Public Information Officer (PIO)

Purpose of this position is to manage the City’s internal and external communication, serve as the primary liaison between all entities; the media and the public. Responsible for media relations, content creation, public Information distribution and crisis communication.

This class works independently, under limited supervision, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The essential functions listed below are those that represent the majority of the time spent working in this class. Management may assign additional functions related to the type of work of the class as necessary.

• Serves as the official spokesperson, preparing press releases, organizing news conferences, arranging interviews and responding to media/press queries, manage social media to ensure accurate and timely information is disseminated.
• Write press releases, speeches, newsletters and website content.
• Create and update web pages, prepares brochures, articles, photographs, videos, advertisements, and other materials in accordance with established policies and procedures.
• Assist with the design, maintenance, and update of the city websites; participate in the development of media image and outreach efforts; assist with managing and monitoring of social media sites for content.
• Develop marketing materials and promotional campaigns
• Deliver critical updates, safety measures, and official information to the public to ensure safety and prevent misinformation during emergencies and under normal setting.
• Creates ideas, writes copy, lays out artwork, contacts media representatives, or represents the City directly before general public.
• Leads research efforts to gather relevant information for campaigns, reports, or media inquiries. Prepare fact sheets and other reports; develop educational materials and communication programs; research, prepares, and disseminate various publications.
• Serves as liaison to media for Emergency Operations Center. Participate in crisis management planning and assist with developing of crisis communication plan and written materials.
• Directs the City’s video production, graphic design, website content management, and the maintenance and management of the city NatureScapes program.
• Develops and maintains positive relations with media outlets, and a wide range of civic and community organizations; serve as the main point of contact.
• Respond to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen complaints and inquiries.
• Conduct community survey’s and analyze results; prepare written, illustrative, and statistical reports when needed.
• Develop and maintain records and statistics related to communication programs and citizen engagement; maintain and archive press releases, photographs, videos, and other pertinent information.
• Participate in public speaking engagements and represents the City at industry events.
• Drafts messages for the City initiative and public officials
• Edits and approves City Newsletters.
• Plans and conducts public information activities designed to create and maintain favorable public image for the City.
• Participate with internal and external partnerships in planning and executing strategic and high-profile events.
• Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Marketing, or similar relevant field.
• Five (5) years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, graphic design, community relations or related field or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience in a public agency.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of modern principles, practices, methods and techniques of marketing, public information dissemination, media relations, video production, and community engagement programs.
• Knowledge of best practices for social media and digital content including techniques of graphic design and associated software related to website design, maintenance, photography, video production and image editing.
• Knowledge of practices and methods for data, video and records retention and archives.
• Knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations related to public information.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation and writing.
• Strong oral presentation techniques and practices, strong writing and communication skills.
• Ability to write clear, concise, structured, articulate and persuasive articles, speeches and reports.
• Effectively use marketing techniques and perform public information duties to educate, inform or market city related programs and services.
• Effective use of social media, video, computer and related design software programs to perform a variety of communication tasks.
• Ability to research, analyze, organize, edit, write and design informational material for publication and presentation.
• Ability to prepare website content, illustrations, charts, graphs, brochures for presentation and dissemination.
• Ability to plan and coordinate community outreach and programs.
• Must demonstrate behaviors that support the City's Mission, Vision and Core Values.
• Required conduct is to be ethical and fair while representing the City. Must be responsible to adhere to all workplace policies that support ethical business practices and standards of conduct including, but not limited to, polices on Gifts, Conflict of Employment, Discipline, Drug Free Workplace, Employment of Relatives, Formal Grievances, Anti-Harassment, Posting of Job Vacancies, Equal Employment Opportunity, Political Activity, and Recruitment and Selection.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, vendors, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

• Performs light to medium work that involves walking or standing virtually all of the time and also involves exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or skill, adeptness and speed in the use of the fingers, hands or limbs on repetitive operation of mechanical or electronic office or shop machines or tools within moderate tolerances or limits of accuracy.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Unavoidable hazards refer to the job conditions that may lead to injury or health hazards even though precautions have been taken.

• None.

WORK HOURS
Monday – Friday 8am- 5pm (May be required to work nights, weekends and holidays to meet the business needs of the City.)

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE
The City of Deerfield Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the City to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

ESSENTIAL SAFETY FUNCTIONS
It is the responsibility of each employee to comply with established policies, procedures and safe work practices. Each employee must follow safety training and instructions provided by their supervisor. Each employee must also properly wear and maintain all personal protective equipment required for their job. Finally, each employee must immediately report any unsafe work practices or unsafe conditions as well as any on-the-job injury or illnesses.
Every manager/supervisor is responsible for enforcing all safety rules and regulations. In addition, they are responsible for ensuring that a safe work environment is maintained, safe work practices are followed and employees are properly trained.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:
Note: During emergency conditions, all City employees are automatically considered emergency service workers. City employees are subject to being called to work in the event of a disaster, such as hurricane, or other emergency situations and are expected to perform emergency service duties as assigned.

The City of Deerfield Beach values the service veterans and their family members have given to our country and supports the hiring of returning service members and military spouses.

Applications to the City of Deerfield Beach are reviewed as received. Early application is encouraged, as this posting may close at any time.