Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Based on the strategic innovative vision of the City Council and the City Manager and with the leadership and general direction of the Director of Communications and Community Engagement, this position develops and disseminates key messages to inform citizens and help shape the perception of the City locally, regionally and globally. This position will be the primary writer on the communications team working closely with the Senior Creative Services Manager. In an environment where accountable stakeholders collaborate, this individual must understand how best to use words to communicate, motivate and exchange ideas that will improve the City. The individual serving in this position must be well-versed in new media strategies, relationship-building, partnership-leveraged affairs, as well as have experience in managing emergency and/or crisis communications.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

Develop, design, implement, and coordinate communication dissemination plans consistent with approved strategic direction. Recommend and assist in the implementation of goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for providing public information services; implement policies and procedures.

Must have experience in various writing executions including press releases, new media strategies, web site content, speech writing, strategic message development; advertising, writing experience is a plus.

Responsible for maintaining relationships with key local and regional media contacts, interdepartmental contacts, and collaborating with the communications staff of other government agencies as well as key strategic private-sector partners.

Monitor, track and report on City news coverage. Monitor program performance; analyze results and recommend implementation modifications to systems and procedures.

Must be versed in managing emergency or crisis communications, which requires the ability to make quick decisions; coordinate multiple tasks at one time; have reasoning skills and the ability to maintain control of a situation. Individuals with the ability to remain calm, professional and even-tempered during emergency situations are ideal.

Distribute information to keep citizens safe and aware of potential dangers.  Report on matters concerning safety initiatives; safety statistics; and safety reports that impact the community.

Serve as public relations liaison for an assigned area with the news media, public and other government agencies; appear before special interest and civic groups to present materials dealing with City activities. Gather and compile information; maintain informational press files for matters of department interest; provide information after verifying that it can be released to the requesting party; conduct informational briefings as needed.

Represent the City and serve as the primary communicator at business, civic, industry and governmental meetings. Participate in professional organizations and keep abreast of new developments in the field of public communications; incorporate new developments as appropriate into programs.

In conjunction with City department heads and community liaisons, plan and arrange public education and awareness programs; write, edit and format newsletters and articles for internal distribution to departments and City employees.

Respond to and resolve difficult, sensitive, or complex complaints from citizens and visitors.

Responsible for media training for staff approved to speak on behalf of the City.

Monitor program compliance with laws, rules and regulations related to provision of public communications services.

Provide communications assistance to appropriate department heads or other City employees.

Perform related duties as required.

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:
Operations, services and activities of a public information or communications program.
Principles and practices of copy writing, editing, video production, news gathering and journalism.
Techniques and practices of organizing and coordinating programs, activities and special events.
Understanding and an appreciation of technology with an early-adapter philosophy.
New media practices.
Techniques of speech writing and delivery.
Extensive knowledge of City government.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Operations of a public relations or communications function.
Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.

Ability to:
Coordinate and direct public information programs.
Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing public information services.
Interpret and explain department and City policies and procedures.
Edit and organize information into an appropriate format for presentation.
Appear before special interest and civic groups to present materials dealing with City activities.
Serve as public relations liaison with the news media, public and other government agencies.
Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.
Work without direct supervision, exercising independent judgment and personal initiative.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
Perform responsible professional work in a high-profile position dealing with topics under intense public and media scrutiny and respond rapidly and appropriately as needed.
Write, edit and format newsletters and articles.
Work in a team based environment to achieve common goals.
Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.
Meet the physical requirements to safely and effectively perform the assigned duties.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:
A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field.

Experience:
Four years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, media coverage or a related field.

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Work is performed in an office and field setting with some travel to attend meetings, interact with media at incident sites; occasional work in inclement weather and in an emergency environment; extensive public contact; exposure to computer screens and other media equipment. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings, holidays and weekends.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; operate media equipment; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

B29 Mid-Management
JD 2018