Location: Bartow,FL, USA
Public and Media Relations Officer
(Communications)
Pay Range: $61,152.00 - $91,728.00 annually
Shift: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (40 Hours/Week)
Location: 330 West Church Street, Bartow, FL 33830
Employee Benefits
* Direct Deposit, Bi-Weekly Pay Checks
* Medical, Dental, Vision
* Life Insurance
* FRS Retirement
* 10 Paid Holidays
* Paid Time Off
* Tuition Reimbursement
* Education Incentives
* Deferred Compensation Plan
* Wellness Incentives
* Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
* Free Employee Gym
* Free Employee Health Clinic
Must have the physical, developmental and metal ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated below:
MAJOR FUNCTIONS
Under general supervision, strategize, create and manage public relations and media relations projects as assigned for internal and external education and communication. Essential functions include:
* Planning, writing and editing copy for publication including news releases, brochures, booklets, digital and disseminating information through appropriate channels.
* Photography and/or graphic design for print and digital content; arrange for printing when necessary.
* Perform media relations duties, including fielding questions from the media, media buying, and with direction, act as a spokesperson for divisions of Polk County with local, regional and state media.
* Arrange and coordinate news coverage.
* Track and report media coverage of county news and events.
* Provide content for internal communications to county employees.
* Respond to director, incident command and/or senior leadership requests after hours, weekends and holidays for Public Information Officer (PIO) call-out for newsworthy events.
* Write, design and post social media and website content.
* Event planning and support.
* Back up support for all divisions, boardroom, switchboard and PGTV functions.
ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
Provide news writing and media relations consultation to assigned divisions. Must, using project management tracking application, execute plans using print, broadcast (TV and radio), web, social media and email. This includes:
* Researching, then copywriting for all media using AP Style.
* Developing long-term strategic plans.
* Designing, researching, writing and editing e-newsletters.
* Photography and Graphic Design using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
* Providing event coordination services and publicity for seminars, community and board meetings, lectures, open houses, ribbon cutting, etc. Attend events when assigned.
* Media relations, representing the Board in contacts with the news media, community organizations and other public contacts. Must coordinate press conferences and be willing to be on-camera and on-site for breaking news.
* Performing PIO duties for all divisions; assist Communications Director with Emergency Management ESF 14, and back up Fire Rescue PIO when assigned.
* Equally split, with the Fire Rescue PIO, the after-hours, weekend and holiday on-call Public Information Officer call-out for newsworthy events.
* Maintaining the county's digital photo library.
* Producing public service announcements, blogs and photography for promotional use.
* Writing scripts and drafting storyboards for PGTV, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) government access television.
* On-camera hosting of PGTV video.
* Create and maintain posts to social media accounts and websites.
* Perform other related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to demonstrate that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop), Content Management Software (CMS) for websites, Constant Contact and other web-based applications, and social media platforms. Must have the ability to work with photography and layered design in Adobe Photoshop. Digital and video photography skills are required.
Must be capable of managing multiple projects concurrently with potential for frequent interruptions and priority changes in a fast-paced environment. Must have good oral and written communications skills. Must be able to work well under stressful conditions, with varying hours due to call out. Must be able to discern what is important and appropriate to communicate in crisis communications situations. Must have on-camera experience with broadcast media. Must have superior interpersonal skills when meeting and dealing with the media, elected officials and the public. Must be able to work well in a team environment (seeking and embracing ideas from others).
* Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in public relations, marketing, journalism or communications.
* Minimum of five (5) years full-time compensated public relations, marketing, journalism or related experience.
* Minimum of two (2) years managing relationships with the media, responding to requests for information, including on-camera appearances. May be substituted with two (2) years television reporting experience covering government.
* Demonstrated success, through analytics, in building audience on professional social media channels, with accurate and attractive posts.
* Current with emerging technologies, including digital camera and video cameras.
* Must possess a valid driver's license and be able to secure a valid Florida Driver License at the time of employment.
Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds and walk and stand for long periods of time.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be willing to work beyond normal hours (evenings/weekends) when necessary.
This position shall be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.
SPECIAL PREFERENCE
Preference will be given to candidates who have already completed NIMS training in IS 100, IS 200, IS 700 and IS 800.
Preference will be given to candidates who are bi-lingual in English and Spanish.