Public Information Specialist

ST. CHARLES PARISH

JOB TITLE: PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

This position is located in the St. Charles Parish Office of Public Information. The office is responsible for the development, implementation and evaluation of public affairs campaigns designed to communicate governmental and community activities in an efficient, productive, professional and aesthetically pleasing way. The position will serve as parish’s relief spokesperson to the national and local media and will help develop and disseminate new releases and blogs and organize press events. Work involves assisting the Public Information Officer with media relations in his absence; is involved in journalistic and promotional writing, desktop publishing, presentation preparation, training website users across departments on best management practices of website and working with printers and other agencies. Must be proficient in Adobe Creative Suite to coordinate the graphics identity of the parish under the general direction of the Public Information Officer. Under general supervision, performs specialized skilled clerical and computer duties in support of the Public Information Office.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK

In the absence of the Public Information Officer, assumes all duties and responsibilities of the officer.

Assists the Public Information Officer with media relations in his absence by serving as relief spokesperson in their absence.

Assists the Public Information officer, parish president and parish departments with press inquiries, press release writing, and other Public Information/communications matters.

Assists the Public Information Officer in the preparation of the annual budget for the Public Information Office and monitors expenditures.

Coordinates contracts on communications projects, including printing of publications, website design and maintenance and videography.

Ensures that all forms of communication and public meetings are in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

Implements the parish communications plan, parish media relations policy, social media policy and parish branding guidelines.

Supervises the parish website in its entirety, including updates, implementation of best practices and inclusion of improved functionality and component features by serving as co-webmaster and managing editor. Also provides Content Management System (CMS) training to users from other parish departments.

Schedules all programming on the St. Charles Parish Government Access Channel (SCP-TV), including news segments, promotional segments, event coverage, public service announcements, etc.

Compiles press releases, designs and writes copy for brochures and booklets, fliers, Power Point presentations and other multi-media material.

Compiles information for speeches and talking points for the parish president and other members of the administration.

Coordinates the televising, taping, editing and publication of public meetings for rebroadcast / posting.

Receives and responds to all e-mails sent through the parish website, inquiries on social media and resident phone calls.

Coordinates bridge park electronic signage; operates and tests council chamber audiovisual equipment.

Coordinates special events, including press conferences, ribbon cuttings, groundbreakings, informational tours, luncheons, etc.

Coordinates logistics and planning of the annual Independence Day Celebration.

Compiles the monthly parish employee newsletter.

Coordinates parish use of social media sites.

Attends and employs communications techniques to cover a substantial number of evening meetings and weekend activities on behalf of the parish and the Public Information Office.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

24-hour on-call status to respond to any emergency.

Schedules meetings and/or appointments for Public Information Officer.

Performs digital video conversion and edits recordings.

Maintains office inventories; prepares all purchase orders for supplies.

Creates / completes and submits for approval content including but not limited to: Press releases, flyers, event signage, Power Point presentations, original event photographs, edited video pieces, etc.

Serves on the Command Staff of the Emergency Operations Center, remaining on-call 24/7 for parish emergencies and/or disasters and creates and/or coordinates all outgoing emergency messaging during activation. Reports to Public Information Officer and Incident Commander when activated.

Required by the Emergency Operations Center to attend Public Information Officer trainings through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other emergency agencies.

Stays abreast of public opinion, media mentions, etc.

Performs other related support work as directed.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in mass communication or a related field and 2 to 5 years of previous experience. Any equivalent combination of experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of general clerical procedures and business writing.

Skill in operating a variety of office and media equipment, including a working knowledge of video editing and professional desktop publishing software.

Ability to research and compile a variety of information.

Ability to write and edit information to apply correct grammar and spelling, including general knowledge of AP Style and media writing formats.

Ability to meet deadlines and follow specified guidelines.

Ability to assist with visually based projects for web, television, events planning and video production using knowledge of basic visual design.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $45,965.69 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person