Fire Press Officer - Fire Department

Baltimore City•City of Syracuse, NY

2d•$87,373 - $139,674•Onsite

About The Position

A Fire Press Officer directs the Media and Public Relations of the Baltimore City Fire Department. Work in this class involves supervising fire, public information and clerical support personnel. Incumbents receive general supervision from the Chief of the Fire Department. Employees in this class work a conventional work week and are on 24-hour callback status. Work is performed in an office and at the scenes of fires where there is occasional exposure to heat, smoke and inclement weather. Work requires minimal physical activity.

Requirements

Have five years of experience in the performance of Fire Press and Public Relations work.
Ability to develop and implement creative strategic communication plans.
Ability to respond to sensitive, complex situations, analyze complex issues and develop creative solutions.
Knowledge of techniques and methods of media and public relations.
Knowledge of modern firefighting, investigation, prevention and training methods.
Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules and regulations governing the operations of the Baltimore City Fire Department.
Knowledge of the preparation of materials for release to the mass media (television, radio and press).
Knowledge of the types and uses of graphic materials.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with mass media, City officials, and the general public.
Ability to gain cooperation of internal and external contacts.
Ability to speak effectively and make professional presentations before large groups and the mass media.
Ability to create, write and design public information brochures, posters, exhibits, media programs (television and radio), speeches and special reports.
Supervisory ability.

Responsibilities

Developing and implementing comprehensive, department-wide strategic communication plans and related policies to effectively coordinate media relations, public information, internal communications, and community engagement for the City of Baltimore.
Developing and recommending new communication methods to better achieve the goals of the Fire Department.
Maintaining a strong working relationship with the media, City, County, State and Federal Government agencies for the purpose of exchanging pertinent data and information.
Serving as the official spokesperson for the Fire Department by responding to requests for information from the media, making public appearances and speeches before interested groups and representing the Department at community functions and meetings.
Serving as the official agency representative with the media, government agencies, community and business groups and schools to inform them of various agency programs and activities; ensures consistency in information released to the public.
Managing the dissemination of prompt, accurate public emergency information during disasters by responding to major fires and other serious Fire Department incidents; answering questions and explaining situations to the television, radio and print media.
Serving as a Fire Staff Officer at the fire site.
Writing press releases, speeches, information papers, brochures and related materials for release to the media for the Fire Department and the Mayor; advises Fire officials and employees on responses to media inquiries.
Designing, writing, reviewing and editing Fire publications, posters, signs, exhibits and visual aids; produces materials, tapes and presentations for radio and television shows for the purpose of gaining positive visibility for the Fire Department and counteracting unfavorable publicity.
Consulting with other City agencies to gather information and coordinates information dissemination as it impacts on the operations of such agencies.
Directing departmental communication projects such as the Annual Report by identifying central themes and issues, controlling the communication of the Fire Department’s vision to internal and external audiences; locating necessary resources and meeting deadlines.
Conducting special research as directed by the Chief of the Fire Department, directs promotional and publicity campaigns for special projects.
Planning, scheduling, coordinating and conducts tours of Fire facilities for educational and special interest groups.
Supervising subordinate Fire and clerical support personnel.
Performing related work as required.