Pay Range: $87,838.40 - $144,913.60 annually dependent on knowledge and experience

***This executive position is exempt from Veteran's Preference according to FL Statute 110.205 (2) (j)***

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree in English, journalism, public policy, communications, marketing, business, or related field; and six (6) years of professional-level experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, outreach, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Management experience in communications, public information, or marketing experience within state and/or local government preferred.

Licenses or Certifications:

Possession of an appropriate driver’s license for equipment operated and any license, training, or certification required by law or regulation to complete assigned tasks.

Special Requirements:

None.

JOB SUMMARY

The Public Information/Strategic Communications Officer serves as the official spokesperson in external communications for the City and is responsible for monitoring, managing, and protecting the City’s positive public image in the press and on social media.

This executive staff position is responsible for preparing, distributing, and overseeing the distribution of written and oral communications on behalf of the City to communicate news of City programs, events, accomplishments, and services to various City audiences. This position requires a highly responsible individual who works well in a fast-paced environment and can demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills while representing the City. The Public Information Officer manages and coordinates all external communications on behalf of the City, including responses to requests from local and national media outlets, in coordination with City staff. This position collaborates with the executive leadership team on communication strategies, including the development and implementation of communication plans for specific projects. This position is responsible for the measurement and evaluation of the output and outcomes relevant to the goals and objectives of the City. Work is evaluated by observation of results attained.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Prepares and disseminates information to the general public, media, outside agencies, and community agencies and organizations though press releases, news conferences, social media, and a variety of platforms, with an emphasis on promoting City initiatives and communicating citizen-focused information.
Responds to media requests and provides accurate and timely information to news reporters, editors, online resources, and media outlets.
Monitors media coverage involving the Mayor and City to ensure media coverage is accurate. Contacts reporters and editors to request corrections when needed.
Maintains professional relationships with the media.
Develops and maintains current media contact list for local, state, and national news outlets.
Produces and oversees the production of the City’s newsletter and digital media such as videos, photos, and graphic images for use as public information.
Manages web content for the City’s website to ensure up to date and accurate information as well as the maintaining the online Calendar of Events.
Oversees maintenance and updates to the City’s social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; and monitors City department social media sites to ensure they are being used appropriately.
Edits and produces the City’s monthly e-newsletter, to include layout and writing of articles.
Plans and implements public media events, including City special events such as groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, press conferences, etc., to enhance marketing of City accomplishments.
Works with the City Administrator and Deputy City Administrators to assist City departments with communication services, to include advertising and marketing.
Takes photos/videos or coordinates photos/videos for the City’s social media, website, and press releases, including photos of City events and events attended by the Mayor.
In coordination with City staff and the Assistant Public Information Officer, conceptualizes and designs communication products and graphics to support the City’s mission, programs, and services, including videos, photos, illustrations, brochures, flyers, postcards, digital media, PowerPoint presentations, and other publication projects.
Supervises staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring that employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
During disasters/emergencies, serves as the City’s liaison in ESF 14 at the Escambia County Emergency Operations Center and is responsible for managing and distributing critical information to residents before, during, and after a disaster. Required to work in the EOC before, during and/or after an emergency.
Serves as the City spokesperson to local and national media as needed.
Prepares and administers budget; prepares cost estimates for budget recommendations; submits justification for budget items; and monitors and controls expenditures.
Maintains an archive of press material relating to the City.
Coordinates and facilitates the Pensacola Citizens Academy.
Interacts with the public in an effective and courteous manner.
Demonstrates commitment to City’s mission, vision, values, and goals and represents the City in a professional, dignified manner always both in actions and in appearance.
Responds to inquiries from the public.
Performs other related duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of spelling, grammar, punctuation, and appropriate formats of documents and correspondence for both formal and informal communication settings.
Knowledge of social media, principles, and practices of modern journalistic writing and editing as applied to public relations and promotion of City activities.
Knowledge of principles and best practices of communication strategies to include verbal, written, and visual presentations in the creation, development, and delivery of public information.
Knowledge of current and common professional video film editing applications such as Adobe Premier Pro, Photoshop, and InDesign as needed to edit compose and design printing and digital media.
Knowledge of basic City governmental operations.
Knowledge of computer skills, including demonstrated competence with Microsoft Office applications and experience with web content development technology to fulfill job requirements.
Well-rounded interpersonal skills. Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills and an ability to work effectively in a team environment.
Ability to plan, organize, and complete multiple work assignments and ongoing activities with appropriate initiative while adhering to established deadlines and protocols.
Ability to communicate tactfully and professionally with employees, public officials, and the general public both orally and in writing.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive matters diplomatically and discreetly to include knowing when to escalate matters to City management.
Ability to write speeches and articles using original or innovative techniques or style.
Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints.
Ability to work independently and consistently meet deadlines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to hold or feel, reach with hands and arms, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, climb, balance, stoop, and crouch. Specific vision abilities include near distance, far distance, color, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is primarily sedentary in nature and performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Some jobs may require an employee to be exposed to outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions.

The City of Pensacola provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

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