Public Relations Coordinator

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following: Prepare and update news releases regarding highly sensitive or confidential matters such as policy issues and criminal incidents and investigations. Prepare written statements and speeches for members of the department's executive staff; inspect and correct written work produced by department staff prior to dissemination to the media. Disseminate news to the press, radio, and television through written releases, personal interviews, and/or press conferences. Go at any time to the scene of incidents attracting news media attention, act as liaison between the office and media representatives. Assist in the preparation of reports or informational publications about the department including researching, writing, and coordinating photography, layout, and printing. Assist in the planning of and conducting tours of department facilities for visiting public safety or other public officials. Coordinate all special events, press conferences and tours; receive and handle complaints from the media and the public. Answer public and media inquiries in person, by telephone, or in writing, regarding departmental procedures, investigations, or activities. Maintain records and prepare reports. Create and post original content to be posted on all social media channels, establishing a substantial direct line of communication with the public. Represent the department before various boards, committees and community groups; and facilitate community awareness and understanding of public safety services and programs.

Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time experience that includes responsibility for organizing, coordinating, and overseeing outreach projects and programs to provide the public with information to promote an organization's events and activities. This experience must have included writing and editing newsletters, news releases, press releases, promotional materials for internal and external publications and/or creating and managing content for a variety of social media platforms.

Education:

Equivalent to graduation from a four (4) year college or university in communications, journalism, public relations or related field. (Progressively responsible professional experience may be substituted for education on a year-for-year basis.)

Licenses/Certificates:

Possess a valid California driver's license at time of appointment and maintain.

SUBJECT TO CRIMINAL HISTORY BACKGROUND CHECK PURSUANT TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES RULES AND REGULATIONS, SECTION 2,B.

Essential Functions Analyze data, interpret policies, procedures and regulations, develop appropriate conclusions, and prepare reports. Resolve Conflicts and respond appropriately to complaints. Complete multiple priority projects with conflicting deadlines and under stressful conditions. Establish, implement and achieve goals and objectives. Operate a personal computer and other modern office equipment. Maintain confidential information in accordance with legal standards and/or County regulations. Represent the department with the community and other agencies. Maintain a professional and effective working relationship with the administrative team. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of the media. Frequent use of depth perception, peripheral vision and color perception. Occasionally lift, carry reach, push, pull, twist and manipulate large and small objects. Frequent use of hand-eye coordination. Frequent use of data entry device including repetitive hand and arm motion. Occasionally lift and carry up to 40 pounds. Normal dexterity, frequent holding and grasping. Sit or stand for long periods of time. Frequently drive a county vehicle. Maintain flexibility in work schedule; work evening and weekend shifts as required. Regular attendance is an essential function.

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of community/media relations and public information, including conduct of media relations relating to public-sector agencies. Principles and practices of journalism and public relations, including understanding the requirements, operation and functions of various media. Principles and practices of public administration, local government organization, and administration; applicable County ordinances, resolutions, policies and practices. Meyers-Milias-Brown Act, California Public Records Act, and other related Federal and State laws and regulations. Research and statistical methodology. Audio-visual presentation development and production techniques. Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Personal computers, spreadsheets, data-base software and information systems. Effective use of social media platforms for the purpose of public outreach. Website design and maintenance. Legal concepts, principles and terminology.

Ability to:

Represent the department before the general public, public officials, and outside organizations and agencies. Speak in public before large groups and directly to news outlets. Communicate effectively and persuasively both orally and in writing. Present messages effectively to various and multiple audiences. Leverage Internet and media technologies to facilitate information sharing and manage emergency and/or crisis communications. Learn and interpret pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, rules and regulations. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Learn and be familiar with general rules of criminal procedure and court process. Remain abreast of developments in the department. Organize and develop comprehensive narrative and statistical reports, including use of appropriate demonstrative aids such as charts, graphs, or videos. Plan, initiate and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction. Determine priorities and design methods for achieving objectives. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships in a team environment, with officials, department heads and other personnel in Merced County and other agencies. Work flexible hours.