PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST - 55002979

State of Florida•Bartow, FL

1d•$50,372 - $65,187•Onsite

About The Position

This position will support the agency’s communications efforts by applying strong journalism skills and exceptional writing abilities to produce clear, accurate, and engaging content. Duties include developing press releases, traffic advisories, media and public responses, and social media content that effectively communicates agency initiatives. Responsibilities also encompass videography, video editing, and photography, along with thorough proofreading to ensure accuracy and professionalism. The role requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment while maintaining high standards of quality. Through cooperation, coordination and collaboration among the OneFDOT team, you will be contributing to a strong and empowering culture of TRREC: Trust, Relationships, Respect, Empowerment, and Communication. FDOT encourages our team members to grow through engagement, empowerment, training, and professional development. Through our agency’s learning management system, you have access to hundreds of computer-based training and instructor-led courses. FDOT District One Headquarters 801 N. Broadway Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830

Requirements

Knowledge of and familiarity with social media
Knowledge of the concepts of grammar, punctuation and plain language
Skilled in the use software to design newsletters, flyers and websites
Skilled in strong written and verbal communication
Ability to organize and manage special events
Ability to use software applications
Ability to problem solve, analyze issues and create action plans
Ability to set and manage priorities and meet deadlines
Employee will be required to be responsive to emergency situations within a very short timeframe and serve in the Transportation Emergency Management Team.
Six years of experience in news reporting, editing, public relations, public information, advertising, marketing, mass communications or journalism.
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communication, Advertising, Public Relations or Marketing can substitute for four (4) years of the required experience.
A master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communication, Advertising, Public Relations or Marketing can substitute for six (6) years of the required experience.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with others to get the best, most accurate up to date information for research for any past, present and future projects: educating and informing stakeholders and engaging with them on topical discussions.
Develops strategic alliances and corporate partnerships to promote District One’s message.
Plans and manages projects and contracts.
Review, approve and purchase vendor invoices.
Respond to external inquiries from the media, public, and elective officials in a timely manner concerning all the facets of District operations, exercising judgement in handling inquiries performing media responses.
Answering, researching, and responding to telephone calls, emails, and written inquiries regarding the department’s activities.
In the absence of the Public Information Director, The Public Information Specialist will serve as the District Spokesperson on a variety of transportation related issues.
Logs calls/e-mails from legislators, elected officials, the media and the public through Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Tracker.
Provides daily media report to Tallahassee for Governor’s Office.
This position will perform duties in conjunction with PIO, Central Office.
Provides support to the Public Information Director as needed.
Maintains offices files and records.
Reports concerns to leadership.
Coordinate staff participation in the Emergency Operation Center phone branch during emergencies.
Handles telephone inquiries, maintains calendar appointments, and meetings, etc.
Maintains database of stakeholders.
Revises and maintains District’s elected official’s database.
Will keep the Public Information Director appraised of any issues that impact District One.
As needed, will handle advertisements for Public Hearings or Public Meetings.
Will maintain a list of venues and contacts for advertising in the twelve-county area.
Designs and disseminates a variety of electronic and printed media to communicate and promote the District.
Prepares news releases, fact sheets, visual/ audio presentations and renderings, media alerts, social media posts and lane closure information for the public, media, and elected officials.
Maintain media contact lists, project files and news clips/files.
Responsible for taking photographs, researching subjects, conducting interviews, meeting announcements, solicitation of public inputs, and writing articles for Central Office.
Reviewing, editing, and approving consultant news releases, brochures, fact sheets and other material that will be distributed to the public.
Edit’s communication materials written by employees, as well as consultants, and ensures all communications adhere to the organization’s style guide and represent District One’s interests.
Assist in the preparation, production, and dissemination of materials for the district’s employees including the 1st Edition, Communications Newsletter, Banner Submissions, SharePoint Intranet stories and more.
Prepares and presents information for meetings, and coordinates resolution of issues.
Responsible for preparing documents and maps to facilitate the departments action plan meetings, writing, editing designing, and taking photographs, research subjects, conduct interviews, meeting announcements, solicitation of public inputs, and write articles for Central Office Public Information office (PIO) when needed.
Assist the State Public Information Office in providing information for internal reports such as daily media calls, monthly accomplishments and other documents as needed.
Attends and promotes public meetings/hearing, public information and construction workshops, and community awareness meetings.
Assist in disseminating information for local and statewide education/safety programs, including utilizing social media.
Distribute daily news clips used by internal department staff to keep up with activities and issues involving the state roadways.
Responsible for monitoring, writing, and posting safety related and other transportation information on social media platforms.
Assists in the coordination and implementation of special events involving the department such as a roadway designation ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings and special announcements.