City of Kinston Public Information Officer Part-time $32 Hourly

This position will not work more than 1000 hours per year. Schedule varies weekly.

Description

Performs a wide range of public relations activities on a City wide basis in a centralized public information function. Work involves conceptualizing, developing, and implementing a comprehensive communications plan, marketing programs and various special projects. Responsible for developing creative strategies and initiatives for external and internal communications through a variety of multimedia channels. Must provide leadership in the development and maintenance of crisis management communication plans regarding complex local governmental issues.

Essential Functions

Composing and distributing news releases; Developing relationships with internal and external media representative; Communicating crisis management plans pertaining to the city.

The following functions are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Composes and distributes news releases to disseminate information pertaining to city activities, programs, major personnel changes, etc.

Prepares and distributes public service announcements pertaining to the City of Kinston contacts and develops relationships with news media representatives to disseminate information and to suggest coverage by media of specific events, programs or topics expected to reflect positively on the city.

Assists and advises department heads and elected officials in approach and preparation for contact with media representatives; assists department heads with video production, print and graphic materials, oral presentations and grant writing; coordinates news conferences and/or interviews for department heads and elected officials, acquiring use of appropriate site, coordinating availability of necessary equipment and notifying and briefing appropriate media representatives.

Assists city departments in planning and developing public relations and marketing strategies, campaigns and projects that reach, inform and involve citizens at large and/or targeted audiences.

Serves as a point of contact for the media during emergency situations (activation of Emergency Operations Plan).

Develops and distributes informational materials to be provided to city residents through print ads, annual reports, e-newsletters, flyers, brochures, video production, television production, utility bill inserts and social media.

Composes and distributes press releases, public service announcements, publications, advertisements, brochures and other written materials to disseminate information pertaining to City Government.

Coordinates and oversees the operation of the City’s Governmental Cable Channel; coordinates and oversees production of live and videotaped programming for presentation to the public; acquires previously prepared programming for presentation to the public.

Creates, produces, directs, tapes, and edits video and character generator programming; acquires pre-produced video programming of ruse; approves all broadcast and character generator requests; works with various vendors to restore service and correct problems when necessary.

Records board meetings, training and other activities; manages video, audio, lighting and media equipment.

Attends all City Council meetings and ensures tape recording of all meetings held in the Council’s chambers; may attend other meetings if requested, such as Planning Board meetings, for the purpose of televising and recording the meetings.

Consults with management on a daily basis on issues affecting organizational communications and in formulating policies which will strengthen community relations.

Supports departmental and public education efforts of city programs and services as assigned.

Prepares various correspondence, reports, forms, brochures, flyers, newsletters and other written materials; answers citizens requests for information and develops informational materials to inform citizens and encourage participation and involvement.

Maintains accurate records and files.

Performs related tasks as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of writing and editing techniques required to prepare reports and related documents; knowledge of city programs, policies and structure; knowledge of public information and modern principles and practices of public relations media; knowledge and experience in media and public relations; video production equipment, character generator systems and publication-related software required for the position; Ability to develop promotional copy and perform technical editorial work; write public information reports and releases; establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, news media and the general public; develop public relations strategies and provide consultation and technical assistance to management and staff on communications; communicate effectively orally and in writing; design, organize and gain input from a variety of sources for various publications and written materials; operate office and production equipment required by the position.

Education and Experience

Associate’s Degree in Communications, Business or related field; Five (5) years experience in a position involving media, public relations and heavy public contact functions; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.

Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.

Physical Demands

This work requires the regular exertion of up to 25 pounds of force, frequent exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently sitting and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work requires close vision, distance vision, ability to adjust focus, depth perception, color perception and night vision; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word and conveying detailed or important instructions to others accurately, loudly or quickly; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels and to receive detailed information through oral communications and/or to make fine distinctions in sound; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, visual inspection involving writing, use of measuring devices, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work regularly requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions and occasionally requires exposure to extreme cold (non-weather), exposure to extreme heat (non-weather) work is generally in a low noise office setting but could be exposed to loud noise location (e.g. heavy traffic, crowds).