, elected and appointed officials, media representatives, community partners, other governmental agencies, civic organizations, and the general public.

Limited supervision is exercised over Media and Communication Program Coordinator.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Serves as the Town’s primary public information contact and coordinates media relations for all departments.
• Prepares, edits, approves, and distributes official news releases, public service announcements, talking points, notices, feature articles, and other Town communications.
• Advises Town leadership, elected officials, and departments on communication strategies, media relations, crisis communication, public sentiment, and community messaging.
• Provides strategic oversight and coordination of official Town messaging across communication platforms.
• Coordinates communication for high-interest Town projects, public issues, policy changes, service updates, weather events, facility impacts, and other sensitive matters.
• Coordinates emergency public information processes in partnership with Knox County, emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire/EMS providers, and other governmental partners as needed.
• May serve as the Town’s public information representative during emergency operations, critical incidents, or other activations when designated.
• Manages and supports the Town website, social media accounts, newsletters, publications, and other digital communication tools to ensure accurate, accessible, timely, and consistent information.
• Develops and implements communication plans that promote awareness of Town goals, services, initiatives, events, programs, and activities.
• Coordinates Town-wide branding and assists with the development, implementation, and promotion of the Town of Farragut brand.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates Town-wide publications, including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, reports, flyers, posters, and other public information materials.
• Designs or coordinates…