PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

The City of Lake Worth Beach invites qualified individuals to apply for the position of Public Information Officer.

This is a Full-Time, Non-Bargaining, and EXEMPT position based on a 40-hour work week with an annual salary range of $73,000 - $105,900. The individual in this position will work in the Leisure Services building located at 17 S M St, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460.

SUMMARY:

The Public Information Officer implements, and administers the City's public information/relations, outreach, marketing and communications services. Work is performed independently, with review and supervision by the Leisure Services Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Acts as City's Public Information Officer by planning, developing, and implementing an effective public information program that informs and educates residents, community groups and other agencies on City programs, events, services, educational campaigns and policy decisions.

• During an emergency serves as the Public Information Officer ESF-15 and carries out the duties of this role.
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships with members of the media. Develops responses to media inquiries with accuracy, timeliness and in line Media Relations.
• Supports City departments in developing appropriate media responses and strategies.
• Represents the City as spokesperson in public information matters, including emergencies, disasters and highly-sensitive matters.
• Responds to resident and community group concerns or inputs on City matters, and provides information as follow up to those residents and groups.
• Maintains awareness of community/area issues in order to identify and address potential situations.
• Develops, coordinates and manages an annual citizen education program, to inform and educate residents on City status, policies, developments and projects.
• Develops visual and written communications, including but not limited to printed materials and collateral, letters and mailings, newsletters, articles, signage, websites, presentations, videos, social media and multi-media materials.
• Develops and maintains the City's portfolio of information and publications, and the City's master calendar of events and activities.
• Works with Special Events to assist in planning and developing City-sponsored events, and identifies opportunities for City participation in and sponsorship of events.
• Organizes and markets City outreach events such as ribbon cuttings and special interest group education events.
• Develops and maintains the City's online social media sites.
• Responsible for content strategies and development, navigation, and look and feel of online communications channels. Manages and maintains City's social media channels, posting relevant information and managing online engagement.
• Acts as Pilot in Command for city Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Program including overseeing training, licensing, and UAV operations.
• Oversees the strategy and development of mobile applications that support and promote City services and programs. Sets app requirements and usability functions, manages vendor contracts for development, and manages back-end server functions to support mobile app functionality.
• Utilizes various integrated channels of communication to maximize the distribution of information to all audiences of the City. These include, but are not limited to: printed brochures, posters, fliers, newsletters and booklets; online web pages, websites, e-newsletters, emails, and social media methods; direct mail; print, TV, and online advertising; video and TV broadcast; live presentations, speeches, and appearances.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises City Communication Specialist

Qualifications To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Extensive knowledge of the workings of the media on sensitive issues.
• Excellent organizational, oral and written communication skills. Broad range of writing ability required, from advertising copy to technical articles.
• Must be able to plan, schedule, and coordinate projects and programs, including large events, and managing outside vendors.
• Computer graphics design experience, and experience managing and directing creative projects preferred.
• Knowledge of electronic communications, including web publishing, electronic newsletters, social media, and other online communications a must.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including MS Publisher, and Adobe Creative Suite or similar software is preferred. Knowledge of the pre-press print production process a

Education and/or Experience

• Must possess a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Journalism, Communications, or closely related field. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years previous experience and/or training.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Valid Florida driver's license.
• FAA Part 107 UAV license

Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.