Under Administration direction, plans and implements the communication programs and practices to address City and community priorities for all City departments. Develops, designs, and produces digital, print, and video communications. Handles media inquiries, creates press releases, and assumes other divisional responsibilities, including attendance at City Council meetings. Creates, monitors, and approves content for the website.

Examples of Duties

MAJOR DUTIES

Assists the City Manager and Assistant City Manager in providing effective communications to the public and key stakeholder groups regarding City Council actions and policy initiatives. Develops communication plans and communication channels to promote the City’s policies and programs.
Responsible for media relations, public relations, marketing/promotions, emergency communications, social media, and reprographics operations. Assists with public safety communications in emergencies and as requested.
Creates news content and designs for City print, video, and digital communications, including city website, social media platforms, public service announcements, fact sheets, utility bill inserts, brochures, fliers, and bi-monthly newsletter. Writes, edits, and proofs articles, press releases, and video scripts. Ensures brand consistency and reputational awareness throughout the organization in all the external and internal messaging.
Responds to questions received by phone, email, and social media from City residents and businesses.
Advises on major issues and projects having political significance or high sensitivity in the community.
As requested by the City Manager, provide the Mayor and City Council with media relations training, and communications best practices. Advise on intergovernmental relations and communications efforts and processes.
Creates original speeches and talking points for the Mayor and members of the City Council as requested and at the direction of the City Manager.
Maintains effective working relationships with journalists and media organizations that cover City events and issues. Monitors media coverage.
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with other cities, counties, and governmental agencies.
Monitors and increases effectiveness of City’s social media efforts citywide. Meets with social media team, reviews and monitors methods for measuring effectiveness, and manages content as needed.
Plans and manages special events and projects; attends meetings and events to provide on-site assistance as needed. Collaborates with other departments to coordinate promotions and events to increase community reach.
Coordinates language translation services for materials when needed.
Responsible for the City’s website content and appearance; generates new content, innovations, design, and navigation. Ensures accessibility compliance issues are dealt with effectively and timely.
Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and goals of the city.
Knowledge of marketing, advertising, and communication principles and strategies.
Knowledge of the general operations of municipal government.
Knowledge and experience with visual and print communication principles.
Knowledge of social media strategies and best practices for social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, NextDoor, LinkedIn.
Knowledge of social networking and social analytics tools.
Knowledge of the basics of web design and maintenance.
Knowledge of correct use of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
Knowledge of media operations, story content, and coverage.
Knowledge of design standards for digital and print publications.
Knowledge of digital production using Adobe InDesign.
Knowledge of AP style and press release writing conventions.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of video production.
Knowledge of materials and equipment used in communications including cameras, video cameras, scanners and desktop publishing applications.
Knowledge of pre-press and printing industry standards.
Skill in writing, editing, proofing, designing, and laying out information for digital and print publications.
Skill in planning, developing, recommending, coordinating, and organizing marketing efforts with other City departments.
Skill in photography.
Skill in video equipment setup.
Skill in video production, editing, scripting, and presenting communications.
Skill in understanding new technology and ability to learn new hardware and software quickly as needed.
Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority.
Ability to listen well and communicate effectively orally and in writing with various audiences.
Ability to perform project management and possession of organizational skills.
Ability to assist with special events and projects.
Ability to assist with government access cable television productions.
Ability to use standard office equipment, computer equipment and software including word processing, presentation, database management, spreadsheet applications, and electronic mail.
Ability to work and coordinate with outside vendors for print and online City project requests.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, management, elected officials, local media, community members, and the public.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The City Manager assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. Work is evaluated through conferences, reports, and observation of department activities.

GUIDELINES

State sunshine laws, City codes, ordinances, and resolutions, the AP Style Guide, and social media standards and guidelines. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of this position is to coordinate the City’s public information functions. Successful performance contributes to the successful image and delivery of messaging and information to the public.
The work consists of varied communication, marketing, and public information duties. The necessity of coordinating work with a variety of stakeholders contributes to the complexity of the position.

CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with coworkers, elected and appointed officials, members of the news media, business leaders, tourists, attorneys, and members of the public.
Contacts are typically to exchange information; engage, influence, and persuade individuals; resolve problems; and provide services.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is required to talk, hear, finger, and make repetitive motions. This position is mostly sedentary work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to reach, lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, walk, stand, and climb a ladder. The employee is required to have close visual acuity.
The employee is subject to both inside and outside conditions.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position currently has no direct reports. However, staff may be assigned to assist with specific projects; functional supervision may be necessary.

Typical Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field from an accredited college or university.
Five years of related experience, including written communications, copy editing and creating, and administering content on social media.
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Florida for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
Media relations experience is highly desirable.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

** These are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if they work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Public Information Management jobs

Communications and Public Information Manager