JOB SUMMARY:
The public information officer is responsible for coordinating city communications and releasing accurate and timely information to City of Milton and Santa Rosa County residents, the media and city employees. Duties include seasonal campaigns, managing crisis and disaster related information, as well as the day-to-day management of internal and external communication strategies. This position provides services similar to those provided by a full-service communications agency, focusing on heightening awareness of the city’s mission, programs, policies, initiatives and services offered. The city public information officer also works in the field during emergencies and is available to the media 24/7.
DUTIES AS FOLLOWS BUT NOT LIMITED TO:
- Serves as the primary point-of-contact for media inquiries and monitors media coverage;
- Establishes and maintains professional relationships with members of the media as well as building contacts with counterparts at other government and community agencies;
- Acts in a liaison capacity with community leaders, tour groups, other governmental agencies and communication groups requesting information on government related activities;
- Consults with city departments to develop external and internal communication plans and strategies for the dissemination of complex information on a wide range of agency activities, programs and goals;
- Manages the city’s social media accounts and website content;
- Assists and advises departments and commission with general communications needs including press releases, brochures, posters, speeches, remarks, comments, photos, presentations, press conference, special events and other related needs;
- Attends city council and other meetings as necessary to stay informed on county activities and projects;
- Manages responsibilities for community outreach activities beyond regular city business hours including extended workdays, evenings, weekends and holidays;
- Expected to be on-call and respond to emergency callouts, and participate with emergency activations; designated as critical personnel in case of disaster
- Prepares and monitors annual budget for PIO department
Qualifications
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in journalism, media relations, communications, public administration or related field and three (3) years recent experience in community/media relations, public relations for a government agency or for a private agency serving local government clients.
Special Requirements
• Operate media and office equipment • Design and layouts for brochures and pamphlets; relate to any audience regardless of age; participate in or host radio and tv programs; • Exercise independent judgment with minimum supervision • Direct and supervise a group of volunteers or workers • Proofread and edit documents • Function well under stressful situations • Deal effectively with the public, media and officials in a courteous manner • Proper English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and sentence structure; proficient in press release writing and AP style; digital photography & photo editing; and MS Office /Windows OS platform programs required. Additional computer program expertise a plus.
Miscellaneous Information
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: • State, federal, county and city laws; familiar with city, county, state and federal agencies. • Principles, practices and methods of social media; practices and principles of public information, crisis communications, public relations and marketing; web site design, management, and/or content development; basic copyright laws applicable to design work and creative properties; design and electronic pre-press processes and experience with typography, color, conceptual thinking, print layout, digital production, and post-production; emergency public information policies, methodologies and procedures