Public Information Officer

Under general supervision, develops, implements, and maintains an effective public information program, serve as the Town's spokesperson and primary media liaison; develop media releases, articles, talking points and fact sheets; assist with managing the Town’s online presence, including content development for social media platforms; and assist with other communications and marketing copy writing, collateral development, or related tasks as needed.

• Acts as Town's official spokesperson and media liaison.
• Communicates with assigned division/department personnel and other Town employees, the general public and the media.
• Coordinates with Communications and Marketing Administrator to develop media releases, speaking points, fact sheets and speeches regarding Town programs, services, initiatives and events.
• Develops and prepares reports, informational flyers, newsletters and articles for public information or for internal use.
• Assists Council and Town staff in developing presentations.
• Plans and develops content (including video and photos) for social media platforms and the Town's website to educate the community and other target audiences, and to promote various Town events, programs and initiatives.
• Provides as-needed support/coverage for other roles/functions within the Town’s Communications and Marketing Division.
• Provides copy writing and expert-level editorial review of Town/department documents, projects, notifications and presentations.
• Provides photography services at various Town or community meetings and events.
• Provides Town Council and Town management with support/information on issues of interest to the community and the media.
• Responds to an emergency response scene as necessary and coordinate with appropriate personnel on information to release to media, public and internal staff.
• Responds via phone/email/messaging for after-hours emergencies, including communicating with Town Council and management, posting on social media sites, etc.
• Serves a supporting role in the content management of the Town website, updating content as needed.
• Serves as a member of the Communications and Marketing Division, within the Department of the Town Manager.

 
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
 

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written communication. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to manage time and meet strict deadlines to complete projects and assignments. 
• Ability to organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines and follow up on work assignments with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work with the media, write press releases, and serve as the media point-of-contact/spokesperson.
• Knowledge of and experience using major social media platforms.
• Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) Style. 
• Knowledge of best practices of public relations, media relations, communications, promotional and marketing methods and techniques. 
• Knowledge of development techniques for various print and digital publications, such as press releases, newsletters, e-blasts, reports, brochures, etc.
• Knowledge of Town and Department policies and procedures. 
• Skill in using computer software and applications related to photography, graphic design and social media. 
• Skill in writing and editing at an expert level.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, English, Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years’ experience in communications, journalism, media or public relations.
• Must possess a valid Class D Arizona driver license upon the first day of employment.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

• Work is performed in an indoor and outdoor environment.
• Must be able to lift or move up to ten (10) pounds.
• Regular and reliable attendance; may work more than forty hours in a workweek without additional compensation to perform assigned job duties, including weekends, evenings, early morning hours, and holidays as required.

Salary : $60,169 - $75,211