Public Relations and Media Specialist

City of Loveland•Loveland, CO

11d•$104,737 - $146,632•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Relations and Media Specialist serves as the City’s lead media relations and public information professional, managing strategic communications, proactive storytelling, and emergency response messaging for City departments excluding the Loveland Police Department. Act as the primary media contact and City spokesperson, coordinating with departments to respond to inquiries and elevate positive stories across all media levels. Lead citywide emergency communications as the Public Information Officer (PIO), directing communication resources during incidents and ensuring timely, accurate public information. Support City leadership in crisis communication, issues management, and sensitive messaging. Produce clear, compelling written materials—including press releases, talking points, scripts, and council communications—and provide media training and resources to strengthen organizational readiness. This role requires strong judgment, political awareness, and the ability to represent the City with professionalism. The PIO must be available outside standard business hours and remain on call to respond to emerging incidents.

Requirements

6 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public information, crisis/emergency communication, or related fields.
6 years of demonstrated experience serving as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for complex incidents or multi‑agency responses.
6 years strong knowledge of media practices, crisis communication principles, and communication technologies/analytics.
Driver's License required
Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear public messaging.
Strong knowledge of media relations, public information practices, and crisis communication strategies.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, media representatives, partner agencies, and community members.
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast paced environment and work under pressure during emergencies or high‑profile‑ events.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to others.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
Knowledge of media monitoring tools, analytics, and communication technologies.
Ability to provide objective feedback and counsel on communication strategy.

Nice To Haves

Public sector or municipal experience.
If not held at the time of hire, the incumbent will be required to complete public safety public information and Incident Command System training within the first year of employment, including but not limited to FEMA IS/G-290 series, NIMS public information coursework, CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC), and FBI-LEEDA Media & Public Relations, as directed by the Communication Director.
Bilingual or multilingual skills; experience communicating with diverse communities, including those with limited English proficiency.
Experience developing training curricula, guides, and toolkits for media and emergency communications.
FEMA PIO training/certification; NIMS/ICS familiarity (e.g., ICS‑100/200, IS‑700/800) preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the City’s primary media relations contact; manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, draft and distribute press materials, and proactively pitch stories to local, regional, statewide, national, and industry outlets.
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media partners; serve as City spokesperson for media contacts; conduct television, radio, and print/digital interviews; write and issue press releases and media advisories; respond promptly to media requests for information; coordinate the handling of high-profile or sensitive projects. Set up media interviews with appropriate City staff and subject-matter experts and proactively tell the Loveland story through the media.
Respond to breaking news and critical incidents—both on scene and remotely—by providing timely, accurate information to the media and public; maintain 24/7 on‑call readiness.
Lead emergency communication as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO), including planning, activation, and management of communication resources during emergencies such as floods, fires, utility disruptions, and public health incidents.
Collaborate with the Office of Emergency Management to develop and implement public information strategies under the Incident Command System (ICS).
Develop and maintain emergency communication plans, templates, and processes to ensure coordinated, accurate, and accessible messaging across all channels during incidents.
Support crisis and issues management by identifying emerging risks, advising leadership, and escalating sensitive matters to the Director of Communication & Engagement.
Write and issue press releases and media advisories; coordinate high‑profile or sensitive communications projects; connect media with appropriate City staff and subject‑matter experts.
Drive Citywide storytelling and messaging that highlight programs, services, and community impact; ensure brand consistency and compliance with ADA/WCAG accessibility standards.
Demonstrate strong news judgment and integrate traditional and digital media tactics to protect and strengthen the City’s reputation.
Monitor local and regional news coverage and public sentiment; analyze trends and provide recommendations to Communications leadership, the City Manager’s Office, and department leaders.
Monitor communication performance and media outcomes; prepare reports and recommend strategies for improvement.
Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of Citywide communication plans, including identifying target audiences and coordinated dissemination strategies.
Provide media relations and emergency communication training for City leadership and staff; develop practical resources, guides, and toolkits to strengthen organizational readiness.
Serve as the main communicator supporting select client partners across the City.
Respond to public requests for information to support transparency, trust, and positive community relations.
Remain knowledgeable about City programs, services, issues, and events; represent the Communication & Engagement Department at community meetings and events.
Coordinate with City departments and partner agencies to ensure consistent, accurate, aligned messaging; maintain confidentiality with sensitive information.
Post timely and accurate updates on social media and other platforms during breaking news and community developments; engage professionally with the public online.
Regularly attend City Council meetings and retreats and respond to requests from media on-site; assist with post-meeting communication as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
Discounted Chilson Center passes
Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
Flexible spending including Dependent Care
Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
Voluntary 529 College Invest program
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Referral Program
Personal and Professional Development opportunities
Employee Recognition Program
Exceptional work-life balance
Market based pay & regular performance reviews
Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program