Public Information Officer

City of Cleveland•0112 - Office of Sustainability, OH

About The Position

The Public Information Officer serves the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability (MOS), which implements community and operational climate action plans developed with residents, businesses, employers, City employees, and other stakeholders. The role leads the MOS strategic communications portfolio and supports public information and media relations, digital and social media, brand management, content development, and marketing for City sustainability and climate-action initiatives and events. It also engages regional, national, and international audiences and translates technical and programmatic information for effective communication. Under administrative direction, the position plans and administers projects or programs for a City department; may supervise project personnel; monitors operating budgets; develops and monitors program-evaluation procedures; coordinates services with City departments and agencies; provides technical assistance; maintains project information and prepares status, financial, narrative, and application materials; and communicates program information to municipal officials and public and private entities. The Public Information Officer leads development and implementation of an annual comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with the Climate Action Plan, Municipal Action Plan, Mayoral priorities, and other City initiatives. The role manages multiple communications projects, advises Office leadership and staff on communications strategy, manages website and social media content, develops digital and print materials, and works with external partners and coalitions to share and amplify Cleveland’s sustainability work.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Business or Public Administration, Social Sciences, or a closely related field is preferred.
Two years of equivalent combined education, training, and experience in program administration are required.
Ability to lift and carry 30 pounds.
Valid State of Ohio driver’s license required.
Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills; writing samples may be requested.
Media training.
Website editing, updating, and management at the WYSIWYG level.
Knowledge of website and social media communications.
Proficiency in MS Office Suite / MS 365.

Nice To Haves

Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Business, or Environmental Studies.
At least three years of experience in a professional environment; governmental and/or large-organization experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge, training, or experience in sustainability and climate justice principles and triple bottom line thinking.
Ability to self-manage and complete projects on time and within budget.
Knowledge of local, state, and/or federal food safety and body art codes, rules, and regulations.
Experience in training or workforce development.
Graphic design skills and familiarity with digital design software such as Adobe InDesign or Canva.
Experience with social media platforms such as Facebook, X, BlueSky, and Hootsuite, and online tools such as Mailchimp, Eventbrite, and SurveyMonkey.

Responsibilities

Lead development and implementation of the MOS annual strategic communications plan, aligning it with the Climate Action Plan, Municipal Action Plan, Mayoral priorities, and other City initiatives.
Manage multiple communications projects, including priorities, timelines, deliverables, and review and approval processes.
Identify and support communications needs for sustainability projects and initiatives across City operations.
Coordinate communications with external partners to advance sustainability goals and objectives.
Provide strategic communications guidance to Office leadership, subject matter experts, and program staff on audiences, messaging, opportunities, and public-facing materials.
Manage digital and social media communications, including content development, design, audience engagement, and paid promotions.
Manage internal- and external-facing website pages related to the Mayor’s Office of Sustainability.
Coordinate information sharing with external coalitions and partners and identify opportunities to amplify Cleveland’s sustainability work through regional and national platforms.
Develop and design communications and marketing materials, including social media content, graphics, templates, reports, fact sheets, flyers, signage, and other digital and print products.
Plan and administer City department projects or programs under administrative direction.
Plan, assign, supervise, and review activities of subordinate personnel as applicable; may supervise employees assigned to a project.
Monitor project or program operating budgets and assist with annual budget preparation.
Design, implement, and monitor program-evaluation procedures.
Develop and secure commitments from City departments and agencies to provide services to program participants.
Provide technical assistance or review program policies and procedures.
Maintain current project information and oversee preparation of project status reports.
Prepare financial and narrative reports and program applications.
Communicate project or program status and information to municipal officials and public and private entities.
Perform other related duties as required.