This is very responsible professional, media and public relations, work, serving as the City of St. Petersburg’s Public Information Officer, by providing announcements, publicity, and public awareness through prepared documents, press releases, digital media, and presentations. Work involves serving as an official City point of contact for the news media and the public regarding daily operations, news, activities, investigations, and natural disasters; and creating special articles, web content, press releases, and news stories concerning related activities, programs, news, and plans. Work includes training, instructing, and counseling City staff regarding news media relations and applicable laws, rules, and policies; and serving as one of the City’s primary points of communication during emergency operations and declared states of emergency. An employee in this classification must apply discretion, dedication, and tact to effectively communicate, coordinate, and build cooperative relationships with the news media, citizens, outside organizations, other government entities, elected officials, and City Administration.

Salary: $118,055 - $183,894 DOQ

Close Date: 05-23-2024 (11:59 PM)

Minimum Qualifications.Applicants must:

• Have a valid Bachelor’s degree in a related field -or- relevant experience and/or training combined with a valid high school diploma or GED may be considered in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree.

• Possess and continue to maintain a valid Driver License.

• Have five (5) to seven (7) years of prior experience working in the news media, public relations, marketing/communications, or as a Public Information Officer.

• Have a verifiable history of effective communication and preparing press releases, marketing material, presentations and/or related digital content.

• Be able to consolidate information and prepare presentations for the public, City Administration, and/or City Council, to be given in person or by City leadership.

• Be able to serve as the Public Information Officer for the City during emergency operations and declared states of emergency.

• Be able to conduct accurate and thorough research through effective methods and techniques in order to respond to requests.

• Be able to communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely, orally and in writing, including regular presentations to the public, news media, City Administration and City Council.

Desirable Qualifications. Preferred Applicants:

• Have a Master’s degree in a related field.

• Have prior work history that includes creating marketing materials and digital media.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For purposes of employment, re-employment, promotion, transfer or demotion, the most qualified applicants will be selected to continue in the hiring process. At this point, any prior criminal records will be verified. A prior criminal record will not necessarily disqualify a selected applicant from employment.

The City of St. Petersburg is committed to a Drug Free Workplace and compliance with the Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing rules. Applicants may be required to successfully complete pre-employment drug testing and/or medical exams.