City of Indianapolis is hiring: Public Relations Officer - Office of the Mayor i

Agency Summary

As the head of the executive branch, the Office of the Mayor is responsible for enforcing city ordinances and state laws; appointing, supervising and removing heads and employees of city government departments, agencies and divisions; appointing, supervising and removing deputy mayors, with appointments subject to City-County Council approval; communicating and coordinating with the City-County Council concerning the financial condition and budget of the city and county; and setting the salaries of city employees.

Job Summary

Position is responsible for researching and drafting remarks, press releases, media advisories, and talking points and helps coordinate press conferences and events for the Mayor’s Office. In addition, they will help manage social media and digital efforts including Twitter, Facebook, the Mayor’s Office Web site, the City of Indianapolis e-newsletter, and the City-County Enterprise. The Public Relations Officer serves as a communications liaison on core initiatives, events, and appearances of the Mayor. This position reports to the Director – Communications. Position requires knowledge or the ability to confirm and follow all established city and departmental policies and procedures.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

Position Responsibilities

• Craft remarks and speeches for the Mayor of Indianapolis.


• Craft remarks and fact sheets for the Deputy Mayor and other cabinet members.


• Work with the Communications Director to assist in developing key messages for administration announcements and interviews.


• Coordinate with city communications staff to draft scripts for video production.


• Collaborate with Mayor’s Office staff and outside agencies on mayoral initiatives.


• Coordinate the work of Mayor’s Office communications interns with the Assistant Director of Communications.


• Develop talking points for administration staff (including cabinet members, Mayor’s Neighborhood Advocates, etc.) related to programs, policies, and announcements.


• Coordinate talking points for each speaker at events to ensure messaging flow and prevent repetition.


• Work with the Deputy Chief of Staff to ensure proper preparation for each event, including decisions on remarks vs fact sheets, name pronunciations, and requirement of headshots.


• Maintain messaging platforms that unify communications across the Enterprise.


• Develop and maintain Web content, including graphics, for the Mayor’s Office Web site.


• Staff the Mayor at events, speeches, and other appearances.


• Take photos at events and appearances.


• This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities that management may deem necessary from time to time.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or a similar field and a minimum of three (3) years’ prior work‑related experience is required. Any combination of education and work experience meeting a minimum of seven (7) years is acceptable. Candidates must demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills, the ability to balance multiple tasks and deadlines, and a creative approach to projects and events. Candidates must maintain organized records and create reports, utilizing Excel spreadsheets as needed.

Applicants must perform a wide and diverse variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy, attentiveness, speed, and professionalism under constant time‑sensitive deadlines. Strong leadership qualities and the ability to integrate into the team philosophy are required. Knowledge of social media tools including Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr is required. Knowledge of Microsoft Office, photo editing software (Photoshop), Exact Target, and other software is required. Excellent writing and verbal communication skills are required.

Working Conditions

Working conditions generally entail an office environment but also include outside venues for mayoral speeches and appearances, meetings, and events.

Physical Conditions

• Sitting at a desk the majority of the day.


• Some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5–10 pounds).


• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or workstation.


• Tasks require the ability to perceive and hear sounds and see visual cues or signals.


• Tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Important Applicant Information

All rates are bi‑weekly. (Additional rate information omitted for brevity.)