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Fire Press Officer - Fire Department

City of Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, United States


Salary Range: $87,373.00 - $139,674.00 Annually

Job Summary
A Fire Press Officer directs the Media and Public Relations for the Baltimore City Fire Department. The role includes supervising fire, public information, and clerical support personnel. Incumbents receive general supervision from the Chief of the Fire Department, work a conventional work week, and are on 24‑hour callback status. Work is performed in an office and at fire scenes, with occasional exposure to heat, smoke, and inclement weather.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive, department‑wide strategic communication plans and related policies.

Recommend new communication methods to better achieve the goals of the Fire Department.

Maintain strong working relationships with the media, City, County, State, and Federal Government agencies.

Serve as the official spokesperson for the Fire Department by responding to media requests, making public appearances, and representing the Department at community functions and meetings.

Serve as the official agency representative with the media, government agencies, community and business groups, and schools to inform them of various agency programs and activities; ensure consistency in information released to the public.

Manage the dissemination of prompt, accurate public emergency information during disasters by responding to major fires and other serious Fire Department incidents; answer questions and explain situations to television, radio, and print media.

Serve as a Fire Staff Officer at the fire site.

Write press releases, speeches, information papers, brochures, and related materials for release to the media for the Fire Department and the Mayor; advise Fire officials and employees on responses to media inquiries.

Design, write, review, and edit Fire publications, posters, signs, exhibits, and visual aids; produce materials, tapes, and presentations for radio and television shows to gain positive visibility and counteract unfavorable publicity.

Consult with other City agencies to gather information and coordinate dissemination as it impacts their operations.

Direct departmental communication projects such as the Annual Report by identifying central themes and issues, controlling communication of the Fire Department’s vision to internal and external audiences; locate necessary resources and meet deadlines.

Conduct special research as directed by the Chief of the Fire Department, direct promotional and publicity campaigns for special projects.

Plan, schedule, coordinate, and conduct tours of Fire facilities for educational and special interest groups.

Supervise subordinate Fire and clerical support personnel.

Perform related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Eligible classified City employees must submit their application before the filing date.

Experience: Have five years of experience in the performance of Fire Press and Public Relations work.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Not applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Ability to develop and implement creative strategic communication plans.

Ability to respond to sensitive, complex situations, analyze complex issues and develop creative solutions.

Knowledge of techniques and methods of media and public relations.

Knowledge of modern firefighting, investigation, prevention and training methods.

Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing the operations of the Baltimore City Fire Department.

Knowledge of the preparation of materials for release to the mass media (television, radio and press).

Knowledge of the types and uses of graphic materials.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with mass media, City officials, and the general public.

Ability to gain cooperation of internal and external contacts.

Ability to speak effectively and make professional presentations before large groups and the mass media.

Ability to create, write and design public information brochures, posters, exhibits, media programs (television and radio), speeches and special reports.

Supervisory ability.

Additional Information
Background Check: Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions of trust will be required to complete and successfully pass a criminal background check and/or fingerprinting.

Probation: All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six‑month probation.

Eligibility: Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise, for a period of at least six months. The decision of the Director of Human Resources with respect to acceptable minimum qualifications is final.

Education Accreditation: Applicants’ education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Education credentials obtained outside the U.S. must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency. Evaluation agencies information may be obtained at www.naces.org.

Selection Process: Only classified City employees who indicate the minimum qualifications on their applications and have successfully completed a probationary period on or before the day of filing an application will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity. It is essential, therefore, that you give complete and accurate information on your application. Vagueness or omission may prevent you from being considered for the position. Qualified candidates will not be listed in rank order.

Examination Process: Applicants must provide sufficient information on their application to show that they meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment. Successful applicants will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete supplemental questions to further examine specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of the position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

Financial Disclosure: This position requires the completion of a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7‑7, 7‑8, and 7‑9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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