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THE POSITION
The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Public Information Officer to fill a vacancy in the City Manager's Office. The ideal candidate will be a creative, proactive, and strategic professional responsible for executing comprehensive communications and managing the City's public relations. Highly qualified candidates will have a reputation of ensuring accuracy of information and quality in presentation. The ideal candidate will have outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal, as well as experience in presenting to a variety of groups.

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, manages, plans, and executes information dissemination, public relations activities, website and municipal cable television channel content, media relations, and general communication regarding events, operations, and programs of the City; and performs related work as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives administrative and general direction from the City Manager or designee. May exercise direct supervision over assigned professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is an at-will management classification that oversees a broad range of responsibilities for public relations and communication-related to City services and activities. Incumbents serve as a centralized source of public and community information for dissemination to employees, businesses, community groups, the public, and the media. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, operational analyses, and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independent judgement, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, or remove job duties as necessary and will make reasonable accommodations to enable qualified individuals to perform the position’s essential functions. The omission of a specific duty does not preclude it from being assigned if it is similar, related, or logically aligned with the role’s overall responsibilities.

Oversees and participates in the full range of public relations and communication activities; determines need for informational and promotional materials and the most effective way to disseminate information to target audiences
Serves as a key spokesperson and representative for the City Manager and City Council, answering inquiries from the community, media, organizations, etc.
Manages all of the City's media relations; implements and updates a strategic communication plan to effectively support the City's image and deliver key messages
Conducts special projects or may be assigned to assist departments at City Manager's request
Maintains regular media contacts and keeps them informed of issues and events of importance to the City and citizens
Researches, prepares, edits, and disseminates public information, news releases, promotional flyers, newsletters, brochures, press kits, and electronic newsletter
Advises City Council Members and City management on appropriate and effective ways to convey City messages and provides information on programs and activities
May coordinate and assist with the preparation of and/or respond to correspondence received by the City Council
Creatively designs, writes, and prepares layout for the City newsletter, marketing materials, City website, and social media
Provides public relations by working with and providing outreach to schools, non-profit organizations, citizens, and community groups
Analyzes programs and the needs of residents, now and in the future, using a variety of methods, including surveys and community participation
Develops and directs convenient, accessible, and cost-effective information services and resources to meet the changing needs of the community
Sets and maintains customer service standards; solicits and responds to customer concerns; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; follows-up with department staff to ensure prompt resolution
Develops, recommends and administers policies and procedures
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; represents the City in professional organizations and regional networks
Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community relations, including operations and technology; evaluates the impact of new developments and recommends improvements to existing programs and procedures
Monitors City social media feeds and responds as appropriate
May act as an event manager for City events such as the Mayor's State of the City address, park dedications, photo opportunities, and groundbreaking ceremonies
Serves as Public Information Officer in the Emergency Operations Center during emergencies
Serves as a steward of the City brand
Coordination and oversight of consultants
Collaborates with other public agencies and communication
Photography, video, and use of graphic design
May participate on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and teams; reviews and prepares public presentations at City Council and other public meetings
Performs other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications includes:

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, business administration, journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field, and
Five (5) years of responsible public information, marketing, and public relations experience. Public relations experience working for a government agency is strongly preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License or other means that would allow travel to various City locations, meetings, or trainings

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Work a varying schedule including weekdays, weekends, evenings, and special events
Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, which includes a state and federal fingerprint-based background check (Live Scan), driving records screening, and a non-safety pre-employment physical and drug screening exam

KNOWLEDGE OF

Principles of communication
Principles, practices, and procedures of public administration in a municipal setting, including functions, authority, and responsibilities of an elected City Council
Municipal organization and programs, local government relationships, and community relations
Methods and techniques of developing administrative reports, business correspondence, speeches, presentations, and policy development
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, and City staff
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
Graphic design principles and related software

ABILITY TO

Act as spokesperson for the City during media interviews, presentations, and public speaking engagements
Create appropriate messages to develop and implement positive public relations and informational programs
Develop a communication strategic plan to meet future City needs/services
Effectively represent the City in meetings with other governmental agencies, citizens, contractors, vendors, various businesses, as well as professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations
Establish and maintain good working relationship with media representatives, community organizations, staff, and volunteers
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; present reports at City Council meetings
Compose news releases and feature articles; develop brochures, pamphlets, advertisements, and marketing materials
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines. Handle confidential matters with discretion
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks; including graphic design software
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with e community at-large, the City Council, public officials, boards, agencies, citizen groups, and those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer and to operate a motor vehicle or possess other means that allow for the ability to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 25 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov.

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interview, performance test and writing exercise to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists. The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background screening.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Organization: Management, Professional and Confidential

A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at

City of Murrieta

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Public Information Officer