Public Information Specialist

POSITION DESCRIPTION:  

Assists the Public Information Director in reviewing, writing, rewriting, and editing materials released to the public, government partners, media, and internal customers. This includes materials for public meetings, news releases, web and social media content, and internal communications, such as a newsletter. Assists in the issuance and distribution of directives and memoranda pertaining to public information and critical Issues. Assists in the preparation of graphic material (i.e. exhibits, videos, print material) for presentation to the public. Assists in managing and updating the District Five web site and other Department sites.

Acts as a liaison between external customers seeking information and those who know the information within the Department and ensures inquiries are answered and follow-up is done. Serves as liaison between the Public Information Office and other departments within the District. Assists with administrative and project support needs from Central Office.

Assists the Public Information Director in answering, researching, and responding to media inquiries. Researches, manages, monitors, and maintains social media coverage, and helps to create a clips document, which is distributed to leadership and management.

Assists Public Information Director with project management and oversight of consultants contracted by the Department, who are engaged in public information and public involvement activities on major projects.

Assist Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) personnel and consultants with community awareness meetings. Attends public information meetings, public hearings, or other FDOT presentations to the public. Assists in the coordination and implementation of any special involving the department.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  Knowledge of: business software programs including word processing, spreadsheet, desktop Publishing and PowerPoint presentations; social media the rules of grammar and punctuation; media relations. Skill in: the use of computer and other business machines. Ability to: be flexible, creative and a self-starter; write clearly and in plain language; assist in developing long range goals and objectives; select and provide appropriate information to others; communicate effectively; establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; access information and communications theories for possible applications to a public information program; assist with legislative and governmental issues; assist with internet updates, web-based public meeting notices, and updates to databases produce the district newsletter; maintain good customer/constituent relations.

OTHER JOB RELATED REQUIREMENTS: This incumbent may be required to work occasional nights and weekends. Due to the nature of this position, incumbent must respond to emergencies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and three years of professional experience in news reporting, editing, public relations, public information, advertising, marketing, mass communications or journalism. A master's degree from an accredited college or university in communications or English can substitute for one year of the required experience. Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.

As a CANDIDATE, you may be required to provide documentation (i.e. HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA OR EQUIVALENCY, college transcripts, ETC.) to verify meeting these Minimum Qualifications.