Communications.public Safety Information Officer.2488

Public Safety Information Officer

Communications

Pay Range: $57,198.40 - $87,318.40 / annually

Shift: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (40 Hours/week) Some after hours, weekends and holidays

for Public Information Officer (PIO) call-out for newsworthy events. Location: 330 West Church Street Bartow, FL 33830

HEALTH BENEFITS PACKAGE, INCLUDING PAID HOLIDAYS

Must have the physical, developmental and mental ability to perform job tasks, work efforts, responsibilities and duties of the job illustrated. The job description herein provides for the range of duties to be performed for this position. It is not intended to reflect all duties that are required within this position.

MAJOR FUNCTIONS

Under general supervision, strategize, create and manage public relations, media relations and marketing projects as assigned for internal and external education and communication. Essential functions include:

• Graphic design for print and web; arrange for printing when necessary.
• Back up support for all divisions, boardroom, switchboard and PGTV functions.
• Arrange and coordinate news coverage.
• Assist administration with internal communications to agency members.
• Planning, writing and editing copy for publication including news releases, brochures, booklets, digital and disseminating information through appropriate channels.
• Event planning and support.
• Write, design and post social media and website content.
• Perform media relations duties, including fielding questions from the media, media buying, and with direction, act as spokesperson involving all aspects of Polk County Fire Rescue with local, regional and state media.
• Respond to incident command and senior leadership requests after hours, weekends and holidays for Public Information Officer (PIO) call-out for newsworthy events.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

Attend meetings, create and develop strategies for public relations/marketing campaigns, and provide consultation to assigned divisions. Must, using project management tracking application, execute plans using print, broadcast (TV and radio), web, social media and email. This includes:

• Media relations, representing the Board in contacts with the news media, community organizations and other public contacts. Must coordinate press conferences and be willing to be on-camera and on-site for breaking news.
• Produce public service announcements, videos and photography for promotional use.
• Graphic Design using Adobe InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• On-camera hosting of PGTV programs.
• Writing scripts and drafting storyboards for PGTV, the Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) government access television.
• Performing PIO duties for Fire Rescue; assist with Emergency Management and other divisions when assigned.
• Researching, then copywriting for all media using AP Style.
• Providing event coordination services and publicity for seminars, town hall meetings, lectures, open houses, ribbon cutting, etc. Attend events when assigned.
• Working with the Social Media and Digital Specialist to create and maintain posts to social media accounts and websites.
• Designing or editing PowerPoint presentations; create infographics from data.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to demonstrate that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator and Photoshop), Content Management Software (CMS) for websites, Constant Contact and other web-based applications, and social media platforms. Must be current with emerging technologies, including digital camera and video cameras. Must have the ability to create intermediate level posters, flyers and brochures in Adobe InDesign and work with photography and layered design in Adobe Photoshop. Must have demonstrated success, through analytics, in building audience on professional social media channels, with accurate and attractive posts.

Must be capable of managing multiple projects concurrently with potential for frequent interruptions and priority changes in a fast-paced environment. Must have good oral and written communications skills. Must be able to work well under stressful conditions, with varying hours due to call out. Must be able to discern what is important and appropriate to communicate in crisis communications situations. Must have on-camera experience with broadcast media. Must have superior interpersonal skills when meeting and dealing with the media, elected officials and the public. Must be able to work well in a team environment (seeking and embracing ideas from others). Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds and walk and stand for long periods of time.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with major course work in public relations, marketing, journalism or communications.

Minimum of five (5) years full-time compensated public relations, marketing, journalism or related experience.

Minimum of two (2) years managing relationships with the media, responding to requests for information, including on-camera appearances; May be substituted with two (2) years television reporting experience covering public safety stories.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida Driver’s License at the time of employment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be willing to work beyond normal hours (evenings/weekends) when necessary.

This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County.

SPECIAL PREFERENCE

Preference will be given to candidates who have already completed NIMS training in IS 100, IS 200, IS 700 and IS 800.

Preference will be given to candidates who are bi-lingual in English and Spanish.

Same Posting Description for Internal and External Candidates