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Public Information Officer

City of Painesville, OH
Email

Public Information Officer

Department:

City Manager's Office

Compensation:

$25.47 - $32.51 per hour

Hours:

Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Deadline:

Open until filled

Position Objectives:

Detail-oriented professional public relations position coordinating the communication efforts of the City Manager’s Office and all departments within the City.  Work involves responsibility for implementing or coordinating all communication programs with the media, internal communication, communication with the residents and all other segments of the community. The position ensures the timely development and dissemination of newsletters, social media content, website updates, press releases, and other printed and digital media. The Public Information Officer also assists with City-sponsored special events and serves as liaison to various internal committees to ensure consistent, accurate, and effective messaging. Work is performed under the administrative direction of the City Manager.  Position requires working occasionally evenings and weekends. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement, and regularly update the City’s communications strategy for outreach to the public and news media, including daily operations and emergency situations.
  • Maintain communication process across all departments and develop stories/updates to insure accurate and timely public updates (i.e. road closures, water main breaks, police/fire situations, power outages, etc).
  • Assemble and manage crisis management and emergency communication procedures.
  • Coordinate and manage the use of all forms of communication, including but not limited to the City’s website, social media platforms, print materials, video production and public relations initiatives.
  • Develop, coordinate, write, implement and maintain activities related to the publication of newsletters and other mailings through cooperation with various department and division heads to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Regularly meet with department and division heads to obtain accurate and timely information regarding departmental projects, issues, accomplishments, and initiatives for the purpose of coordinating and disseminating public information in accordance with City policies and communication objectives.
  • Develop and oversee the implementation of programming, training and use of City media facilities.
  • Develop and implement a procedure for handling media relations, complaints and requests for service by residents, businesses and City Council.
  • Develop and coordinate training for employees on issues of media relations, handling complaints, public relations and similar topics.
  • Develop and execute marketing campaigns and the strategies for all departments to support the City strategic mission.
  • Assist departments in investigating and obtaining sponsorships.
  • Performs or arranges for photography or videography of City events or other items of public interest
  • Coordinate and implement any branding or marketing strategies directed by the City Manager.
  • Prepare speeches and presentations for City Manager on various topics (i.e., ribbon cuttings, State of the City, internal meetings with staff, etc.)
  • Provides information and recommendations to the City Manager regarding communication needs; does not establish City policy.
  • Manage departmental communication budget.
  • Present and answers City Council communication inquiries as requested by the City Manager.
  • Represent/speak on behalf of the City Manager in their absence.
  • Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’ Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or related field. 

Experience: Two years’ work experience.

A different combination of education and experience may be acceptable if deemed equivalent

License or Certification Required: Valid Ohio Driver’s License upon appointment.

Physical Demands: Frequent bending, standing, walking and climbing stairs.  Occasional lifting and pushing of light to moderate weight (2-19 pounds).

Scheduling Demands and Constraints: Work requires availability for occasional meetings, events, special occasions/activities on the weekend and/or evenings.

Desirable Training and Experience:

Knowledge of: 

  • Municipal government operations and legislative and administrative processes.
  • Communication principles, public relations practices, and media relations.
  • Computer software and programs related to word processing, spreadsheet, graphic design and desktop publishing.  Knowledge of all Microsoft Word software.  Proficient in e-mail. 
  • Social media platforms, digital and video communication trends.
  • Department and City policies and operating procedures*

Skill and Ability to:

  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City personnel, media representatives, City Council, outside organizations and residents.
  • Write and edit clear, accurate, and engaging communication materials, including newsletters, advertisements, press releases, speeches, scripts and public notices.
  • Manage sensitive and confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
  • Ability to coordinate multiple projects and deadlines with minimal supervision.
  • Speak confidently and professionally on behalf of the City. 
  • Communicate in English and Spanish (preferred).

Benefits:

The City of Painesville offers a competitive benefits package, which includes:

  • Medical, Dental and Prescription Insurance (full-time employees only)
  • Employee Wellness Program
  • Direct Deposit Program
  • Employee Assistance Program (full-time employees only)
  • Worker's Compensation Insurance
  • $25,000 Term Life Insurance (full-time employees only)
  • Family Medical Leave, Bereavement/Funeral Leave, Jury Duty Compensation, Military Leave
  • Holidays, Sick Time, Vacation Time
  • Prior credit for service with State of Ohio Public Employers
  • Section 457 (b) Deferred Compensation Plans
  • Pension Plans
    • Ohio Public Employees Retirement (OPERS)
    • Ohio Police & Fire (OP&F)

More Information:

Attach your application and resume/cover letter (if applicable) and send via one of the following:  

  • Email - employment@painesville.com with the job title as the Subject Line 
  • Fax - 440-639-4831
  • Mail - City of Painesville, HR Department, P.O. Box 601, 7 Richmond Street, Painesville, Ohio 44077 
  • In Person - Drop off at City Hall Security Desk, 7 Richmond Street, Painesville, Ohio (Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)