Public Information Officer

City of La Vergne Human Resources•La Vergne, TN

2d•$37

About The Position

The Public Information Officer establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with the community, industry, and City employees. The role develops programs and events to inform the public about the City of La Vergne’s objectives and accomplishments, arranges public appearances and activities, prepares and delivers speeches as needed, prepares written and oral responses, and handles initial media information requests. The position advises the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the City Administrator on the City’s public relations strategy and may be called in at any hour to respond to a natural disaster or other emergency as deemed by the Incident Commander. Applicants must submit a portfolio of previous work demonstrating examples relevant to the job description. The position manages media and community relations for City departments, supports outreach, serves as a media spokesperson, produces communications and marketing materials, and leads crisis communications when needed. It also maintains and updates City communication channels and resources, coordinates publicity activities, and supports public-facing events and presentations. The position normally works Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with availability outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends, often required. Work is primarily office-based and frequently involves fieldwork at community events, press conferences, and meetings. The role includes extensive interaction with media, residents, City officials, and community organizations and may involve stressful situations, tight deadlines, and multiple concurrent projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
Three to five years of experience in public information, media relations, or a related professional communications role.
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Valid Tennessee driver’s license.
Ability to respond to common inquiries and complaints from residents, media, regulatory agencies, and the business community.
Ability to write speeches and publication-ready articles in prescribed styles and formats.
Ability to present information effectively to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, residents, employees, public groups, and organizations.
Strong communication skills with elected officials, residents, and employees.
Ability to work effectively in stressful situations, with high energy and strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Knowledge of current federal, state, and local legislation affecting municipal government.
Knowledge of journalism, public relations, marketing, and creative and technical writing principles and practices.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including presentations to large and small groups, and thorough knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to analyze and interpret complex information and translate it into clear messages for media and the public.
Ability to coordinate sensitive work and personnel matters with senior management and the Legal Department.
Knowledge of personal computers and common peripherals, including monitors, printers, and connection, communication, and storage devices, as well as word processing, spreadsheet, internet, web page design, and desktop publishing software.
Ability to maintain confidentiality about information learned on the job.
Ability to complete responsibilities on time and meet scheduled deadlines.
Good judgment, temperament, and human relations skills for dealing and communicating with the public and City employees.
Ability to learn personnel policies and procedures.
Ability to communicate effectively with people of diverse cultural and educational backgrounds, including elected and appointed officials, employees, and the public.
Ability to transport, set up, and operate equipment and materials for events and presentations; occasional lifting of items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to maintain a stationary position for extended periods, move frequently between events and meetings, type and handle documents and PR materials, and review detailed reports and digital content.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a governmental or public-sector environment.
Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud experience.
UT LEIC PIO Essential certification, or ability to obtain it within 24 months of employment.
FEMA Basic PIO certification, or ability to obtain it within 12 months of employment.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

Responsibilities

Work closely with elected officials and City staff.
Manage overall media and community relations for all City departments.
Assist with community outreach functions and anticipate the community’s and media’s information needs.
Respond to media inquiries and serve as a primary spokesperson.
Create newsletters and other City marketing materials.
Lead citywide crisis communications as needed.
Draft correspondence and media materials.
Monitor and create content for City social media platforms.
Write, produce, and review public service announcements, fact sheets, news releases, feature articles, and other information materials for media representatives, the public, and other interested people.
Take staff photos and videos at City events for video productions.
Review and approve the release of information about the City when authorized.
Coordinate activities with printing firms, consultants, and other agencies.
Conduct print and television interviews as needed.
Maintain a library of current news articles, brochures, photographs, charts, and other City-related reference materials.
Advise the media about upcoming meetings, public announcements, and events.
Manage the City website and prepare regular updates about current events, programs, and services.
Conduct publicity activities, including speeches, exhibits, tours, and films, to promote goodwill and a positive City image.
Exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Attend Council and other meetings outside regular work hours and travel to gather information or attend work-related seminars.
Perform other duties as directed by the City Administrator.
Respond to a natural disaster or other emergency through 24-hour call-ins when deemed necessary by the Incident Commander.