PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST - 77000074

State of Florida•Lakeland, FL

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Central Region to help further the agency’s mission. The Central Region includes the following counties: Brevard, Charlotte, DeSoto, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Indian River, Lake, Lee, Manatee, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, and Volusia. The Office of Communications coordinates public-communication efforts across the region and the 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 creating content for multiple social media platforms and providing support at five commission meetings per year, and at public outreach events. This position serves as the primary media contact for the Central Region providing responses to media including written correspondence and coordinating 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 Coordinator position will be proactive and passionate about the agency’s success and the public’s perception of the agency.

Requirements

Two (2) years of experience in Communications or Public Relations, or an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Located in Marion or Polk County.
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 verifiable by skills and/or experience stated on the profile application/resume.
Information should be provided regarding any gaps in employment.
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 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.
Located in Polk County.

Responsibilities

Ensure articulation of the Central Region’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 in planning, developing, managing and coordinating strategies for heading off adverse publicity and serves as a contact for news media on regional high-profile, contentious and controversial news stories involving programs and projects.
Represents the Central Region in coordinating 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 and targeted publications.
Works with OC and Central Region leadership and other divisional and agency leaders as needed in assessing communication needs. Develops strategic and operational plans for accomplishing news media relations strategies.
Coordinates graphics and audio/visual products for Central Region staff and serves as a liaison between Central Region 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.
Plans and develops informational materials for press conferences and other media events and coordinates such events as needed.
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.

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage with low deductibles and low monthly out-of-pocket contributions.
Option to select between the FRS Pension Plan and the FRS Investment Plan for retirement.
Tuition waiver program within the state university and community college systems.
Health Premiums $25.00- Single / $90.00- Family Biweekly
No Cost $25,000 Life Insurance
Nine Paid State Holidays, One Personal Holiday per year
4 hours Annual Leave and 4 hours Sick Leave accrued Biweekly
Retirement Plan Options
State University and College Tuition Waiver Program
On the Job Trainings
Support for family planning, including paid maternity leave, adoption benefits, Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Family Supportive Work Program (FSWP), and paid leave for family and medical responsibilities for eligible employees.
Paid administrative leave for mentoring, volunteering, voting, and other reasons.