Public Information Officer

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field; AND four (4) years of professional public relations experience; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations: Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Valid South Dakota Driver's license, or the ability to obtain one within 90 days of the hiring date.

This position is responsible for serving as the official spokesperson for the City of Box Elder, providing accurate and timely information to the public, media, and other stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Acts as the City’s official spokesperson
• Serves as strategic communications advisor to City staff, management, and leadership.
• Develops, coordinates, and disseminates information to the media and the public on behalf of the City.
• Collaborates with various departments, elected officials, and community stakeholders to align communication efforts with overall municipal objectives.
• Maintains crisis communications resources, ensures emergency training requirements are current and complete, and creates community connections for use during emergency preparation and response.
• Directs and participates in preparing speeches, radio and television scripts, and audio-visual programs for public presentations.
• Collaborates with the marketing staff, military affairs and outside agencies to produce and implement supporting creative materials, including but not limited to content, graphics, website, print materials, video, social media, and email.
• Implements digital marketing campaigns to promote events, initiatives, and public services.
• Crafts press releases, statements, and other communications materials to address public inquiries and issues.
• Provides communications advice, counsel and messaging for the Mayor/council and leadership team, which includes forecasting potential ramifications, implications and unintended consequences where improper handling could have adverse impacts on the City.
• Provides proactive strategic support and problem solving to position the City in the most favorable and transparent positions within the community and marketplace.
• Coordinates public relations activities such as press conferences, public appearances, speaking engagements, interviews, and special events. Creates and distributes fact sheets, news releases, video productions, and related material.Edits and reviews documents prior to publishing, as needed. Ensures accuracy of text, consistency of appearance, and conformance of layout with City graphic & brand standards.
• Oversees media relations to include strategizing release of information, developing and distributing materials, planning events, responding to media inquiries, and evaluating coverage
• Will be required to go off site to gather, create, and share information. This may include content creation, meetings, and presentations.
• Develops, coordinates, and manages specialized public relations projects between the City of Box Elder and other entities.
• Develops public relations campaigns related to highly sensitive and ongoing issues.
• Utilizes data analytics tools to measure the effectiveness of public relations campaigns and communication efforts and makes data-driven recommendations for optimizing strategies and improving outreach.
• Develops and executes community engagement programs to involve residents in municipal activities and decision-making and organizes public events, forums, and workshops to gather feedback and address community concerns.
• Ensures consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
• Oversees the development, management, use, and content of all social media outlets including organizational policy development and application.
• Administers, monitors, and responds to social media comments, direct messages, and reactions promptly; coordinates responses with other department staff and subject matter experts as appropriate; provides analytics to internal staff for inclusion in departmental reports.
• Oversees the development and operation of the City’s online/digital presence, including the website, ensuring it meets organizational needs, complies with federal and state laws and accessibility standards, and remains functional, updated, and available to the public.
• Provides training and assistance to City website authors, owners, and administrators.
• Coordinates annual Box Elder Expo for the City of Box Elder.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Addresses inquiries from the media and other parties; tracks media coverage and follows industry trends.
• Attends meetings, completes special projects, and makes presentations as requested.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the City by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public, elected, and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.