Hybrid Public Information Officer na Town of Pembroke Park

Public Information Officer

EEO Class Code: 2 - Professionals

Union Status: NB

FLSA Code: Exempt

Department:                            Administration                                    

Supervises:                              None

Position Reports To:               Town Manager 

Sworn:                                      No

Job Specifications

PURPOSE

The Public Information Officer will lead, plan, and execute the Town’s public communication strategy and coordinate the events. It is responsible for the development, coordination and delivery of effective public information, media relations, and community engagement efforts to promote transparency and keep residents informed through events, creative social media content, newsletters, etc. It serves as a primary spokesperson for the Town and works closely with all departments to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely communication.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties and functions, as outlined herein, are intended to be representative of the type of tasks performed within this position. They are not listed in any order of importance. The omission of specific statements of duties or functions does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this description. Other duties may be required and assigned: 

• Establishes, promotes, and maintains effective relations with the media and advises officials, departments and employees on how to properly frame issues while presenting information to facilitate public understanding.
• Oversees all video production of events on social media from concept creation, script writing, shooting, and editing.
• Serves as the primary contact person with the media to schedule interviews and helps prepare Town officials for public statements and helps respond to press inquiries.
• Plans, supports, and coordinates press conferences/media briefings and other media-friendly events (i.e., ribbon-cuttings, Town events, festivals, fairs, etc.).
• Develops, produces, and implements a strategic communications action plan, incorporating media relations, social media, digital and video content.
• Coordinates with the Town Manager’s Office and department heads to ensure clear and consistent communication across all platforms.
• Provides guidance and training to staff regarding communication best practices and media interaction.
• Collaborates with press releases, public statements, newsletters, talking points, speeches, guest editorials and other informational materials as needed.
• Manages the Town’s social media presence, creating and posting content, interacting with followers, including the news media.
• Works with IT staff to provide directions and manage portions of the Town’s official website, creating content to enhance public access to information.
• Develops and implements marketing campaigns and branding strategies to highlight Town programs, events, festivals, and achievements.
• Monitors public statements and media coverage and recommends appropriate communication responses.
• Responsible for the dissemination of information and recommended communication strategies during an emergency event while actively contributing as a team member during any and all crisis situations, natural or otherwise.
• On-call in the event of an emergency for the purpose of coordinating information dissemination to the public and media access to the situation; on-call to the media on a daily basis.
• Collaborate with Town leadership to understand goals, priorities, and vision for the website while identifying areas for improvement in design, usability, and functionality.
• Attend meetings on-site, as needed.
• Any and all other assignments and duties related to public information and events as designated.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• In-depth understanding of public relations principles and media operations.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills.
• Crisis communication expertise and experience managing sensitive or controversial issues.
• Experience in video production (concept creation, script writing, shooting, and editing).
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the news media, civic groups, the public, business organizations, employees and other stakeholders.
• Ability to be attentive to detail and work effectively under pressure.
• Ability to complete projects and meet deadlines.
• Ability to be responsive to inquiries and requests from the media, employees, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to successfully prioritize and manage diverse and conflicting tasks.
• Ability to express ideas and findings clearly and concisely in both oral and written forms to superiors, groups, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively with the public and elected officials on an individual basis and with large audiences.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in public information, media relations, or communication, preferably in a governmental or public agency setting.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, CAD, and other production software.
• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to maintain composure under high pressure situations.
• Valid Florida driver license and reliable transportation.
• Availability to work evening, weekends, holidays, special events, on-call, and emergency situations, natural or otherwise.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• APR Certification from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
• Basic Public Information Officer certification (G-290 or L-105).
• Certification from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in crisis communication (NIMS, ICS).
• Familiarity with municipal government operations and experience working under Florida’s Public Records Law (Chapter 119, Florida Statutes).

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a teammate to successfully perform the essential duties and functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Regularly required to stand, sit, see, speak, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, or other electronic device. 
• Occasional light to moderate lifting of office products and supplies may be required.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a teammate encounters while performing the essential duties and functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. 

• Moderate noise (business offices with computers, telephones, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and light traffic).
• Ability to work within a confined area.
• Ability to work at a computer station for an extended period.
• May be requested to work nights and weekends for special town events, Commission meetings/workshops, emergencies, and other Town-related activities.

The Town of Pembroke Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.