Public Relations Manager

Position Description

• 3 - 4 Months - On-site Focusing on the Public Information and Relations. 8 hours per day- flexible. Hours 20-40 per week, dependent on the desire of the right candidate.
• To plan, organize, direct and coordinate activities within the Public Relations Division of the City Manager's Office including public information, media communications, crisis communications, community outreach and civic engagement activities; government relations; and to coordinate Public Relations Division activities with other departments and outside agencies.

Skills Required

• Serves as the City's Public Information Officer; directs the communications content of press releases, City website information, electronic communication, social media, and newsletters; prepares speeches, responses and related materials for public information purposes.
• Evaluate and administer the City's community engagement, community outreach, marketing, public information, and media communications.
• Prepares talking points, key messages, media alerts, public announcements, and other informational material related to public information. Develops, organizes, directs and evaluates comprehensive communications, marketing and community relations programs to inform the public of the activities and objectives of the City.
• Develops effective branding strategies that communicate a consistent identity based on the City's strategic plans and supports by effective marketing communications.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of communication methods and marketing techniques. Principles and practices of Public Relations and community outreach. Effective public presentation methods to attract and inform a variety of audiences. Political issues, community development issues, and legislative developments of importance to the community and City. Social media, web design, and graphic/visual presentation methods.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and desktop publishing programs.
• Ability to: Perform professional public information duties to promote and market City services and programs. Exercise independent judgment in identifying and responding to requests for information from the media and public.
• Effectively function under multiple deadlines. Interpret and explain complex information in a clear and understandable manner. Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local, and division policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations. Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies and programs.
• Demonstrate civic entrepreneurial spirit by generating new, innovative ideas and development of better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and graphic systems and software.

Experience Required

• Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and execution of Public Relations, communications, legislative, or marketing programs. Public sector experience and/or multilingual is desirable.

Education Required

• Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public Relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.