PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT

This position focuses on audio and visual production, photography, operation of A/V systems, and public relations support. It plans and produces visual materials for use in public relations/marketing communication, digital content, and video programming, while also performing related professional and technical duties as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of responsibilities, developing methods and workflows under general supervision.

The work is considered light and involves walking or standing most of the time and involves exerting up to 20 pounds of force on a recurring basis, or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy. The work requires the following physical abilities to perform the essential job functions: hearing, mental acuity, speaking, talking, and visual acuity

Work environment involves exposure to no known environmental hazards; and is safe and secure that may periodically have unpredicted requirements or demands.

• Develops informational materials to be provided directly to audiences through visual means, including audio-visual / social media channels and graphic products;
• Films and edits video products for use in public relations projects;
• Assists in developing and producing various public relations/city-wide video products for the City’s communications channels.  Gathers information and creates graphics for print and on-line mediums, creates, produces, records and edits video programming; acquires pre-produced video programming for use as appropriate;
• Assists City officials and department heads with video production, print and graphic materials as requested;
• Assists in preparing and distributing press releases and public service announcements to disseminate City information and to otherwise facilitate a positive public image of the City;
• Receives and responds to public / news media inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints;
• Attends City, community and committee meetings as appropriate;
• Performs general administrative / clerical work as necessary, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, ordering supplies and materials, etc.; 
• Operates A/V equipment for live streamed meetings, events and other special requests in council chambers or off-site locations, and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK: 

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, marketing or a closely related field;;
• Two (2) years of relevant prior experience, preferred;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

• Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to operate A/V equipment, video/photography cameras and other creative equipment to record/capture content;
•  Ability to read journals, manuals, and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, general public, people in other organizations; composing original reports, scripts, articles, press releases, brochures, and other publication materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to perform professional level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical, or managerial methods in the solution of administrative or technical problems; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressure; and 
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

Salary : $39,024 - $48,780