Public Affairs Officer & Executive Administrator

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Public Affairs Officer & Executive Administrator
The Public Affairs Officer and Executive Administrator is responsible for implementing and managing the City’s comprehensive communications and public affairs functions. This position oversees public information efforts, serves as the City’s primary spokesperson, and promotes awareness of City programs, services, and initiatives. The role focuses on active communication and engagement with residents, businesses, and visitors, and helps ensure consistent, accurate messaging across all platforms. In addition, this position provides executive-level administrative support to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs administrative duties including a variety of routine and complex clerical and administrative work to assist the Mayor and Board of Aldermen with City business, external affairs and communications, website updates, and confidential materials. Fields telephone calls; schedules meetings and travel for the Mayor and Board of Aldermen; coordinates meetings with committees and other groups; composes correspondence; submits purchase order requests; assists with mail-outs; receives and distributes mail; and greets and directs visitors.

Writes and distributes press releases, newsletters, and articles to inform the public about City news and events. Serves as the City’s primary point of contact for media inquiries and public information, ensuring accurate and timely communication on behalf of the City.

Provides assistance as needed to the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce in support of City sponsored special events, such as annual holiday events and Fridays at the Fort, which are planned and coordinated by the Chamber.

Receives Special Event permit applications for community events, runs/walks, and festivals, and schedules and leads internal coordination meetings to ensure appropriate City resources are allocated.

Manages and updates the City website to ensure timely and accurate information for residents. Posts emergency notices, event details, press releases and photographs. Coordinates with department heads to maintain current and informative content, including forms, meeting minutes, and City ordinances and codes, ensuring all are current.

Develops and manages the City’s media image and outreach efforts, including monitoring and maintaining social media platforms.

Writes email communications to residents on behalf of the Mayor and Aldermen to provide updates on City projects and events.

Assists Aldermen with administrative tasks and interactions with neighborhood associations, when appropriate, and facilitates communications with the media regarding priority projects in their respective wards.

Assists the Mayor with events, ribbon cuttings, the State of the City address, speeches, and correspondence with external organizations, including other municipalities, state agencies, chambers of commerce, community groups, and volunteers, as well as matters related to hurricanes or other emergencies.

Facilitates the activities of the Mayor’s Youth Council, including organizing monthly meetings, coordinating projects, and interfacing with department heads and the Mississippi Municipal League.

Assists the Mayor with collecting data and preparing materials for public presentations, including PowerPoint presentations, flyers, and other information for the public and media.

Attends the two monthly meetings of the Mayor and Board of Aldermen, held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in the evening.

Reports to the Emergency Operations Center during storms or other disaster events to assist with public communications and coordination with other agencies.

Performs other duties as assigned by the Mayor and/or the Board of Aldermen, which may not be specified herein.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field of study and two years of relevant experience OR

Four (4) years of related experience, preferably in communications or public relations within a local government setting.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment and represent the City, administration, and Mayor’s office in a professional manner.

Strong public relations and communication skills.

Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Strong organizational and time‑management skills.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, officials, and the general public.

Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in public settings.

Excellent writing and editing skills.

Strong customer service skills, with the ability to assist citizens and follow through with departments to resolve inquiries.

Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, along with extensive general computer and internet research skills.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED
Tools and equipment may include but are not limited to personal computer, typewriter, phone, fax machine, adding machine, copy machine, digital camera, and corresponding software.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters in order to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; to stand; to walk; to speak and hear; to use vision both close and distance, and ability to adjust focus accordingly; to use hands and fingers to handle or operate objects or tools including but not limited to telephone, computer keyboard, computer mouse; and to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is quite variable, as location varies from moderately quiet office setting to loud event locations. Some events take place outdoors, so variations in temperature and weather should be expected.

WORK SCHEDULE
Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attendance at the Board of Aldermen meetings held on the first and third Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. is required. Some evening and occasional weekend hours will be necessary. When possible, a flexible schedule will be used during the workweek to accommodate evening and weekend hours.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Submission of completed Employment Application and resume.

Rating of education and experience.

Oral interview; reference & background checks.

Job related test may be required.

OTHER
Applicant must be willing to assist other City Hall staff in occasional projects requiring additional manpower. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employees and is subject to change by the employer as the need of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Salary and Posting
Category Employment Status Open Salary $57,662 to $63,000 Depending on Experience Posted June 8, 2026 Closing June 19, 2026 5:00 PM

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