Public Information Officer

The City of Turlock is currently accepting applications for the position of Public Information Officer. Under direction plans organizes and provides direction and oversight for comprehensive public/community relations and communications programs for the City including all departments; plans manages implements coordinates and evaluates public information community outreach and media relations functions and activities including conducting press briefings; oversees Citywide strategic and ongoing communications social media and branding; prepares press releases fact sheets stakeholder community correspondence publications and newsletters; supports the goals and objectives of the City through public outreach community engagement education programs and marketing strategies.

This position is designated as Management for Labor Relations purposes and is considered exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

An eligibility list will be established from this recruitment that will be valid for six (6) months. All employees are required to serve a twelve (12) month probationary period.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management level classification responsible for planning organizing reviewing and evaluating the day-to-day operations of the Public Information function within the City. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational managerial and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence initiative and discretion within established guidelines.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives direction from the City Manager or Deputy City Manager. Exercises supervision over and collaboration with assigned staff.

• Manage media inquiries and provide clear factual and prompt information to the community through press releases press briefings social media and other communication channels.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets to effectively share City news and initiatives.
• Interface with the media and conducts/organizes press briefings; researches writes edits and issues news releases media advisories news articles feature stores and public service announcements.
• Plans manages and oversees the daily functions operations and activities of the Public Information office including outreach customer service public relations and communications programs.
• Participates in the development administration and oversight of division budget; determines funding needed for staffing equipment materials and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Participatesinthedevelopmentandimplementationofgoalsobjectivespoliciesandpriorities for the office.
• Respond to inquiries and requests for information from the media government agencies City staff and members of the public.
• Develop write edit design and produce various communication materials including newsletters brochures factsheets press releases articles multi-media presentations correspondence reports speeches and special publications
• Developsandstandardizesproceduresandmethodstoimproveandcontinuouslymonitortheefficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs service delivery methods and procedures.
• May assist during citywide emergencies developing and directing emergency information to the media City employees and the general public.
• Assess and monitors workload administrative and support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Participates in the selection of trains motivates and evaluates assigned personnel.
• Develops and implements comprehensive outreach and communication programs; schedules coordinates and facilitates news conferences community meetings and City events that promote the Citys services programs and activities and to educate and inform the public and customers.
• Collaborates with City departments school districts community groups and other agencies to identifycommunicationopportunities; utilizes the Citys cable television channeland other media sources todisseminate information through community education projects; promotes public awareness campaigns and community relations initiatives.
• Responds to media requests with information about City programs and services as well as unusual circumstances/situations of immediate public interest including emergency information; prepares edits and coordinates speeches press releases media tip sheets brochures flyers pamphlets newsletters annual reports articles electronic media and related communications.
• Oversees participation in community and special events; produces informational and promotional materials; supervises staff engaged in the production development publication and broadcast of information to the public and the community; provides ongoing support and advice to City staff regarding communications to the public.
• Assists in the development and maintenance of the Citys website and related social media related to public information announcements; provides guidance and oversight to other City departments regarding website and online content.
• Provides training and technical support to staff on marketing advertising writing publicity and communication strategies and policies.
• Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles practices methods and techniques of marketing public information media relations and community relations programs.
• Principles and techniques used in the conduct of an effective public information and publicity program for a department or agency;
• Principles of marketing and promotional programs.
• Current emerging communication tools;
• Principles and practices of organization administration and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Modern office procedures methods and computer equipment and word processing and software applications.

• Learn the process and structure of the City of Turlock.
• Plan initiate and complete work assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Communicate clearly and concisely orally in writing with colleagues managers employees the public organized employee groups and representatives of various organizations.
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships in a team environment and with those contracted in the course work.
• Utilize word processing spreadsheet and presentation computer software in an effective and efficient manner.
• Must have the ability to work a varied schedule of hours which may include evenings and/or weekends as needed.

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
Three (3) years of public relations or mass communications experience.
Training:
Equivalent to a bachelors degree in business public administration or a closely related field.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Physical Conditions:

Maintain the following physical abilities: see well enough to read instructions read fine print view computer screen operate vehicles and equipment; hear well enough to converse on the telephone on the radio and in person assist customers and program supplies and equipment; use of hands and fingers for use of computer keyboard copy machine filing writing drive equipment and answering telephones; tolerate extreme fluctuation in temperature while performing essential functions and be able to lift equipment as necessary.

• Proof of education-this can be a copy of transcripts or any degree.

• Attach a scanned copy in the Add Attachment option (of the NeoGov online application) or
• Fax a copy to or
• Email a copy to or
• Hand deliver copies of your attachments to 156 S. Broadway Suite 235 Turlock CA on or before the final filing date.

VETERANS PREFERENCE SYSTEM

The City of Turlock has adopted a veterans preference system (effective January 1 2002). The percentage score achieved through an entrance (non-promotional) examination which ranks applicants on an eligibility list shall be adjusted to provide: (a) one (1) percentage point added to the final test score for each six (6) months of active service during a time of armed conflict up to a maximum of five (5) points and (b) five (5) percentage points added to the final test score for veterans who are disabled as a result of active military service during a time of armed conflict regardless of length of service. To receive preference points applicants must provide supporting documentation and proof of honorable no event shall an applicant receive more than a five (5) point adjustment. This request should be made in section #12 of the employment application form.A copy of your DD214 must be attached for this request to be considered.

The incumbent will be required to take a medical examination including a drug/alcohol screening and be fingerprinted.

BENEFITS