Media - Public Relations Specialist

City of Cleveland • 6001 - Public Safety Admin, OH

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Department of Public Safety, Division of Administration, is the executive office that oversees and provides administrative support to its several safety divisions which include the divisions of Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Animal Care & Control (AC&C), and Corrections. Public Safety Administration is located within Cleveland City Hall but has numerous safety division locations throughout the city as well as public facing responsibilities and social media presence. Under general direction of the Senior Strategist for Public Safety, the Media – Public Relations Specialist performs major daily, and project/program based administrative duties. They recommend and administer departmental policies and procedures regarding media and public relations. They prepare regular and special reports related to departmental operations. They serve as the primary point of contact between the department and the news media, social media, and the public in general. The successful applicant should be organized, detail-oriented and customer-focused, already versed in working in a highly professional environment, managing multiple job-related duties and performing diverse confidential administrative and supportive duties as part of daily operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or closely related field preferred.
• Two (2) years of any equivalent combination of education, training and experience in program administration required.
• Must be able to lift and carry thirty (30) pounds.
• Valid State of Ohio Driver's License required.
• A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or related field.
• Three (3) years full-time paid experience in public/media relations, corporate communications or similar demonstrated role.
• Six (6) years full-time paid experience in public/media relations, corporate communications or similar demonstrated role can substitute for the Bachelor’s degree and 3 years’ experience above.
• Must possess a valid State of Ohio Driver's License (Those persons who live or work outside of Ohio must have the ability to obtain one within 60 days of the date of hire).
• Strong computer skills - Microsoft Office and the ability to quickly learn software utilized by the Department and other related governmental software.
• Strong oral and written communication - including the ability to make presentations throughout the Department.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
• May involve some manipulation of lightweight items (5-10 pounds).
• May involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.
• Requires excellent written and superior verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• A Master’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field is preferred.
• Experience in federal, state or local government communications is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse neighborhoods or communities is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Planning and administering a specific project or program for a City department.
• Serving as the administrative supervisor on projects or programs.
• Planning, assigning, supervising, and reviewing activities of subordinate personnel.
• Monitoring the project or program's operating budget and assisting in the annual preparation of same.
• Designing, implementing, and monitoring procedures utilized in program evaluation.
• Developing and securing commitments from other City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants.
• Providing technical assistance or reviewing program policies and procedures.
• Maintaining current information and overseeing the preparation of project status reports.
• Preparing financial and narrative reports and program applications.
• Communicating project/program status and information to municipal officials and/or public and private entities.
• Supervising employees assigned to the respective project.
• Developing, organizing and executing seasonal, periodical and otherwise necessary departmental announcements and events.
• Drafting press releases, media summaries, council and executive presentations.
• Building and maintaining relationships with external existing and new media contacts and internal city-wide resources and stakeholders.
• Developing and maintaining a robust, dynamic social media presence and continuous campaign.
• Assisting in managing media requests in a timely and professional manner.
• Ensuring the department maintains consistent, cohesive and branded messaging and documentation.
• Tracking, reporting, and analyzing media coverage and social media reach to develop informed response strategies.
• Developing a proactive public safety public relations program.
• Assisting in organizing, scheduling, and preparing key leaders and staff for interviews, including messaging, talking points and media training.
• Collaborating with City Departments including Communications, IT and the Mayor’s Office regarding all information releases including designated media specialists from other divisions, departments and external agencies.
• Coordinating public safety presence on City maintained web sites including validation and accuracy of posted and linked data.
• Developing, coordinating and executing community education and outreach events.
• Researching event opportunities.
• Coordinating preparation of department and division annual reporting and other publications.
• Planning and tracking calendar of content and events for the year for all Public Safety divisions.
• Performing any other duties assigned by the Chief Director of Public Safety as required.

Benefits

• The City's guiding principles are as follows: Placing Clevelanders at the Center, Empowering Employees to Do Purposeful Work, Defining Clear and Pragmatic Objectives, Leading with Trust and Transparency, Striving for Equity in All We Do, and Embracing Change. All City employees are responsible for embracing and carrying out these principles in all that they do.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level