Director of Public Information and Communications FLSA Status: Exempt
General Definition of Work
Performs
professional work administering a program of internal and external
communications for the City, preparing news releases and presenting statements
to media representatives, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction
of the City Manager.
Qualification Requirements
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 and are not
necessarily actual functions of this position.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Functions
Performs
duties in accordance with the City's keys to excellent customer service.
Coordinates
public relations programs; assists and advises city officials in developing and
disseminating press releases, specific materials, statements, information, etc.
to enhance the understanding, perception and image of the City.
Plans,
develops and directs programs to ensure dissemination of information designed
to keep city departments and the community informed of city programs, services,
activities, features, accomplishments or position; conducts surveys to
determine public opinion regarding city government and/or programs.
Performs
short and long-term planning aimed at increasing marketing and public relations
outreach on a local and regional level; develops marketing plan as well as
short and long-term goals.
Confers
with various city personnel to discern pertinent information for presentation
to media or public; writes, edits and coordinates dissemination of information
in the form of graphics, reports, advertisements, news releases, pamphlets,
brochures, newsletters, newspaper inserts or similar material and ensures
placement in designated community information kiosks, electronic mail, internet
sites, etc.; edits written material prepared by city personnel for public
dissemination.
Coordinates
regular citizen education programs designed to educate and engage citizens in city
government.
Develops,
edits and places city news and information into newsletter format; maintains
web site content and the accuracy and timeliness of online information.
Contacts
and develops relationships with news media representatives in order to
disseminate information and/or suggest coverage of city accomplishments,
personnel changes, programs, events, etc.; maintains lists of news media
representatives demonstrating interest in issues pertinent to the City.
Answers
inquiries from media representatives and the general public by providing
information based on detailed knowledge of city programs and activities and as
required by state open records laws; refers inquiries to the proper city
officials.
Assists
with producing original cable channel programming for the City's cable access
channel.
Conducts
simple and in-depth research to support communications projects; gathers and
analyzes statistical, historical, financial and other data through the
examination of various publications, literature, other documentation,
interviews and surveys of expert sources; writes technical reports and other
materials based on collected and analyzed data.
Prepares
and makes presentations to the City Council and civic groups.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Considerable knowledge
of media and public relations; thorough knowledge of writing and editing
techniques required to prepare reports and related documents; thorough
knowledge of public information and modern principles and practices of public
relations media; general knowledge of city programs, policies and structure;
ability to develop promotional copy and perform technical editorial work;
ability to write public information reports and releases; ability to work
closely at all levels with various citizens, committees and staff members;
ability to exercise excellent interpersonal and communication skills and good
research and organization skills; ability to establish and maintain effective
working relationships with elected officials, consultants, associates, the
media and the general public.
Education and Experience
Bachelor's
degree with coursework in journalism, public relations, marketing, or related
field and considerable experience in public relations, local government, public
organization work, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Physical Requirements
This work
requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly
requires sitting and speaking or hearing and occasionally requires standing and
walking; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required
for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is
required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires
preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to
environmental conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location
(e.g. business office, light traffic).
Special Requirements
Valid driver's
license in the State of