Public Information Officer

(Anticipated Hiring Salary:  $78,480 - $82,472/annually)  
Positions assigned to this class implement and manage a comprehensive communications, public affairs and marketing program for the City. Oversees public information and educational programs to create an enhanced understanding and awareness of the City’s programs, services, special events and projects.  Expand the community’s outlook, enhance the city’s image and public’s perception and confidence of the city.  City spokesperson to actively communicate, engage and seek feedback with residents, businesses and visitors. Assists City Council to engage citizens. Serves as a resource to the public for all City related information. Assists departments in communicating with the public and media regarding programs and services. Makes recommendations on strategic direction for the City’s communication and marketing efforts.The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may no change, specific work tasks may vary over time depending on the City's needs.
  

• City spokesperson providing information to citizens, responding to citizen requests and concerns, and any media request for information, and publishing news releases.
• Coordinate public information and assist all staff with interagency issues related to emergency management for the community.
• Reach out to neighborhoods, council members, and City staff; respond to citizen and business questions regarding events; may review and process event applications; schedule event meetings; provide follow-up information and notification to applicants; mediate and facilitate neighborhood disputes. 
• Work closely and engage city departments on information distribution and increase marketing as needed; connect goals and objectives of the City Council to community organizations.
• Coordinate responses to various social media pages such as Facebook and Twitter accounts with City leaders; research responses and forward to appropriate division or departments as necessary; update and maintain the City website. 
• Assist with organization, implementation, and maintenance of various educational programs, speakers and participants.
• Research and prepare letters, talking points or other material for staff and/or elected officials.  Prepare and submit award applications national and local; conduct various city surveys.  
• Support the City’s policies, goals and objectives and work with management and other staff to ethically achieve such goals and objectives; ensure compliance with safety procedures.

Education and Experience
Graduation from a college or university accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) with a Bachelor’s degree and four (4)  years paid full-time experience in media coverage, communications, facilitation, and community outreach programs; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.Knowledge

• City and Department procedures, policies, and guidelines; City Code; Arizona Revised Statutes.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard software such as Microsoft Office and some specialized software; functioning standard equipment.
• Assessing, prioritizing and completing multiple tasks and demands simultaneously.
• Conflict negotiation and problem solving techniques and methods. 

Skills

• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with coworkers and other individuals in contact during the course of work; communicating clearly and concisely.  
• Addressing the public and presenting to various organizations and groups; writing press releases. 
• Planning and managing projects; navigating social media websites; website administration. 

Pre-employment Requirements
Candidates who are selected for appointment may be required to be fingerprinted, if 18 or older; successfully complete a background investigation, employment verification and may be subject to a drug/alcohol test, medical, polygraph and/or psychological evaluation. Candidates who are appointed will be required to possess a valid driver’s license to operate a vehicle in Arizona, or meet the transportation needs of the position.

 Physical Demands and Working Environment
Work is performed in a standard office environment and may include some outdoor work at special events, in varying temperatures. May require frequent sitting and continuous operation of a personal computer. May be required to perform a full range of motion with lifting and/or carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds.