HHH Public Affairs Specialist

Position Summary

The HHH Public Affairs Specialist works under the direction of the Director of Health, Housing, and Homelessness to develop, implement, maintain, and disseminate an effective public information program, including the development of communications arcs and strategies for priority programs. Responsible for the evaluation of communication strategies. The Specialist receives direction from the Director of Communications and is a member of the City’s Communications Team. The Specialist serves as the Dept. media liaison as well as spokesperson, when needed; writes news releases, talking points, speech materials, newsletters, flyers; leads press conferences for Dept. topics; and attends public meetings; assists with website management and all social media platforms; special events; other related tasks as needed. The position is subject to being on-call, as well as working nights and weekends.

This is an at-will, unclassified position.

Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Develop and execute communications arcs on priority programs and evaluate the effectiveness.
• Develop news releases, advisories and statements for the media.
• Respond to and work directly with the media on all inquiries; serve as department spokesperson, when needed.
• Lead the development of talking points for media interviews and press conferences.
• Develop, monitor, and maintain a library of communications materials, databases and files to track activities and history.
• Participate in the coordination of various media events.
• Develop and coordinate programs to promote departmental services and initiatives using videography, photography, public presentations, and social media.
• Coordinate and schedule speaking engagements, special events and media interviews to convey information about specific department programs, inquiries or events.
• Write and/or edit speeches, press releases, brochures, fact sheets, newsletters, correspondence, and relevant meeting agenda items for assigned department.
• Develop and coordinate the creation, design and layout of publications including the arrangement of print, photography, illustrations, and artwork.
• Represent assigned department in appearances with various media; make presentations to the public, community organizations, businesses and other groups as needed.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of media and community communication.
• Develop and prepare various reports as required.
• Manage and update department website content.
• Initiate, administer and oversee contracts related to advertising and/or marketing activities; coordinate contract development and signatory activities; verify contract specifications for clients.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings to promote department priorities.
• Identify and attend professional opportunities to advance communications work.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, marketing, communications, business administration, or public relations preferred; and

Three (3) years of communications experience preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.

Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.

• Mass communication principles and practices
• Basic operations, services and strategies of a communications program
• Marketing theories, principles and practices and their application to assigned department programs
• Basic procedures, methods and techniques of budget preparation and control
• Recent developments, current literature and information related to marketing and advertising
• Office equipment including computers
• Applicable computer software applications
• Principles and procedures of public speaking
• Web design principles and practices
• Internet information retrieval and protocol
• Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations
• Methods and techniques of conducting research

• Implement communications programs
• Demonstrates excellent writing skills (e.g. use of grammar, vocabulary) to communicate ideas
• Identify and implement promotional opportunities
• Elicit community and organizational support for department programs
• Use computer programs as required to develop newsletters, flyers and materials
• Research, analyze and evaluate new and existing marketing methods and techniques
• Establish schedules and methods for providing marketing services
• Prepare and administer assigned program budgets
• Allocate limited resources in a cost effective manner
• Serve as the spokesperson for the assigned department
• Speak in front of large crowds and on camera
• Communicate clearly and concisely
• Perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including the general public

Working Conditions