Public Information Coordinator

City of Portales•Portales, NM

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the IT Director, serves as the City’s primary liaison to the public and media. Responsible for planning and coordinating assigned Citywide communications and outreach initiatives, including strategic messaging as directed by City Administration, public information, emergency communications, and digital content. Coordinates media relations, municipal meetings support, and communication platforms, and reviews outbound City communications to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance prior to release, as directed. Performs administrative, analytical, and departmental support duties as assigned.

Requirements

City, County, State, and Federal laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, codes, administrative policies, and operational guidelines related to local government operations.
Principles and practices of public administration, journalism, and public relations, including media requirements and standards.
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Public Records Request Act requirements.
Individual and group dynamics, including volunteers, community-based organizations, and multicultural communities.
Modern office practices, procedures, and the use of computer equipment and software.
English language usage, including grammar, spelling, punctuation, and professional writing standards.
Research methods, data sources, information accessibility, and report preparation techniques.
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major work in public administration, communications, or a closely related field.
One to three years of work experience in public administration that preferably includes professional experience involving the development and coordination of public affairs, public information, community outreach and social media marketing, community relations and complaint processing; the development, administration and delivery of socially oriented community-based programs; and working with culturally and ethnically diverse groups; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
A background of one to three years of experience working in municipal government, with an emphasis on communications, public relations, community outreach, or public information preferred.

Responsibilities

Interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with City, County, State, and Federal laws, policies, procedures, and directives.
Prioritize and manage multiple assignments effectively in a fast-paced environment.
Analyze complex data, evaluate findings, and prepare clear, comprehensive reports and studies.
Communicate clearly, concisely, and professionally in both written and oral formats.
Analyze complex political, social, and community-related issues and respond to community needs.
Deliver effective oral presentations and written communications.
Represent the City professionally in meetings with government agencies, boards, commissions, community groups, media, and the public to build consensus.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, executive leadership, staff, media representatives, and the general public under diverse circumstances.
Operating computer hardware and applicable software used in local government environments.
Creative and professional writing and editing of reports, publications, and public communications on a wide range of subjects.
Exercising sound judgment, flexibility, creativity, and cultural sensitivity in dynamic and evolving situations.
Organizing, prioritizing, and completing multiple tasks and projects within established deadlines.
Establishing and maintaining positive, collaborative, and productive working relationships.
Working effectively with diverse, multicultural, and religious communities.