Public Information Director

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under broad administrative direction, the purpose of the position is to serve as communications liaison between the City of Apopka Government and the public. Directs the Public Information Department to ensure accurate, timely, and effective official communications are published, posted, and/or distributed throughout the Apopka community. Acts as the primary media liaison for all City communications. Activities may include special events, public forums, press conferences, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, dedications, community cleanup projects, and other ceremonies, responsible for the dissemination of information and recommended communication strategies. This position works under the general direction of the City Administrator.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The following essential functions represent the primary duties of this position but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of responsibilities. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Serves as the official City of Apopka spokesperson to media and represents the city at various functions and meetings, as assigned.
Responds to citizens, community groups, department staff, and media requests for information, including the preparation of press releases, press conferences/briefings, social media posts/alerts, etc.
Disseminates information and recommend appropriate communication strategies during emergency events and actively contributes as a team member of the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during any and all crisis, natural or otherwise.
Directs and leads the City's communications team, develops and implements department policies procedures, and develops and manages the department budget.
Directs a team of communications and marketing staff to maintain all City communication channels and brand standards.
Establishes and maintains the City's standards for public information, publications, communication, marketing, and branding.
Coordinate with departmental staff and personnel regarding media queries and strategies.
Publicize and promote a variety of City programs using a variety of media such as news releases, social media, newsletters and brochures, speech writing, consumer publications, radio and television presentations, news conferences, and slide shows.
Provides media training and coaching to departments when faced with media opportunities or challenges.
Develops, implements, and administers marketing and outreach plans for community engagement, including social marketing campaigns and incentives, training and education, and multi-media promotional materials for both the city and the CRA.
Performs related duties as directed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of journalism, communications and marketing principles and practices, and the techniques of researching, composing, and editing publicity material.
Knowledge of current communications channels, including traditional and modern media, including social media, and a working knowledge of the technology supporting them.
Knowledge of municipal operations and organizational structure.
Knowledge of the principles and practices involved in media relations, community outreach, marketing, graphic design, public relations, and emergency/crisis communications.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of web site development and design.
Skilled in designing, writing, editing and overseeing production of publications, videos, social media posts, newsletters, and other communication media.
Skilled in researching, preparing, and delivering public presentations.
Skilled in researching and writing press releases, scripts, announcements, speeches and other forms of communication.
Ability to lead, supervise, and develop a team of employees.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with proficiency in AP Style writing.
Ability to read a variety of materials relevant to government, legal, and City administration operations that range from moderate to complex levels.
Ability to deal with people from a variety of departments and the public in both giving and receiving instructions. Must consistently demonstrate an ability to perform under stress.
Ability to develop and administer a budget.
Ability to operate a variety of telecommunication/technology devices and software related to communications, content creation, and public relations.
Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with citizens, City leadership, businesses, organizations, and local media outlets.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, Public Administration, Journalism, Communications, Mass Communications, Marketing, or related field.
Five (5) years of related experience in the field of communication, marketing, advertisement, etc.
Valid Florida Driver's license. A valid out of state License is acceptable, but selected candidates must obtain and provide a valid Florida driver's license within thirty (30) days of start date.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered, provided that the education and experience are in a relevant and related field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICAITONS

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, marketing, or closely related field.
JOB LOCATION

Apopka City Hall. Travel to locations/events throughout the city required. Travel to other municipalities may be required.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION

Physical Requirements: Prolonged sitting, standing, walking, bending/twisting, pushing/pulling up to 25 lbs., lifting up to 25 lbs.
Environmental Conditions: Works in both an office environment and in the outside elements. Exposure to dim or bright lights.
Sensory Requirements: Ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals required. Ability to communicate orally required.

DISCLAIMER:

The City of Apopka reserves the right to fill positions prior to the closing date and also reserves the right to close the posting prior to the date indicated. Positions will be filled by competitive selection from among categories of qualified and available candidates. It is the policy of the City of Apopka to give first consideration to all employees and other internal applicants prior to considering external (outside) applicants. Applicants should expect a starting salary at the minimum of the pay grade range; applicants with exceptional qualifications and/or experience may be eligible for a rate of pay which is higher than the range minimum upon approval by Administration. Your social security number is requested for the purpose of payroll eligibility verification, processing employment benefits, applicant and employee background checks, and income reporting and will be used solely for those purposes. The City of Apopka participates in E-Verify. Employers are required by federal law to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. We utilize the E-Verify system to process our new hires. We provide information to the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with Information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:

The City of Apopka is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recognizes a moral, ethical, and legal responsibility to provide fair and equitable consideration of applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, age, national origin, place of birth, sexual orientation, of other non-job-related factors. As such, the City of Apopka affirms its commitment to a policy not only of nondiscrimination, but also to a process of equal employment opportunity in all departments of City government to ensure that employment is extended to all qualified persons. When requested, the City of Apopka will make reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. We comply with all applicable laws and actively promote fairness and equity in our employment practices.

ADA Statement:

The City of Apopka is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to achieving excellence and strength through diversity. The City seeks a wide range of applicants for its positions so that one of our core values, a qualified and diverse workforce, will be affirmed. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requires the City to provide reasonable invited to discuss accommodations.