PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST (Multimedia)

Talented, enthusiastic multimedia communicator needed to join the high performing team responsible for the timely creation, facilitation, monitoring, and updating of accurate information about Town programs, services, operations, policies, and accomplishments.

Performs responsible technical writing works as part of a multimedia team that plans and executes the wide variety of activities necessary to implement the Town’s comprehensive communications efforts, which are focused on maintaining Cary’s high level of attention to citizen awareness, understanding, and involvement with their local government.

Work is performed under the general supervision of the Deputy Public Information Officer.

Anticipated Hiring Salary Range: $ 45,510 – $55,889 plus excellent benefits.

TYPICAL TASKS:
Publishing the Town’s monthly utility bill newsletter including writing and editing articles, layout, and coordinating printing and distribution;

Researching, writing, editing, and distributing news releases, media advisories, public service announcements, letters, remarks, Web pages, communication plans, fact sheets, flyers, and brochures;

Developing graphic elements for Town products and initiatives; using specialized software to create and deliver official Town graphics for the web, print, and television;

Sharing responsibility for the Town’s government access channel;

Assisting with the production of live meetings;

Helping generate and evaluate content ideas and requests from staff and citizens according to Town goals, initiatives, and standard procedures;

Managing public information contact databases and distribution lists;

Assisting with placing mass media advertising;

Monitoring, evaluating, and regularly reporting on traditional and new media coverage of Town issues;

Planning, creating, posting, monitoring, evaluating, and regularly reporting on social media content from and about Town issues;

Planning, shooting, editing, distributing, and storing photos and video clips;

Coordinating media coverage at special events such as groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings;

Sharing responsibility for responding to media inquiries 24/7;

Assisting with Emergency Public Information;

Performs other job-related tasks as required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Thorough knowledge of English grammar and composition as well as the principles of creative writing, writing arguments, journalism, layout, and writing for the web; thorough knowledge of word processing and publishing software; knowledge of government systems, responsibilities, governance, communications laws and regulations, skill in written composition; ability to use a variety of audio and audio-visual equipment; ability to perform research; ability to compile, organize and analyze information and present in concise format; ability to work independently; ability to handle multiple projects at the same time; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in English, journalism, technical writing or related field, and a minimum of three years relevant, professional multimedia experience.

Applicants are required to attach two writing samples to their application. Writing samples should be no more than 2 pages each and demonstrate the ability to present complex issues/topics concisely and at a level easily understood by the general public. In addition, applicants are required to attach to their application a written statement for each writing sample indicating the medium for which the sample was developed (magazine, television, newspaper, Internet, etc.) the forum for which it was intended (stockholders annual report, documentary, employee newsletter, etc.), and the target audience(s). Applications without these attachments will not be considered.

Must be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of Microsoft, Apple, and Adobe products.

Previous government experience preferred. Master’s degree, APR certification, or other advanced study/achievement a plus.

Requires drug testing and background check (which may include criminal check, education verification and credit history review) prior to employment.