Media - Public Relations Specialist

Under administrative direction, is responsible for planning and adminstering a specific project or program for a City department. Serves as the administrative supervisor on projects or programs. Plans, assigns, supervises, and reviews activities of subordinate personnel. Monitors the project or program's operating budget and assists in the annual preparation of same. Designs, implements, and monitors procedures utilized in program evaluation. Develops and secures commitments from other City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants. Provides technical assistance or reviews program policies and procedures. Maintains current information and oversees the preparation of project status reports. Prepares financial and narrative reports and program applications. Communicates project/program status and information to municipal officials and/or public and private entities. May supervise employees assigned to the respective project. Performs other related duties as required.Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred.  Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience in program administration required.  Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds.  Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.
Additional Duties include, but are not limited to:

•  Develop, organize and execute seasonal, periodical and otherwise necessary departmental announcements and events.
•  Draft press releases, media summaries, council and executive presentations. 
• Build and maintain relationships with external existing and new media contacts and internal city-wide resources and stakeholders. 
• Develop and maintain a robust, dynamic social media presence and continuous campaign. 
• Assist in managing media requests in a timely and professional manner. 
• Ensure the department maintains consistent, cohesive and branded messaging and documentation.  
• Track, report, and analyze media coverage and social media reach to develop informed response strategies.  
• Develop a proactive public safety public relations program. 
• Assist in organizing, scheduling, and preparing key leaders and staff for interviews, including messaging, talking points and media training.  
• Collaborate with City Departments including Communications, IT and the Mayor’s Office regarding all information releases including designated media specialists from other divisions, departments and external agencies. 
• Coordinate public safety presence on City maintained web sites including validation and accuracy of posted and linked data.
• Develop, coordinate and execute community education and outreach events.  Research event opportunities. 
• Coordinate preparation of department and division annual reporting and other publications. 
• Plan and track calendar of content and events for the year for all Public Safety divisions. 
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Chief Director of Public Safety as required. 

Additional Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field.
• Three (3) years full-time paid experience in public/media relations, corporate communications or similar demonstrated role.
• Six (6) years full-time paid experience in public/media relations, corporate communications or similar demonstrated role can substitute for the Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience above. 
• Must possess a valid State of Ohio Driver's License (Those persons who live or work outside of Ohio must have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of the date of hire). Must possess the following skills: Strong computer skills - Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn software utilized by the Department and other related governmental software; Strong oral and written communication - including the ability to make presentations throughout the Department; Excellent interpersonal skills. 
• Light physical effort in sedentary to light work. May involve some manipulation of lightweight items (5-10 pounds). May involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. 
• Requires excellent written and superior verbal communication skills. 

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field is preferred. 
• Experience in federal, state or local government communications is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse neighborhoods or communities is strongly preferred.  

https://www.clevelandohio.gov/city-hall/departments/human-resources/total-rewards

The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.