Public Affairs Officer & Executive Administrator

Job Opportunities

Use the Government Jobs tab to search through your municipality's employment opportunities. Subscribe to job posting notifications to be automatically alerted of the latest career opportunities by clicking on the Notify Me® button.

The Public Affairs Officer and Executive Administrator is responsible for implementing and managing the City’s comprehensive communications and public affairs functions. This position oversees public information efforts, serves as the City’s primary spokesperson, and promotes awareness of City programs, services, and initiatives. The role focuses on active communication and engagement with residents, businesses, and visitors, and helps ensure consistent, accurate messaging across all platforms.

In addition, this position provides executive-level administrative support to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

• Performs administrative duties including a variety of routine and complex clerical and administrative work to assist the Mayor and Board of Aldermen with City business, external affairs and communications, website updates, and confidential materials. Fields telephone calls; schedules meetings and travel for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen; coordinates meetings with committees and other groups; composes correspondence; submits purchase order requests;
  
  assists with mail-outs; receives and distributes mail; and greets and directs visitors.
• Writes and distributes press releases, newsletters, and articles to inform the public about City news and events. Serves as the City’s primary point of contact for media inquiries and public information, ensuring accurate and timely communication on behalf of the City.
• Provides assistance as needed to the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce in support of City sponsored special events, such as annual holiday events and Fridays at the Fort, which are planned and coordinated by the Chamber.
• Receives Special Event permit applications for community events, runs/walks, and festivals, and schedules and leads internal coordination meetings to ensure appropriate City resources are allocated.
• Manages and updates the City website to ensure timely and accurate information for residents. Posts emergency notices, event details, press releases and photographs. Coordinates with department heads to maintain current and informative content, including forms, meeting minutes, and City ordinances and codes, ensuring all are current.
• Develops and manages the City’s media image and outreach efforts, including monitoring and maintaining social media platforms.
• Writes email communications to residents on behalf of the Mayor and Aldermen to provide updates on City projects and events.
• Assists Aldermen with administrative tasks and interactions with neighborhood associations, when appropriate, and facilitates communications with the media regarding priority projects in their respective wards.
• Assists the Mayor with events, ribbon cuttings, the State of the City address, speeches, and correspondence with external organizations, including other municipalities, state agencies, chambers of commerce, community groups, and volunteers, as well as matters related to hurricanes or other emergencies.
• Facilitates the activities of the Mayor’s Youth Council, including organizing monthly meetings, coordinating projects, and interfacing with department heads and the Mississippi Municipal League.
• Assists the Mayor with collecting data and preparing materials for public presentations, including PowerPoint presentations, flyers, and other information for the public and media.
• Attends the two monthly meetings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the evening.
• Reports to the Emergency Operations Center during storms or other disaster events to assist with public communications and coordination with other agencies.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Mayor and/or the Board of Aldermen, which may not be specified herein.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in…