Public Information Officer presso City of Yuma, AZ
City of Yuma, AZ · Yuma, Stati Uniti d'America · Onsite
- Professional
- Ufficio in Yuma
About the Department
***This position is open until filled with a 1st review date of August 26, 2025 ***
**THIS APPLICATION REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING**
Along with your completed application, please upload a writing sample that you feel best represents your work.
This could be a report, news release, article, social media content or another piece that showcases your communication skills.
Are you looking to join a team that values Professionalism, Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness? Do you want to be a part of a strong team dedicated to serving our community, building relationships, and creating opportunities? Then this might be the opportunity for you!
We are looking for someone to join Team Yuma as a Public Information Officer working with the City Administration Department. The ideal candidate will lead the effort to share the City’s story by serving as the primary media contact, representing the City in public communications, and driving marketing initiatives for the City Communications Division.
Under basic supervision, the Public Information Officer (PIO) develops, coordinates, and implements comprehensive public information and marketing strategies to enhance the visibility, transparency, and engagement of the City of Yuma. The PIO serves as a key media liaison, spokesperson for the City, and lead coordinator of marketing plans for City of Yuma Signature Events.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Develops, creates, and coordinates the distribution of accurate, timely, and accessible public information to promote the City's key messages to both internal and external audiences.
- Leads media relations efforts and serves as the official spokesperson for the City, maintaining effective communication with media representatives and responding to media inquiries.
- Develops and executes marketing campaigns and communications plans, media advisories, press releases, talking points, and community outreach strategies.
- Plans and produces original content for TV, City podcasts, and radio programming, including serving as host/interviewer when required.
- Assists in the planning and execution of press conferences, public events, and official City announcements.
- Conducts research, analyzes issues, and provides communication recommendations to support City departments and leadership.
- Maintains the City’s brand identity across all communications, ensuring consistency, clarity, and professionalism.
- Serves as staff liaison in the absence of the Communications Manager and provides guidance to departments regarding Communications best practices.
- Responds to public and media inquiries and resolves issues or refers them appropriately.
- Identifies, researches, and develops narratives that highlight city accomplishments, initiatives, and events.
- Supports the relationship between the City and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and City staff; promotes the City goals and priorities, vision, values and the “Yuma Way”, and complies with all City policies and procedures.
- Maintains absolute confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; enforces compliance with the confidentiality standards of the Privacy Act of 1974, {U.S.C. § 552A}; performs other duties as required or assigned.
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field; AND three (3) years of experience in public information, marketing, or media relations; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Public sector or government experience is preferred. Bilingual proficiency is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
- Principles and best practices of marketing, public information, public relations, and community engagement.
- Effective branding, storytelling techniques, and campaign development strategies.
- Social media platforms, digital communication tools, and related analytics and monitoring software.
- Methods of social media management, including content planning and performance analysis.
- Media protocols, public information laws, and ethical standards in government communication.
- Emergency communication procedures and public safety messaging practices.
- Media relations, crisis communication techniques, and strategic messaging frameworks.
- Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for public sector employees.
- Correct English grammar, composition, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary.
- Communicating information to the public regarding City operations, services and programs.
- Creating and executing high-impact marketing and public information campaigns.
- Developing clear, concise, and engaging messaging for diverse audiences.
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Serving as a spokesperson and delivering public presentations to diverse audiences.
- Collaborating effectively across departments, agencies, and the public.
- Using discretion in politically sensitive or high-stakes situations.
- Applying multimedia tools, digital platforms, and social media analytics.
- Supervising staff as assigned and coordinating cross-functional projects.
- Writing and editing across formats, styles, and platforms.
A valid Arizona State Driver’s License is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a standard office environment and public settings. The position may occasionally require bending, reaching, and lifting objects. This position requires availability outside of regular business hours and may involve extended workdays including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed to support City events, emergency communication, or other assignments. Candidarsi ora
