Press Secretary

Salary Range: Commensurate with Experience

Position Expires: 4-7-2017

Purpose of Job

The purpose of this job is to manage the overall media relations for the Mayor and City, as well as to assist in the promotion of City government. Duties include, but are not limited to: supervising staff; directing activities; responding to media inquiries; implementing public relations; processing associated paperwork; and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Work Delegation:

• Supervises and evaluates assigned staff, handling all employee concerns, directing work assignments, counseling and disciplining employees when necessary, and completing employee performance appraisals.
• Manages media relations staff in planning and implementing public relations for the City.

Serves as a spokesperson for the office on inquiries from the news media; acts as primary media source for statistics, history, description of projects and programs, facilities services, and other information; sets up media briefings; arranges for interviews and appearances by departmental personnel; arranges for site visits by media representatives; advises departmental management of media activities that may be of interest to them; counsels department staff in methods of responding to media inquiries or interviews; writes and distributes news releases and articles.

Serves as host of various city council oriented programming on City Channel 26

Develops, coordinates and monitors communications, marketing, branding, public relations and/or involvement programs for the department and City Council and develops strategic plans on an annual basis

Recommends, develops and/or monitors the communications, marketing, branding, public relations policies, procedures, guidelines and standards to achieve goals and mission and determines procedural changes that need to be made on feedback from the general public, City Council and Office Director

Identifies trends and legislative issues on the horizon.

Coordinates all press conferences and gives interviews when directed by a City Council member.

Develop and promote consistent messages and themes.

Collects and archives relevant media stories for historical reference.

Serves as liaison between the city council and the media, community groups, and professional groups.

Advises the City Council on potential internal and external communication issues and recommends solutions.

Assists in development of media relations and public information policies and programs.

Plans and oversees special projects.

Work with outside media to ensure accurate coverage of City Council accomplishments.

Prepares video and presentation scripts, special reports, and proposals.

Develops cooperative programs between citizens and businesses and responds to citizens requests for service and information.

Attends community meetings and events to assist in resolving pertinent issues and obtaining citizen feedback.

Participates in special events

Assists the department head in the development of short and long-range goals for the department

Assists in the development of the City Council’s Annual Report

Identifies, analyzes and recommends staffing needs, capital equipment, and consultant funding for inclusion in annual budget.

Provides public relations support to other City departments such as requests for promotional items, vendors list, and special events resource guidelines.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Planning and Organizing:

• Plans proactive and positive coverage of City government through free press.
• Plans and directs news conferences and ensures that media coverage is fair and addresses all areas of concern to involved parties.

Communication:

• Prepares documentation of points for the Mayor to incorporate when addressing the City Council or general public.
• Responds to media inquiries pertaining to the Mayor.

Marginal Job Functions

• Performs other related duties as required.

Knowledge of Job

Has extensive knowledge of management practices, policies and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. Is able to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor performance of subordinates against measured established goals. Knows how to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives. Is able to develop and implement long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency. Has extensive knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job. Knows how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and equipment needs, etc. as they pertain to departmental operations and activities. Is able to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, members of the general public and all other groups involved in the activities of the City as they relate to the department. Is able to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has good organizational, management, human relations, and technical skills. Is able to use independent judgement and discretion in managing subordinates including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. Has the ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Is knowledgeable and proficient with computers. Is able to read, understand and interpret personnel and financial reports and related materials.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions:

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English, or related required; five years of experience in public relations, preferably in a similarly-sized public sector entity; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Supervisory experience required.