Public Information Officer

• Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, English or a related field 

• 3 (three) years of related communications or public relations experience
  *an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties such as those listed above

• Demonstrated success writing, editing and proofing; and developing copy for various collateral pieces including newsletters, brochures, and social media

• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties 

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) desirable

The statements listed below describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time. 

• Serves as a spokesperson for the agency, responds to media requests, responds to and develops messaging for incidents, develops press releases and pitches events to media, writes talking points and researches and/or provides public record requests. 

• Coordinates special event planning, campaigns, and agency publicity events.

• Provides information to the media and public on service disruptions and public information campaigns.

• Manages content, monitors and creates social media posts. Responds to customer inquiries and complaints.

• Writes, edits, and has knowledge of design and layout of digital communications, brochures, newsletters, posters, flyers, and other various  promotional collateral for internal clients, co-workers, customers, and/or other applicable parties, which includes: working collaboratively with other internal departments to develop ideas; obtaining information from various internal officials or staff describing events, projects, or services; editing, rewriting, and laying out documents; proofing information; forwarding documents and materials to appropriate individuals for approval; obtaining translations; and, producing copy.

• Develops and posts agency news releases and information on the website.

• Supports Community Relations efforts, which includes attending events and making community presentations.

• Develops communication strategies that support agency initiatives.

• Co-designs, develops, and edits copy for internal and external presentations; coordinates production with internal graphics department.

• Creates content and develops story boards and scripts for video productions.

• Generates content, researches, and serves as a host on Valley Metro podcasts.

• Generates and maintains positive, highly-productive relationships across the agency, within the division, and with member cities, service providers and members of the media. 

• Serves as a resource for internal and external clients.

• Performs other duties of similar nature and level as assigned.

Knowledge of:

Public relations principles;

Public information, media relations, and journalism principles and practices;

Types of print, broadcast and social media;

Video production and editing;

Project management principles;

Basic design and layout principles;

Media sources;

Proper English, spelling, punctuation, grammar, speech and diction.

Skill in:

Strong verbal, written and presentation skills;

Public speaking;

Editing and proofreading;

Using a computer and related software applications;

Researching and resourcefulness in obtaining agency information;

Preparing publications;

Managing and coordinating multiple projects;

Coordinating publicity campaigns;

Collaborating with and among multiple departments and municipalities;

Communicating in order to interact with coworkers, supervisor, and the general public at a level sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Salary : $62,885 - $94,328