PUBLIC INFORMATION COORDINATORS - 77000711

State of Florida•Boynton Beach, FL

About The Position

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Office of Communications (OC) is seeking a highly motivated candidate to serve as the Public Information Coordinator for the South Region to help further the agency’s mission. The South Region includes the following counties: Broward, Collier, Glades, Hendry, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okeechobee, Palm Beach, and St. Lucie. The Office of Communications coordinates the public-communication efforts of FWC’s divisions and offices to educate Floridians and visitors about the role and value of Florida's fish and wildlife resources and to foster a sense of stewardship for these resources. These efforts include posting content on multiple social media platforms and providing audio-visual support at five commission meetings per year, and at public outreach events. This position serves as the primary media contact for the South Region providing responses to media including written correspondence and interviews and press events. The FWC has an atmosphere of people who are passionate about what they do and have a strong desire to help residents and visitors of Florida while balancing the needs of the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The successful candidate for the Public Information Coordinator position will be proactive and passionate about the agency’s success and the public’s perception of the agency. This position reports to the Press Secretary for the Office of Communications and will work closely with the Communications Director, Multimedia Services Manager and team, and other agency staff as and when needed.

Requirements

Must be computer literate in Microsoft Office programs, Word, Excel and PowerPoint; Knowledge of media writing and the processes for preparing and distributing press information
Ability to write news releases based on Associated Press Style
Skill in communicating complex or technical information to media and the public in a clear and understandable way
Ability to write in clear, concise language
Ability to compile and analyze information for use in public information materials
Ability to work with internet- based information sources
Ability to work independently and plan, organize and coordinate various work assignments
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to communicate with the public in a tactful and courteous manner.
Two (2) years of experience in Communications or Public Relations, or An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for the experience.
Employment in this position is contingent upon a satisfactory criminal history check (fingerprint-based) in accordance with Chapter 435, Florida Statutes.
This position requires travel up to 25%.

Nice To Haves

Four (4) years of experience in Communications or Public Relations, or A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public relations or communications can substitute for the experience.
The ideal candidate would be located in or around West Palm Beach.

Responsibilities

Ensure articulation of the South Region’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image and position throughout the FWC, and assure communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external.
Assists the Communications Office in planning, developing, managing, and coordinating strategies for heading off adverse publicity and serves as a contact for news media on high-profile, contentious, and controversial news stories involving programs and projects.
Represents the South Region in on-camera interviews with television news media and on-the-record interviews with radio and print news media. Assists agency leadership and staff in preparing for interviews with news media when necessary.
Researches, writes, and edits news releases, feature articles and other written material regarding outdoor recreation and agency programs and activities for news media at large and to targeted publications.
Works with OC and South Region leadership and other divisional and agency leaders as needed in assessing needs for communicating via news media. Develops strategic and operational plans for accomplishing news media relations strategies.
Coordinates graphics and audio/visual products for South Region staff and serves as a liaison between South Region and OC to assist in choosing, creating, and producing products and venues for outreach efforts to both media and the public.
Uses creative software to produce and edit digital media such as videos, photographs, PowerPoint presentations, web images, advertisements, memes/gifs, and other products to promote agency messaging via social media, websites, interpretive products and displays.
Plans and develops informational materials for press conferences and other media events and coordinates such events as needed.
Actively participates in and seeks to improve job performance through active communication and scheduled meetings with supervisor. Meets regularly with supervisor to discuss job duties, ongoing issues, opportunities, and performance; accomplishes annual goals that are agreed upon with supervisor; meets performance standards; and annually completes a self-evaluation of performance.
Maintains and builds relationships across regions, divisions, media outlets and partner agencies.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly
Retirement Plan Options
State University and College Tuition Waiver Program
On the Job Trainings
Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.
Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons because we understand the importance of giving back to the community.

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