PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST II - 77001066

State of Florida•Tallahassee, FL

19d•$52,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The FWC envisions a Florida where fish and wildlife are abundant and thriving in healthy and connected natural landscapes with vital working lands and waterways; where natural resources are valued and safely enjoyed by all; and wherein natural systems support vibrant human communities and a strong economy. Our Mission: Managing fish and wildlife resources for their long-term well-being and the benefit of people. Every organization has an identity that is forged not only by what it does, but by how it conducts itself. The values embedded in our mission and expressed in the vision of the FWC are to make quality decisions by being dynamic, science-informed, efficient, ethical, collaborative, and committed to the vitality of the state and its environment. Visit our website for more information: MyFWC.com 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 Division of Hunting and Game Management to help further the agency’s mission. 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 Division of Hunting and Game Management, 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 Specialist II 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

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%.
Responses to qualifying questions should be verified by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume. Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
Two (2) years of experience in Communications or Public Relations, or An associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
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 with a broad range of agency staff and communicate HGM activities and issues to agency staff, other agencies and the public;
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.

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.

Responsibilities

Responsible for planning, development and implementation of the Division of Hunting and Game Management's (HGM) marketing strategies, marketing communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal.
Responsible for creating, implementing, and measuring the success of a comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance the Commission's image and position of supporting and promoting safe, responsible hunting within the state of Florida.
Ensure articulation of HGM’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 and regional public information coordinators 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 HGM programs and projects.
Represents HGM 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.
Use agency social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other agency social media platforms to positively promote HGM messages to the public. Manages database of news media and other news release recipients. Coordinates electronic delivery of news releases to media, stakeholders, Commissioners, and staff.
Works with HGM 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.
Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all HGM publications. Serves as communications coordinator on committees and teams within the agency and develops communication plans for HGM programs and projects. Coordinates graphics and audio/visual products for HGM staff and serves as a liaison between HGM 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.
Coordinates responses to information requests from news media and the public on subjects pertaining to HGM. Also plans and develops informational materials for press conferences and other media events and coordinates such events. Works across divisional lines on topics that involve more than just HGM. Assists the Communications Director to provide support for marketing/ promotional activities and to coordinate regional support for such activities for HGM.
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.