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 communication between the City and its various external and internal customers; implement successful public outreach and marketing programs to increase the visibility, positive image and name recognition of the City of Grand Junction and elected officials; develop and implement on-going communication programs for the City aimed at a variety of audiences.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives primary direction from the City Manager.

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 the City and its various external and internal customers; advise the City Manager and department heads in the development of effective plans and practices affecting overall organizational communications.

2.  Create and implement communication plans to proactively address City policy and program issues; coordinate and arrange speaking engagements or appointments for elected officials and department heads to increase the visibility and image of the City of Grand Junction and its elected officials.

3.  Coordinate, author, edit and publish various City publications and newsletters, scripts, press releases and presentations; oversee writing, design and printing functions; write and produce public service announcements and programming for television and radio; maintain and update City informational materials and resources including web sites, media guides, phone listings and schedules of City projects.

4.  Work with City management, Council and other employees to develop informational presentations, written pieces, or talking points for public meetings or press conferences regarding City programs, significant issues or emergencies, services, special projects and various other activities.

5.  Anticipate questions and concerns from the media and general public; propose ways to effectively address and resolve concerns; inform outside agencies and the media of City programs and services.

6.  Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public information and ensure that information is readily available to the media.

7.  Participate on a variety of teams, special meetings and intergovernmental alliances to plan, develop and manage the City's overall communications activities including media relations, special events, graphic design work and development of citizen outreach activities.

8.  Coordinate, lead and facilitate meetings with other City public information officers and the web server coordinator to develop and enhance overall communications strategies.

9.  Manage, develop and coordinate special projects; determine equipment and materials needed, sources and vendors, methods of communication related to event; anticipate potential issues or concerns.

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

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Operational characteristics, principles and practices of media and public relations.

Effective communication and public speaking techniques.

Effective technical and news writing skills.

Methods and techniques of advertising and marketing.

Modern practices of organizational development and constructive problem solving.

Principles and practices of communicating and coordinating programs and initiatives.

Principles and applications of graphic design and lay out.

English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Principles and practices of public administration.

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

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

Ability to:

Conceptualize, prepare and execute solutions for public information needs.

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

Write and/or edit written materials for publication.

Network and arrange special engagements for elected officials.

Interact effectively with City staff, Council, the media and the general public.

Identify and develop opportunities to publicize City programs.

Manage projects across departmental lines.

Prepare and conduct presentations.

Use sound judgment in evaluating and implementing decisions

Elicit community and organizational support for City programs.

Interpret and explain City policies and procedures.

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.

Experience and Training Guidelines

Minimum Requirements:

 Experience:

 Five (5) years of increasingly responsible public communications and relations experience.

 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.

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 is also required to perform light lifting.