PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT

Job Title

This position focuses on audio and visual production, photography, operation of A/V systems, and public relations support.
Essential Job Functions

Develops informational materials to be provided directly to audiences through visual means, including audio-visual / social media channels and graphic products;
Films and edits video products for use in public relations projects;
Assists in developing and producing various public relations/city-wide video products for the City's communications channels. Gathers information and creates graphics for print and on-line mediums, creates, produces, records and edits video programming; acquires pre-produced video programming for use as appropriate;
Assists City officials and department heads with video production, print and graphic materials as requested;
Assists in preparing and distributing press releases and public service announcements to disseminate City information and to otherwise facilitate a positive public image of the City;
Receives and responds to public / news media inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints;
Attends City, community and committee meetings as appropriate;
Performs general administrative / clerical work as necessary, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, ordering supplies and materials, etc.;
Operates A/V equipment for live streamed meetings, events and other special requests in council chambers or off-site locations, and
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:
Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, marketing or a closely related field;;
Two (2) years of relevant prior experience, preferred;
Valid South Carolina Class "D" Driver's License.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;
Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
Ability to operate A/V equipment, video/photography cameras and other creative equipment to record/capture content;
Ability to read journals, manuals, and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, general public, people in other organizations; composing original reports, scripts, articles, press releases, brochures, and other publication materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
Ability to perform professional level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical, or managerial methods in the solution of administrative or technical problems; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressure; and
Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.