Public Relations Specialist

Salary Range: ($52226 $68207 - $84148) Salary Grade: 17 FLSA: Exempt

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to perform public relations work to promote programs & activities in an assigned department. Responsibilities are to develop and produce content in a variety of media formats & coordinating community outreach events.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar related or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Creates print and online content to publicize and promote department programs facilities events or objectives; researches and verifies information; produces and publishes newsletters calendars brochures and flyers; monitors and creates content for social media and department website; takes photographs for use in content; and writes or edits official department announcements emails blasts press releases letters or posts.

Plans organizes and staffs community outreach programs and events; arranges and conducts special events contests ribbon cuttings facility tours educational programs and activities specific to assigned department; secures locations dates and sponsorship needed; prepares activities and materials; recruits and supervises event volunteers; and coordinates set-up staffing and implementation of program/event plans.

Represents department as a spokesperson; maintains relationships with community partners; attends community events expos or meetings on behalf of the department; responds to inquiries from the media or the public; and serves on committees to facilitate community outreach.

Provides data reporting related to department programs and activities; compiles data related to program participation costs and community feedback; conducts surveys to collect community input; tracks inquiries; and prepares reports.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations within designated timeframes and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation reports meeting minutes and rough drafts of media content; reviews completes processes forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms reports correspondence and other documentation including written and visual content press releases brochures posters flyers newsletters and calendars; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Communicates with department staff city officials supervisor other employees schools community groups news media the public and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities review status of work exchange information or resolve problems

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelors Degree in Journalism Liberal Arts Public Relations Communications or related field required; two years of experience in public relations communications events management or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge skills and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia drivers license.

Supplemental Information for Preferred Candidates

Education and Professional Experience: Bachelors degree in Public Relations Communications Journalism Marketing or a closely related field with at least three (3) years of professional experience in public relations communications or marketing preferably within local government or a public-sector organization.

Digital Communications and Social Media Management: Demonstrated experience managing organizational social media platforms developing engaging digital content implementing communication campaigns and analyzing social media performance to increase public awareness and community engagement.

Media Relations and Strategic Communications: Experience developing press releases media advisories talking points speeches newsletters and other public information materials. Ability to establish positive relationships with media outlets and effectively communicate organizational initiatives to diverse audiences.

Graphic Design Photography and Multimedia Production: Proficiency in graphic design and content creation software such as Adobe Creative Suite and Canva with demonstrated experience producing professional marketing materials promotional videos photography and digital content consistent with organizational branding standards.

Community Engagement and Government Communications: Experience developing and implementing public information campaigns promoting government programs and services coordinating community outreach initiatives and communicating effectively with elected officials community stakeholders and the general public