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Job Description
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, plans, coordinates and implements the public information program, and education programs regarding activities and services for a citywide program or a city department; serves as a liaison with the public, other government entities, partnering agencies, community groups and the media; and performs related work as required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
(Performance of these functions is the reason the job exists. Assigned job tasks/duties are not limited to the essential functions). Assist department head, executive staff, and others with public relations strategy; provide necessary guidance to ensure communication efforts align with the overall mission of the department /office; manage a variety of issues, including high-profile situations requiring the utilization of crisis communication skills; Arrange press conferences and authorize appearances or press statements from staff members by providing staff with guidelines and strategies to present the message/information/issues properly; Foster good public/media relations by notifying the media of newsworthy events, providing pertinent information in a timely manner and discussing potential articles or radio/TV/social media stories; Create materials to promote and publicize internal and/or community relations, by creating and distributing newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, special feature stories, video and audio recordings for media representatives; develop exhibits, displays and materials for promoting programs on social media, at community events and fairs to maintain public awareness of programs and concerns; Develop a variety of educational materials, including publications, a series of television/social media productions, posters, newspaper articles, surveys, awards, video and audio public service announcements, displays, correspondence, forms and brochures; plan and coordinate lectures, film programs and public forum programs to create a better understanding of department/office programs, services, policies and projects; Maintain and monitor social media platforms and the city website; edit content, and similar digital and print publications, selecting materials to be included; proofread and rewrite work from others to ensure accuracy, completeness and readability; perform layout and design and meet with graphic artists and printers to arrange for and coordinate their services; Represent the department/office before special interest groups and community organizations and provide subject matter expertise on a variety of related issues; attend public and government meetings to present programs or materials representative of the department activities; attend internal and external meetings and events to build agency morale and community support; and Initiate, maintain, and update a variety of resource materials, files, and records, including news archives, of background information related to the area of assignment.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Organizational structure of the City of Fernley, as it relates to programs and activities of assigned area(s); Government process as it relates to area(s) of assignment; Department policies, practices, and procedures, including protocol; Social media communications and digital communication platforms, and other forms of public outreach available in the community; Management information systems and software used in the assigned area; Programs related to multi-platform social media posting and analytics; Terms and acronyms commonly used in the assigned function; Public relations practices and strategic program development; Methods and techniques of video, photographic, and audio production, including TV/radio, social media and internet platforms; and Budget process and funding sources.
Skill to:
Plan, develop, coordinate, produce, publicize, and implement or disseminate programs, events, and publications designed to inform the public of the roles, resources, and activities of the organization; Establish and maintain media contacts and monitor news coverage of department events; contact media personnel to obtain coverage of organizational activities; provide verified information to the media; Use sound public relations techniques and principles, research and compose various types of communication vehicles, such as news releases, media advisories and bulletins, proclamations, brochures, speeches, broadcast presentations for newspapers, magazines, broadcast media, the website, social media, including internal and external distribution; Participate in planning, organizing, and publicizing programs and public events; maintains master event calendar; and Assist staff regarding publicity, media relations, and communications techniques in dealing with the public and the media; accompany staff members to media interviews.
Ability to:
Evaluate information/situations, formulate promotional or public relations strategies and make recommendations for media access and appropriate messaging; Work independently to plan and coordinate all components of public information, education, and promotional activities; Write materials appropriate for a variety of venues, such as speeches, brochures, news releases, fact sheets, public service announcements, social media postings, news or special interest articles; Make effective visual and oral presentations in front of individuals and groups; Understand complex issues and communicate key components to diverse audiences quickly; Collaborate with internal and external subject matter experts to address crisis situations; Create rapport with diverse audiences and build effective community networks; Analyze the news value of events and keep informed of current events; Prepare rough illustrations and diagrams for layout purposes; Interpret and apply regulations, policies, and procedures; Plan and organize assignments to meet schedules and timelines; Use a personal computer, cell phone, tablet, a variety of internet and social media platforms, and software, including desktop publishing; Establish, foster, and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
QUALIFICATIONS
Applicants must possess the following minimum qualifications to continue in the recruitment process:
Education and Experience:
Two years of experience preparing and disseminating information through social media platforms, radio, television, newspapers or other publications, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, marketing, political science, public administration, public relations, inter-governmental communications, journalism, television, telecommunications or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of training and experience.
License or Certificate:
A valid driver's license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Ability to work in a professional office environment. Ability to lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs. Ability to use cameras, video cameras, audio/video equipment, computers, telephones, printers, copiers and scanners.
Working Conditions:
Work is performed under the following conditions: Position functions indoors in an office-type environment where most work is performed at a desk. The environment is generally clean, with limited exposure to dust, fumes, noise, or odors. Office environment working with routine office equipment, including computers, faxes, copiers, scanners, and phones. Frequent interruptions to planned work activities occur. Please contact Mitzi Carter, HR Manager, at 775-784-9863 or email at mcarter@cityoffernley.org for more information.
Pay:
$67,687.50 - $87,679.00 per year
Benefits:
401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid parental leave Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance
