Public Information Officer - Public Safety

This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the Town of Queen Creek.

JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

Positions assigned to this class are responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining an effective public information program on either a Town-wide and/or departmental basis, serving as the Town’s spokesperson and primary media liaison, developing positive news releases and digital communications, and providing support to the Town in the development of newspaper columns, speeches, speaking points, and fact sheets. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a senior level professional marketing and communications classification in the marketing and communications job family.   Incumbent(s) perform the full range of advanced public information duties that demonstrates broad practical knowledge in a variety of processes, methods, techniques and best practices. Work involves planning and coordinating difficult assignments, the modification of established guidelines, and the initiation of new approaches.  May be responsible for daily work assignments, conducting work reviews, training staff in work procedures, and providing recommendations to management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Develops, implements, and maintains an effective public information program on either a Town-wide or departmental basis.
• Develops press releases, stories and other materials for community distribution and media.
• Coordinates with appropriate internal departments to develop speaking points, fact sheets, outreach materials and speeches.
• Develops communication plans and associated material for various Town campaigns. 
• Creates storyboards and writes scripts for video projects.
• Provides Town Council and executive management with support/information on issues of interest to the media. 
• Administers digital strategy and content, including inquiries and administration of social media. 
• Works with all departments on media and protocol training/advice.
• Responds to public records requests made by the news media.
• Acts as Town’s official spokesperson with the media to provide the Town’s response to issues.
• Assists with organizing Town representation at events and plans press conferences.
• Serves in an on-call capacity, responding to after-hour inquiries and emergencies. 
• Consults with staff on communications needs.
• Collaborates with executive management to implement communication vision and strategies. Assists with event planning and coordination. 
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)

Education and Experience:  

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, public relations, public administration, journalism, or a related field and three years of progressively responsible experience involving public information, public relations, media relations, marketing, communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

• Driver’s License;
• Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles, procedures and strategies of public information/public affairs in a municipal environment;
• Journalistic standards and principles and practices relating to professional writing and correspondence;
• Event organization and planning;
• Computer software and applications related photography and website development and maintenance;
• Social media outlets;
• Public relations principles;
• Crisis communication methods and techniques;
• Associated Press Style;
• Project administration;
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities;
• Customer service principles.

SKILLS

• Planning, organizing, preparing, presenting and defending reports and studies;
• Making complex decisions and interpretation in accordance with established rules, policies and procedures;
• Problem solving and decision making;
• Research, analysis, and the preparation of recommendations for management;
• Group facilitation;
• Implementing public relations initiatives;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Note: This is intended as a description of the way the job is currently performed. It does not address the potential for accommodation.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE:

Standard office equipment; vehicle

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

None

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS: