Public Information Officer

La Vergne Tennessee•La Vergne, TN

23h•Onsite

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; responds to initial media requests; and advises the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the City Administrator on the City’s public relations strategy. The position is subject to 24-hour call-ins to respond to a natural disaster or other emergency as deemed by the Incident Commander. Candidates must submit a portfolio of previous work showing examples of items listed in the job description. The Public Information Officer is responsible for media and community relations for all City departments, serves as a primary spokesperson, leads crisis communications as needed, and creates and manages communications across print, broadcast, social media, and the City website. The role works closely with elected officials and staff, supports community outreach, and coordinates with printing firms, consultants, and other agencies. The position requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field, and three to five years of relevant experience. The normal schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with availability outside regular hours, including evenings and weekends, often required. The role is primarily office-based and also includes frequent fieldwork. Starting salary is $36.73 per hour. The position reports to the City Administrator.

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 or complaints from residents, media, regulatory agencies, or business community members.
Ability to write speeches and publication articles that conform to prescribed style and format.
Ability to effectively present information to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, residents, employees, public groups, and organizations.
Strong communication skills with elected officials, residents, and employees, and ability to work effectively in stressful situations.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all parties.
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.
Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally, including presentations to large and small groups, and thorough knowledge of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Ability to analyze complex information and translate it into clear messages for the media and public.
Ability to coordinate sensitive work and personnel matters with senior management and the Legal Department.
Knowledge of personal computers and common peripherals, and software for word processing, spreadsheets, internet use, web page design, and desktop publishing.
Ability to maintain confidentiality, meet scheduled deadlines, and use good judgment and interpersonal skills when dealing with the public and City employees.
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 event and presentation equipment and materials; occasional lifting of items weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to maintain a stationary position for extended periods, move frequently between events and meetings, and perform typing and document-handling tasks.

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.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, personnel policies and procedures.

Responsibilities

Work closely with elected officials and City staff.
Manage overall media and community relations for all City departments and assist with community outreach.
Anticipate community and media information needs and respond to media inquiries as a primary spokesperson.
Create newsletters and other City marketing materials.
Lead citywide crisis communications efforts 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 persons.
Take staff photos and videos at City events for video productions.
Review and approve the release of City information as 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.
Inform media of upcoming meetings, public announcements, and events.
Manage the City website and prepare regular updates concerning current events, programs, and services.
Conduct publicity activities, including speeches, exhibits, tours, and films, to promote goodwill and a positive image for the City.
Exercise good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
Attend Council meetings 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.