Public Information Director

Job Title: Public Information Director

Department: Communications

Reports To: Chief Operation Officer (COO)

Location: Administration Building

Level/Status: Exempt (E-17)/Full-Time

Salary: $76,244.06 - $95,305.08

Open Date: May 22, 2024

Close Date: Until filled

SUMMARY

The Public Information Director manages and coordinates the various public affairs programs of the Gun Lake Tribe, its Enterprises and Affiliates; Integrates the organization's communications and public relations programs and initiatives into a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent message in support of its mission, strategic goals, and objectives. Provides the public and media with timely and accurate information in matters of public interest and to convey a positive organizational image. Serves as strategic advisor to senior leaders with respect to communications and public affairs initiatives.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field and five years of public relations or communications managerial experience, or
• 10 years managerial experience in public relations or communications
• Demonstrated experience working with Tribal Government and/or Tribal enterprises
• Knowledge of Issues affecting Native communities
• Knowledge of Pottawatomi Culture and Traditions

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:

• Initiates and oversees the establishment of integrated strategies, plans and programs designed to ensure that all communication and public relations efforts are cohesive, consistent and effective in supporting the mission and advancement goals of the organization
• Plans, develops, directs and coordinates comprehensive communication programs, to include media, public affairs and publications, in close collaboration with Tribal Council, Tribal Enterprises and other stakeholders to capture audience attention
• Provides direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to Tribal Council and Executive leadership, as well as the Tribal community, regarding public information matters, to include providing direct assistance in researching, providing information and developing messages
• Serves as the designated spokesperson for the organization and its affiliates when requested by the Tribal Chairman/Tribal Council
• Develop and execute public relations campaigns to promote the Tribe's mission, initiatives, and accomplishments.
• Ongoing learning, engagement, and collaboration to effectively communicate and advocate for the Tribe's interests
• Monitors and reports to Tribal Council on all matters that affects the Gun Lake Tribe, its image or interests
• Oversees and directs the collection of surveys, evaluations and assessments of external communications activities in order to determine the effectiveness of the organization's communications plans
• Assures quality and appropriateness of institutional communication programs and initiatives, whether internally or externally produced

• Represents the organization to governmental agencies, vendors, Tribal community and/or the general public
• Recommends and participates in the development of policies and procedures; may serve on planning and policy-making committees
• Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives, strategic plans, policies, and operating procedures; monitors and evaluates programmatic and operational effectiveness, and effects changes required for improvement
• Writes press releases and prepare information for distribution by media outlets
• Drafts speeches and arranges interviews for government officials
• Responds to requests for information from media outlets
• Develops and manages annual operating budget and provides fiscal direction to the unit(s) of oversight

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to establish and implement cohesive communication and public relations strategies and plans on an institutional basis
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals and objectives of a major educational and research institution
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
• Strong strategic planning and management skills
• Knowledge of communication principles, media and public relations techniques
• Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community
• Employee development and performance management skills
• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs and develop integrated, creative solutions
• Organizational planning, structuring and staffing skills
• Skill in financial planning and fiscal management
• Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences
• Experience communicating with the press and other media
• Strong knowledge of local and regional media contacts and/or a proven ability to develop such relationships quickly
• Ability to provide effective advice and counsel on strategic and/or critical communication issues and to exercise effective judgement
• Ability to write executive-level communications for internal and external audiences
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must be able to obtain and maintain a gaming license if required
• Ability and willingness to travel as necessary; locally and out of town, including overnight stays, to attend various conferences, trainings and meetings
• Will require some non-traditional hours, including working evenings, weekends and holidays as required to meet essential organizational management and strategic deadlines

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Has supervisory responsibility over Communications staff as outlined in the Gun Lake Tribe’s Organizational Chart and as assigned by the Tribal Chairman and Tribal Council. May supervise outside vendors and evaluation performance of contracted entities/persons.

SECURITY SENSITIVE

This position will have access to information that is security sensitive and thereby subject to additional provisions such as non-disclosure agreements and/or non-compete requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is typically performed in an office environment. However, work may be conducted in the casino, which may be unusually hot, cold, noisy and may contain second hand smoke
• Requires normal, corrective vision range, the ability to see color and the ability to distinguish letters, numbers and symbols
• Manual dexterity to operate job related equipment
• Performance of job duties will require standing, walking, sitting, lifting, reaching, pushing, pulling, twisting and grasping

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by persons assigned to this job. These statements should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

All applicants must be able to demonstrate their US work authorization during the employment verification process. The pre-employment process also requires the ability to pass a criminal background investigation and drug/alcohol test.

INDIAN PREFERENCE

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians recognizes Native American preference in its hiring and employment policies.

EMPLOYER BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The Gun Lake Tribe offers a competitive base salary and the best benefits package around

• Medical, dental, vision and telehealth coverage for employee and all dependents, with no employee premium!
• Paid Time Off and 15 paid Holidays
• Short-and-long term disability coverage
• Life insurance for the employee, spouse and their dependents
• Pension plan for Public Safety employees
• 401K/Roth retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Wellness Program
• Voluntary Benefits: AFLAC and Flexible Spending Account, additional life insurance
• On-site gym, free memberships for entire household
• One hour paid lunch break

TO APPLY

You are required to register and apply through our online employment portal to be considered for this position.

https://gunlaketribe-nsn.gov/employment/

If you require assistance or to apply in person, please call 269.397.1780 to schedule an appointment.