Public Information Coordinator

City of Odessa•Odessa, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Communications, this role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the City of Odessa's communications, public information, marketing, and branding efforts, with a particular focus on Public Safety, including Odessa Police and Odessa Fire Rescue. The position involves collaborating with City departments and officials to develop and distribute accurate, timely, and accessible public information about City services. Additionally, the role oversees the coordination of responses to public information requests and promotes public awareness of City programs. This position also manages the City's internal and external communications. Please note that this is not a typical 8-to-5 job, and the position requires being on call most of the time.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; AND five years' increasingly responsible experience in journalism, communications, and public relations required; public sector experience is preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
Knowledge of State and federal rules and regulations covering municipal government, including open records, elections, open meetings, and Texas Public Information Act.
Knowledge of Principles, techniques, and objectives of marketing, public information, mass communications, media relations, and community relations programs.
Knowledge of Developing and managing budgets.
Knowledge of Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation, and publication.
Knowledge of Current legislative, political, and economic trends in state and federal government programs.
Knowledge of Methods, techniques, and equipment used in the production of video projects.
Knowledge of Local community resources, and state and regional community services programs.
Knowledge of Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for municipal government employees.
Skill in coordinating public information programs, projects, and operations and develop community relations and communications programs from concept to completion.
Skill in analyzing information from various sources and develop effective action plans.
Skill in maintaining composure and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.
Proficient in writing press releases, delivering presentations, and negotiating with media outlets.
Proficient in shooting and editing of videos.
Proficient in website updates.
Skill in preparing and presenting information to diverse audiences, including public speaking engagements.
Skill in interpreting and explaining federal and state rules, regulations, and City policies and procedures.
Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with media representatives, City employees, public officials, and representatives from other regional agencies.
Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing various business and specialized presentation software.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
Ability to apply abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues.
Requires multiple periods of intense concentration.
Ability to work well under pressure.
Ability to coach and educate others.
Ability to lead with strategic thinking and initiative.
Have a sophisticated executive presence and ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.
A valid Driver's License is required.
FEMA certification(s) and an Attorney General Certification in Public Information are required within six months of employment.
Certification for access to National/Texas Crime Information Centers (NCIC/TCIC), and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) are required within one year of hire.

Nice To Haves

Public sector experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist the Director of Communications in developing and executing a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program to enhance the City's image and reputation.
Manage internal and external communications, overseeing marketing materials, media relations, publications, and supporting client acquisition efforts.
Ensures the City's desired image and position, particularly for police officers and firefighters, is effectively communicated internally and externally.
Maintain consistency in messaging across the organization and with all stakeholders.
Develop novel approaches, methods, and designs to promote the City's image positively.
Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all organization publications.
Coordinates media interest in the Organization and ensures regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.
Collaborate with management and staff to develop and maintain a strategic approach based on local market needs and constituent satisfaction.
Support organizational direction, programs, services, and decision-making to ensure the City's overall health and vitality.
Responsible for achieving marketing /communications/public relations mission, goals, and financial objectives.
Ensure that evaluation systems relate to these goals and objectives and report progress to the City Manager's Office.
Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate the City newsletter.
Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate responses to media requests.
Serves as City Spokesperson to provide public information and promote public awareness of City programs and events; serves as Emergency Public Information Coordinator during local emergency events.
Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
Supports departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.