Public Information Officer

City of Eustis•City Hall, FL

8h•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Eustis is seeking a trustworthy, responsible individual who, under the direction of the Director of Events & Communication, develops and implements internal and external communication strategies and initiatives, performs administrative, technical, and professional work, providing information on the programs, services, and policies of the City. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative and must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with city staff, management, elected and appointed officials, media, other governmental organizations, civic groups, and the general public.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles and practices of public relations, mass communications, and marketing.
Knowledge of public information activities, including citizen involvement and media interaction.
Knowledge of government protocol and state and local laws and policies as they affect city operations.
Knowledge of journalism practices, techniques, and style.
Knowledge of computer applications as they apply to public information programs.
Knowledge of emergency management principles, Incident Command System (ICS), Emergency Operations Center (EOC) functions, and crisis communication best practices.
Keen understanding of the impacts of City decisions on public opinion and community support.
Ability to plan and conduct effective public information programs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, the public and representatives of the media and other governmental and community agencies.
Ability to gather compile, analyze, edit and interpret data.
Ability to prepare and present various reports, publications, speeches, news releases and public service announcements.
Ability to create effective credible written narratives about city issues.
Ability to exercise sound independent judgment.
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Skills in computer applications, word processing, desktop publishing, graphics, and web systems, as well as proficiency and knowledge of social media platforms.
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Business Administration, or related field.
At least five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public affairs, public information, or public relations.
A combination of education, training, and/or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the job will be considered.
Valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience in developing and managing websites is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Acts as the official spokesperson, organizing press conferences, responding to inquiries, and cultivating relationships with media outlets.
Manages external communications, media relations, and public image for agencies, acting as the primary spokesperson.
Provides strategic oversight and coordination of official City messaging across communication platforms.
Manages information during emergencies, disasters, or critical incidents.
Serves as the City's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Public Information Officer and must be available 24/7 during emergency incidents, disasters, and EOC activations.
May be assigned to support the Fire Chief, Emergency Manager, Incident Commander, or other emergency management personnel by documenting operational activities, preparing situation reports, and coordinating emergency communications during incidents and EOC activations.
May be assigned to the Lake County Emergency Operations Center as the City's communications liaison and representative during countywide emergencies.
Advises management on communication strategies, media relations, crisis communications, and public sentiment.
Represents the city, City Manager, and the City Commissioners at public meetings, workshops, and community events, primarily during the evening and on weekends.
Collaborates with the Public Relations Coordinator and City departments to develop and implement marketing, public information, and communication programs that promote awareness of City goals, services, initiatives, and activities.
Collaborates closely with the Public Relations Coordinator to ensure consistent messaging, branding, and communication strategies across City platforms.
Provides backup support for the Public Relations Coordinator and assists with communications, public engagement, digital content, website management, social media, and other communication functions as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
Develops official communication materials, news releases, public service announcements utilizing a variety of communication platforms, including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, consumer publications, radio and television public service announcements, reports, videos, and the City’s website.
Serves as the City's primary media contact and is responsible for coordinating media relations, preparing and distributing official news releases, public service announcements, and other official communications.
Prepares a variety of written correspondence, Commission proclamations and resolutions, reports, and other written materials.
Provides oversight and coordination of official City website content to ensure accuracy, consistency, accessibility, and timely dissemination of public information.
Provides communication counsel and strategic messaging support to the City Manager, City Commission, and department leadership regarding City initiatives, policies, projects, and community issues.
Assesses the City’s communication needs and evaluates the effectiveness of communication programs.
Assists in coordinating and publicizing special events and activities.
Acts as city-wide coordinator to Police, Fire, and other departments for media relations and public involvement, and participates in developing effective communication strategies for key issues.
Coordinates emergency public information processes and procedures.
Attends and presents information and programs at meetings and serves as the City’s liaison to various business and civic organizations, as well as community and neighborhood groups.
Coordinates audiovisual operations, livestreaming, and communication support for Commission meetings and other public meetings.
Responds to general public inquiries and complaints and works to resolve related issues.
Develops, initiates, and manages various special projects and assignments, as directed by the Events & Communication Director.
Performs other related duties as required.
Assists the City in the preparation for and aftermath of a major emergency such as a hurricane or other storm or disaster, as needed.