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Bellevue, WA - City Public Information Officer

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City of Bellevue: City Public Information Officer

JOB TITLE:

City Public Information Officer

JOB FAMILY:

Community/Govt Relations

JOB TITLE CODE:

  

EEO CODE:

Professional

DEPARTMENT(S):

City Manager

WAGE SCHEDULE:

G

FLSA STATUS:

Exempt

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 1, 2001

JOB SUMMARY

Serve as a key advisor to all departments on the planning, development, implementation and control of Communications, Marketing, and Public Relations policies and management issues. The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for the development of the strategic Communications Plan and related policies that will include external public relations and media coverage and internal messaging and strategic communication. This person acts as a "consultant" to other City departments, reviewing projects for excellence in design and advising on implementation to meet a myriad of objectives for both external and internal audiences. The PIO provides management leadership for cross-departmental communications projects and programs, such as the year-end Report, by identifying major issues, determining the scope of projects, and working in concert with department management to establish schedules and allocate resources. The person in this position must establish effective relationships with other departments as well as with community associations, the business community, civic organizations, regional partners, the media, and various interested groups and individuals. The position requires a high level of technical skills and expertise in public relations, communications, organizational effectiveness/development, and related information technology. The person in this position also advises elected officials on aspects of policy communication as well as provides preparation to spokespersons. During emergency/disaster situations, this person manages the dissemination of public information. This position focuses on a broad range of public affairs, communication issues and policies, and ensures that department decisions effectively protect the City's interests.

Under direction from the City Manager, the PIO organizes project teams for highly sensitive, interdepartmental projects. The position provides principal support to the City Manager in formulating communications requested by the City Council.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area within a City department which may include, but are not limited to, any combination of the following tasks:

· Develop and implement a long-term strategic Citywide Communications Plan and annual incremental work plans.

· Lead external communication efforts, including ensuring consistency in presenting City information to the public in a timely and effective manner.

· Provide leadership and management on City and Council Member media relations, including preparing City Council Members, City Manager, and Department Directors for media contacts and events. Anticipate media responses and prepare spokespersons accordingly. Serve as advisor to the City Council, Leadership Team, and departmental information officers and coordinators on media relations and communications for high profile and/or politically sensitive issues and initiatives.

· Design, develop, organize and control the communication of the City's vision, values and central themes and messages to internal and external audiences.

· Manage the dissemination of prompt, accurate emergency public information during emergency and disaster situations. Participate as a communications consultant on the Emergency Preparedness Committee and provide advice and service as needed.

· Develop, organize, implement and maintain an internal communications plan to communicate information to employees and the public, ensuring a consistent, effective and efficient process. Lead or facilitate interdepartmental communications team on City publications and communication opportunities.

· Plan, lead, organize and control print, web, and TV media so as to enhance the City's image and communicate City issues, actions, and services. Manage Bellevue TV (BTV Channel 55) programming and scheduling. Manage consultants to provide communications assistance including public relations and communications training. Provide oversight of written publication processes, including writing articles, preparing and/or editing publications and presentations.

· Develop and recommend new communications methods and enhancements to better achieve City goals, including fostering the organization's core values and marketing City services to citizens, community groups and other external organizations.

· Develop and maintain strong working relationships with government and community leaders, internal information sources and the media.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Works under the general supervision of the City Manager.

May supervise staff in the City Manager's Office.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations or related field with a high level knowledge of media relations required. Master's preferred.

Seven or more years of experience in professional or managerial level media relations, government relations and community relations, including spokesperson responsibilities for a complex public or private organization.

Or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing strategic communications and image and creative marketing plans.

Demonstrated ability in building and maintaining effective working relationships within an organization as well as with media providers, including leading and motivating work teams and/or individual contributors. Ability to illicit cooperation and resolve conflict.

Strong verbal, written, presentation, team leadership and interpersonal communication skills with demonstrated design and implementation skills in producing publications and communications in a multi-media environment. Speech writing and preparation/coaching of speakers' experience required.

Demonstrated experience and capability working with politically sensitive, complex situations, analyzing complex problems and developing creative solutions.

Prefer experience managing development of TV programming, web development and publication production processes.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry up to 20 pounds.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet.