Press Information Officer II

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The incumbent in this position, will assist in the supervision and training of junior staff members, and will assist in coordinating the dissemination of public information, public relations, rapid response communications protocol and preparation for public events for the Office of the Mayor and Common Council to assure that the City’s key messages reach the public. This incumbent also performs a variety of public relations tasks which include developing, packaging and distributing information which has a significant impact on public and/or governmental relations; researches and answers inquiries and other public information issues.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Serves as a media contact for the Office of the Mayor, Common Council and City of Buffalo
• Responds to some inquiries from reporters and media representatives
• Assists in directing the generation and dissemination of communication materials, including press releases, social media content, public service announcements, website content, annual reports, speeches, editorials and other related public information
• Assists in coordinating arrangements for media coverage of Mayoral or Common Council events, informational and educational campaigns, and other activities
• Arranges and participates in the planning of community outreach events and meetings involving the Office of the Mayor, Common Council and City of Buffalo
• Helps coordinate and prepare the Mayor, Common Council and other City Commissioners and Directors for interviews and press conferences
• Identifies and organizes opportunities for public and media appearances
• Helps to manage social media strategy and content
• Assists with internal communications (working with the designated City departments to produce key messages through print and digital media; edits, designs and prints internal publications) or with external communications (informing media, partner organizations and others of relevant news and events, developing and submitting timely news items, editorials, etc. to local publications to foster greater awareness about the City’s key messages and initiatives; edits, designs and prints external publications)
• Works closely with the junior press officers and Digital Communications Officer to keep the City website current at all times
• Reviews and/or edits documents for accuracy and completeness
• Provides strategic guidance and direction as a member of communications team, with an emphasis on maximizing public outreach and awareness of government activities and functions.

*In order to carry out the responsibilities of the position, the Press Information Officer must be available by phone, email or text at all times

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Excellent oral and written communication
• Excellent in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing
• Excellent in using computers and related software
• Ability to coordinate with various departments
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city and government agency employees and the public
• Ability to use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and online strategies (websites, blogs, etc.) to compliment a public awareness campaign or a press strategy
• Proficient in media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media
• Ability to interact with news and other public media

Competencies and Abilities Needed to Succeed in the Position:

• Strong verbal, written, and public relations skills including the ability to write on behalf of another person
• The ability to communicate effectively with other employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public
• A strong aptitude for quick analytical thinking and problem solving
• Ability to manage and stay current on relevant issues and events in the community
• Producing, directing, writing, shooting, and editing video productions from concept to completion
• Demonstration of self-initiative and self-motivation
• Knowledge of the operations and functions of state and local governments
• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

A-Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Mass Media, English, Political Science, Government, Public Administration, or a related field and two years (2) years full time experience in public information, public relations, public affairs, media relations or marketing, preferably in a government-related setting

OR

B-Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Mass Media, English, Political Science, Government, Public Administration, or a related field and one year (4) years full time experience in public information, public relations, public affairs, media relations or marketing, preferably in a government-related setting

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $76,254.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $76,254