Senior Media Relations Specialist

This is a full-time position with the City's Communication Department. An individual in this position is responsible for assisting with building, promoting and maintaining the City's brand, through the identification, implementation, and continuous improvement of best practices in public relations, crisis management and social media. Reporting relationship: Communications Manager.

• Establish and maintain a current media contact list; serve as a contact point to the media and public; provide pertinent information to the community and media; 

• Participate in meetings as directed with the media, business community, professional development organizations and various agencies;

• Write professional news releases, talking scripts, articles and other documents for all departments within the City; use best practice to prepare and release certain information to the media, as directed;  

• Contact media to organize press conferences as directed; provide media contacts to departments according to the departments established communication release; and prepare year end accomplishments highlights report;

• Write and produce video segments/projects for MCTV and/or social media; prepare, edit and distribute information via the City website, e-blast system, digital boards, social media and other sources established in the Communications Department;  

• Assist in monitoring social media engagement and help facilitate conversations between audience and City departments;

• Conduct interviews with selected individuals; may serve as a backup technician for the purpose of videotaping, digital skill imaging, manipulate computer software for imaging, photography, and filing images. Direct and produce segments; writing and recording voice-overs; and communicate programming schedules to the public;

• Coordinate and oversee shoot schedules; monitors workflow of scheduled events; posts scheduled television shoots, special events, meetings and other events into the calendar; maintain relationships with external vendors/partners and develop terms of contract agreements;

• Assist with developing and implementing a plan of action to facilitate information flow throughout the organization so pertinent information is dispersed in a timely manner;

• Assist with coordinating coverage and/or attend various City events to capture photo and/or video.

• Perform other related duties as assigned;

• Subject to 24 hour recall.

Bachelor’s degree in communication, public relations, or a closely related field, from an accredited college or university and a minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience desired.