Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

DEFINITION

Coordinate, establish and maintain two-way communication between an assigned City Department and its various external and internal customers, clients, and media. Duties include activities such as: developing and implementing public information and customer service plans for the assigned department; developing press releases and responding to media inquiries; conducting community education and public relations activities; conveying department messages to the public and employees utilizing applicable communications tools.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from a department manager or director.

PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1.  Coordinate, establish and maintain two-way communication between assigned department, staff and its various external and internal customers; provide strategic leadership in media relations and crisis communications in addition to communications advice and counsel to department leadership and personnel.

2.  Serve as a liaison between assigned department and members of the media; coordinate communication during emergency and non-emergency events; handle media requests and manage media access; schedule press conferences and provide interviews regarding department issues and activities.

3.  Coordinate and participate in public meetings and open house programs to promote department services and a better understanding of the department; provide public education and information; create and implement programs, citizen outreach activities and special events.

4.  Prepare written material for the department including blog and social media posts, press releases, newsletters, presentations and public service announcements; take photographs of various events and occasions; oversee writing, design and printing functions; produce television programs for countywide channel.

5.  Serve as department representative on a variety of internal and external committees as assigned; attend meetings, presentations and other functions.

6.  Anticipate and respond to questions and concerns from the general public regarding programs, services, issues and work plans; provide information as requested.

7.  Develop and maintain information on the assigned intranet and internet web sites, as well as multiple social media platforms; monitor citizen commentary, media coverage and other messaging about and reflecting on assigned department; anticipate negative news coverage and plan accordingly.

8.  Work with staff in other City departments and outside agencies to prepare communications and promotional items for specific projects.

9.  Gather information and prepare a variety of reports and records; maintain logs and records of activities and events.

10.  Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Assigned department operations and services.

Principles and practices of media and public relations.

Effective communication and public speaking techniques.

Effective technical and news writing skills.

Principles and applications of graphic design and lay out.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.

Applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.

Effective social media skills.

Basic video and audio production and editing.

Effective crisis communications skills and techniques.

Principles and practices of NIMS and ICS.

Ability to:

Develop concise, comprehensive and understandable public information materials.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public, media and City employees.

Write and/or edit written materials for publication.

Identify opportunities to publicize department programs.

Prepare and conduct presentations.

Elicit community and organizational support for department programs.

Work closely with management staff in the development of public communications plans.

Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Provide on-camera and radio interviews.

Respond to scenes at various times of the day or night when requested.

Manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Minimum Requirements:

 Experience:

 Three (3) years of increasingly responsible public communications and relations related experience. Specific service related experience a plus.

 Training:

 Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, public relations, business administration, public administration or a related field.

Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license.

Some assignments in this classification require specialty certifications related to the area of assignment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

The job is performed in the following working environment:

Office environment and field environment.

The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:

Local Travel

Physical Conditions:

The job is characterized by:

Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

The following physical activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for prolonged periods. The employee is regularly required to see, hear, talk, stand, twist and use repetitive motions in the conduct of work. The employee will be exposed to varying weather conditions that may be hot, cold, or wet and may be called to emergency or nonemergency scenes at all hours. The employee is also required to perform light lifting.