Ready to Start Your Career with the City of Temple?
Summary
The Public Relations Specialist is a creative, public-facing role dedicated to maintaining a positive image for the City of Temple. Reporting to the PR & Engagement Division Director, this position collaborates with the PR team to communicate city programs and achievements. Primary duties will include responding to media inquiries and publishing official releases.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
- Assists the Public Relations & Engagement Division Director in all communications efforts to enhance the City's image and deliver key City messages
- Works collaboratively with all departments, while supporting them in their media relations and communication efforts
- Assists with a variety of projects, events, administrative, and clerical support
- Assists in preparing, drafting, and disseminating media releases for the City
- Maintains regular media contacts and keeps them proactively informed of issues and events of importance to public safety and citizens
- Responds to inquiries and requests from internal and external customers within 24 hours and effectively presents information
- Identifies, researches, and communicates proactively with the media to help tell unique stories about the City
- Tracks media coverage and assists with performance metrics reporting (KPIs), as it relates to media relations
- Assists the Public Relations & Engagement Division Director in researching, preparing, writing, editing, and disseminating external communications materials including annual reports, brochures, fact sheets, press kits, and other forms of written communication
- Develops and writes content for monthly City newsletter, letstalktemple.com and other engagement portals and publications, as needed
- Assists with the planning, development, and execution of the City’s annual recognition and appreciation events, ensuring meaningful engagement and high-quality experiences for residents, partners, and stakeholders
- Provides coordination and support for unplanned or time-sensitive celebratory events, proclamations, and community milestones as needed
- Serves as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO) during large-scale City events, coordinating public messaging, media relations, and on-site communications
- Represents the City of Temple at community events not hosted by the City, serving as a professional and informed ambassador to strengthen relationships and community trust
- Maintains and updates newsrooms sections of the website on a consistent basis with fresh stories and information, including visuals
- Assists with photography and/or video needs for various communications channels like social media, websites, and/or the news media
- Designs social media graphics and other promotional materials, as needed, to support the City’s overall branding efforts
- Provides communications counsel and support in the promotion for special events, campaigns, services, and programs
- Researches communications & marketing award opportunities
- Participates in professional organizations to advance knowledge and network with other industry professionals
- Stay up-to date with current industry trends and technology by attending trainings, conferences, webinars, etc.
- Follows City policies, procedures, and safety guidelines
- Performs other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications
- Combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Mass Communication or related field.
Thank you for your interest in the position. Please note only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
