Communications & Public Relations Specialist

Description: Communications Public Relations Specialist
DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION
JOB CLASSIFICATION: FULL-TIME
TECH NET 112
PAY SCALE:
Hourly
Min - $26.42 Mid - $33.02 Max - $39.62
Annual
Min - $54,944 Mid - $68,680 Max - $82,416
EFFECTIVE DATE:
January 2025


GENERAL PURPOSE

Provides a variety of complex professional and administrative duties related to promoting media relations, employee communications, and community relations to enhance public awareness of city operations, services, and programs. Acts as city spokesperson in public communication channels including the City website, social media, and other public/media campaigns. Assists with employee communications, community-centered programs and events, and administrative activities of the Administration and Community Development Office.


SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under general supervision of the City Administrator and/or Assistant City Administrator/Community Development Director.


SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May provide functional supervision to assigned administrative support staff on a project-by-project basis.


ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS


Public Information
:
Serves as the recognized Public Information Officer for the City in disseminating information to various agencies and the public in a factual, truthful, objective, and cogent manner; develops campaigns to promote and publicize City programs, services, and opportunities to members of the community, media, various governmental entities, and visitors.

• Handles multiple facets of public and media relations and marketing using print, broadcast, digital and internet/email applications to obtain media coverage and publicity for the city and its programs;
• Develops and maintains relationships with the news media and city stakeholders, interacts with reporters, editors, photographers, and other members of the press to disseminate information and respond to media inquiries;
• Writes and produces press releases, public service announcements, white papers, brochures, media pieces, newspaper articles, and other educational and promotional materials;
• Coordinates press conferences and media events;
• Prepares City newsletter, including content development and management, layout, editing, and publication;
• Manages the City’s official social media channels, develops social media strategies for the city and departments, reviews effectiveness, and edits as needed to provide consistency and effectively support the city’s mission and goals;
• Converses with citizens and employees through social media, newsletters, online web portals, etc.;
• Creates press kits to promote programs, tourism, and generally educate organizations, groups, and the general public regarding the attractions of the City;
• Writes letters and position statements, as requested by the Mayor and Administration;
• Serves as liaison with various external groups such as the media, business interests, community groups, and the general public;
• Initiates public outreach, including surveys and other programmatic communications devices, to improve the effectiveness of the city’s constituent and visitor interface as well as collect information for City initiated programs and policies;
• Processes and follows up on inquiries, complaints, and comments from the public that are not easily solved/resolved by contact with a single City person/entity; pursues resolution within the established guidelines of the city;
• Operates personal computer and various software applications, i.e.;
  Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point), Adobe Illustrator, Photo Shop, scheduling software, etc., as needed to establish databases, communication documents, illustrations, and publications;
• Maintains the city website, including content development and management, layout, editing, and publication providing real-time access to community resources, programs, services, and recreational opportunities.

• Train employees and elected officials on social media best practices and offer media training as needed;
• May develop and communicate project deadlines and ensure deadlines are met;
• Assists in the strategy, organization, coordination, and implementation of inter-departmental city activities and programs;
• Assists…