Public Communications Manager / Public Information Officer

• Masters’ degree preferred

Under the general direction of the City Manager, the Public Communications Manager/Public Information Officer provides strategic guidance to senior leadership on a variety of issues, handling both internal communications and external relations to include responding to media inquiries, planning and executing public engagement campaigns, and creating messaging around city initiatives and crisis response.

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the City’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work, addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation:

Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.
Non Essential Employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee’s Department Head will determine when the employee will be required to work.

Perks and Benefits

• Free city-paid employee health coverage, additional for spouse or family
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off (sick & vacation)
• 13 paid holidays
• Pension plan & optional Deferred Compensation
• City-paid life insurance
• Optional Vision, Dental, and Disability Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site Gym facility
• And much more!

Duties/Responsibilities

• Provides oversight in all projects with city image and public relations impact. Monitors emerging social, political and environmental issues of significance, anticipating city involvement.
• Convenes rapid response team when necessary. Apprises city officials of public relations opportunities, providing experienced, professional guidance to all departments regarding media contacts, publications and image matters.
• Receives and processes confidential material and information. Able to convey sensitive information in easily understandable terms.
•  Assists with complex problem-solving and provides expertise citywide with short notice and compressed deadlines, readily adjusting to shifting priorities.
• Maintains awareness of emerging public policy, legislative, regulatory and political issues that could impact the city’s objectives, priories and activities.
• Possesses comprehensive knowledge of applicable laws, regulations and best practices pertinent to activities, including Freedom of Information requests.
• Serves as the Public Information Officer for the City, and works in coordination with all City Departments to provide clear and consistent communications to the media and general public.
• Oversees all social media administration platforms of the city, managing users/content creators and reviewing content within city departments.
• Incumbent is spokesperson for CFM Emergency Management, ensuring coordination across all communications platforms and a unified voice to the media and general public.
• Flexible in responding to multiple daily media inquiries with professionalism and in a timely manner, including breaking news, after hours and weekend requests.
• Performs detailed research, often with multiple CFM/FMFD/FMPD points of contact prior to responding to media inquiries to ensure accuracy. Monitor subsequent stories and social media posts to evaluate public sentiment around issue(s) concerning city government.
• Analyzes and frames strategic issues. Routinely collaborates with senior leadership on proposals, summaries and talking points detailing city accomplishments, city council actions, legislative initiatives, budget announcements, construction projects, sustainability initiatives, board/committee actions, special programs/events, legal actions, court decisions and human resources announcements.
• Able to work effectively with all city departments.
• Manages external consultants providing public relations, stakeholder engagement, federal and state government relations, and website/data/media service providers and project teams for CivicPlus, OpenGov and Meltwater.
• Leads the public rollout of new city programs and services, creating compelling visual images to go along with concise narratives utilizing AP style for press releases, media advisories, website, social media and collateral materials. Creates website content and updates emergency response information. Works with CFM departments to format information in a consistent manner and review for ongoing relevance.
• Edits city documents for style and consistency; formats information to the specifications of different media platforms. Updates strategic communications, crisis communications and Emergency Management plans.
• Organizes special projects including citywide charitable campaigns and employee engagement initiatives.
• Create and update internal web page content within Sharepoint to provide accurate information to CFM workforce.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proficient in the use of standard office computer equipment and software applications.
• Fluent in key platforms including Hootsuite, Canva, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Nextdoor, CivicPlus, OpenGov, Meltwater
• Demonstrated Creative writing skills along with graphic design skills
• Strong teamwork and customer service skills.
• Strong time-management skills, project management skills
• Ability to make decisions recognizing established precedents and practices and to use resourcefulness and tact in solving new problems.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying and interpreting department rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Proven ability to speak clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations.
• Experienced in leading teams and developing staff members.