Purpose of Classification: The purpose of this classification is to administer and oversee the operations and activities of the City’s communications, media relations, customer service and event planning functions, including developing branding and promotional materials, managing staff, and providing public relations support to the Mayor and Council, City Manager, Department Heads, and Appointing Authorities. Essential Functions: The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned. Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff: develops and oversees employee work schedules to ensure adequate coverage and control; compiles and reviews timesheets; approves/processes employee concerns and problems and counsels or disciplines as appropriate; assists with or completes employee performance appraisals; directs work; acts as a liaison between employees and management; and trains staff in operations, policies, and procedures. Organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work: prioritizes and schedules work activities in order to meet objectives; ensures that subordinates have the proper resources needed to complete the assigned work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; consults with assigned staff to assist with complex/problem situations and provide technical expertise; provides progress and activity reports to management; and assists with the revision of procedure manuals as appropriate. Serves as spokesperson for the City; responds to media inquiries and questions, including after-hours and weekend media requests; provides print and broadcast interviews as needed; manages essential, crisis, and time-critical communications activities; serves as Emergency Management spokesperson for the City when appropriate; serves as media manager for events within the City and for emergencies as needed. Serves as chief advisor to City officials and staff in all media and public relations matters: apprises City officials of issues, problems, and opportunities relating to public relations; advises and counsels City officials and employees regarding media relations and interviews; provides assistance and guidance to all departments regarding media contacts and interest, publication and image matters; assists with complex problem solving and provides technical expertise City-wide; provides reports, visual materials, documentation and presentations to City officials and staff as needed. Oversees the writing and distribution of and writes and distributes news releases, advisories, articles and other communications materials: publicizes and informs media of upcoming meetings and events; coordinates information efforts during natural disasters; responds to Freedom of Information requests; responds to citizen and visitor requests for information. Develops branding and promotional materials: designs, writes, and/or coordinates, all marketing and promotional materials and activities; provides audio visual design and oversight for all major City campaigns and image pieces; approves press and media kits; enforces logo use policy; develops web content; develops concepts for new communications tools; and formulates and implements standard operating procedures and policies. Supervises and manages media contacts and campaigns: supervises all television appearances of staff including breaking news interviews of Department Heads; acts on media requests; coordinates with other departments for timely delivery on requests; maintains and encourages departmental flexibility to meet all media requests and special projects and opportunities. Provides general oversight in all projects with City image and public relations impact: receives and processes sensitive, complex and confidential material and information; ensures compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures; maintains comprehensive and current knowledge of applicable laws and regulations pertinent to activities. Develops and implements Department’s budget: monitors expenditures and revenues to ensure compliance with approved budget; coordinates and directs staff regarding project and departmental budgets; initiates requests for new and replacement materials, software, equipment, and/or parts for department equipment and resources. Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including productivity and departmental reports, leave requests, invoices and publications; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including production reports, press releases and media advisories, memos, publication content and copy; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records. Operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, Internet, e-mail, or other software: and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions. Communicates with City officials, administrators and department heads, supervisor, other employees, third party service contractors, the public, the media and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information, or resolve problems. Additional Functions: Performs other related duties as required. |
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