POSITION SUMMARY

The Public Information Manager serves as the primary media contact on behalf of the City of Pittsburg, and is responsible for media relations, internal and external communication activities, and informational campaigns on behalf of the City. Work is performed under limited supervision and reviewed for results achieved.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Originates, plans, and prepares news releases, newspaper articles and stories, proclamations, special advertisements, bulletins, radio and television, and social media releases covering a full range of municipal activities.
• Apprises the City Manager of current and proposed marketing and public relations activities. Proposes and develops strategic approaches to informational campaigns and the City’s overall communications efforts.
• Works with staff and senior management to develop and monitor social media, media releases, City web page, internal and external communications, logos, publications and marketing activities.
• Researches, composes, edits with graphic design activities in a variety of media regarding a wide range of City projects and serves as liaison between print, broadcast and social media organizations and City departments.
• Plans, directs coordinates and evaluates news media and public relations. Provides a comprehensive analysis of the City’s communications efforts on an annual basis.
• Develops effective working relationships with department and division heads, staff and the general public in creating and coordinating public information projects and programs including city-wide events.
• Coordinate communication efforts with public safety departments and organizations during emergencies including potentially acting as main emergency communications contact point.
• Supervises, plans, and directs the activities of staff, identifying projects, potential risks, scope, resource requirements, time frames, and project status.
• Coordinate with City departments to keep the City’s website and social media platforms current.

POSITION COMPETENCIES

• Knowledge of principles, techniques and objectives of public information and journalism as applied to municipal government.
• Ability to coordinate multiple assignments and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Ability to compose news stories, articles, speeches, radio and television releases, reports and letters relating to the activities of all municipal departments.
• Ability to think strategically and implement long-range plans.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, including live interviews.
• Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, i.e., self-motivated and assertive.
• Knowledge of desktop publishing, computer hardware and software programs to produce print projects and MS-Office applications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in journalism, mass communication, public relations, public administration, English, or closely related field
• Valid driver’s license and clean Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Two years of related experience, municipal government experience preferred.