Public Affairs - Public Affairs Associate

Job Title: Public Affairs Associate
Department: Public Affairs
Salary Range: $55,300–$60,800
Pay Grade: 4
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Under direct supervision of the Manager, Media & Government Relations, this position provides support and assistance for public affairs operations, including digital, editorial, media, and legislative tasks. The associate is responsible for utilizing exceptional communication and writing skills to aid a wide range of duties associated with customer communications and public engagement while executing administrative operations within the department.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Write and distribute communication materials, including new press releases, fact sheets, newsletters, website and social media content, statements, and additional press materials.
• Monitor media coverage and measure public sentiment, responding proactively as necessary.
• Design and develop presentations for public engagement and outreach.
• Provide primary support for fact-checking media coverage of Pittsburgh Water and working with Manager, Government & Media Relations on corrections when necessary.
• Provide operational and administrative support by preparing regular reports, processing purchase orders, sorting/delivering mail, maintaining online file databases, scheduling meetings, and compiling notes.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for event activities as directed by Public Affairs leadership, including basic preparation needs for press conferences, community events and stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate and manage basic research requests.
• Support construction communication activities and logistics as necessary including maintaining public facing project webpages, developing presentations, and responding to customer questions. 
• Collaborate closely with other departments to align communication efforts. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders as needed. 
• Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Understanding of various communication channels, including digital, print, social media, and broadcast platforms.
• Awareness and sensitivity to diverse communities and cultures.
• Ability to act with integrity and professionalism when interacting with all stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
• Great attention to detail.
• Excellent ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive written documents; communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, content management systems (CMS), and Adobe Creative Cloud applications; able to use multimedia and video to communicate.  

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The following requirements list the minimum education/training/experience required to qualify for this job. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be accepted.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communication, Journalism, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of related experience.
• Experience with content management systems (CMS), digital publishing workflows, and graphic design software is preferred.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Applicant must present a current, valid Class C (Class 1) PA Motor Vehicle Operator’s License at the time of application or prior to appointment. A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment. 

Applicant must have permanent residency within one of the following Pennsylvania counties at the time of appointment and remain a resident within one of the noted counties throughout employment with the Pittsburgh Water: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Indiana, Washington, or Westmoreland.  

SUPERVISION EXERCISED / RECEIVED
No direct report / Will receive supervision directly from the Manager, Government & Media Relations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and see, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl on even and uneven surfaces. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. 

CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to a moderate or quiet noise level in the office work environment. Subject to remain on duty beyond normal hours and/or recalled during emergency situations or other extensive periods.

MEDICAL EXAMINATION
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) physical examination performed by the Authority's examining physician.

DRUG TESTING
Employment may be contingent upon the results of a post-offer (initial employment or promotion) drug screening. Continued employment may be subject to randomized drug and alcohol testing conducted without advance notice and for reasonable suspicion.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION
Ability to successfully pass a thorough investigation consisting of a criminal history check, verification of prior employment and performance, reference, and credentials checks, and in some cases credit history. 

Applicants are subject to a System for Award Management (SAM) or any successor system search as maintained by the General Services Administration (GSA) to ensure compliance with federal procurement and non-procurement programs.

Applications: You may be considered for other available positions based on qualifications provided on your employment application. If you have questions regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources Department at: 
 
Pittsburgh Human Resources Department 
1200 Penn Avenue 
Pittsburgh, PA 15222 
412-255-8800 
hr@pgh2o.com      
 
An Equal Opportunity Employer: Pittsburgh Water is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on any legally protected statuses, including, but not limited to race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy status, or veteran status. Pittsburgh Water is committed to providing candidates with reasonable accommodations for those with disabilities during our recruiting process; if you need assistance, please contact us at hr@pgh2o.com or 412-255-8800.

Salary : $55 - $61