City of Tampa

This is responsible work in coordinating a comprehensive program to provide education, information and awareness of portfolio activities to internal and external parties.

An employee in this class, under general supervision, plans, coordinates and implements a comprehensive communications and public relations program to promote a positive image of the department/division and provide informational and educational information to the general public and to employees. Work is of average difficulty and requires the exercise of some initiative and independent judgment in determining what, when and how to communicate to best serve the needs of the intended audience. Tact, discretion and courtesy are extremely important in discharging assigned duties. Work involves  liaison and coordination with department, division and other city personnel and       the general public. Work is reviewed through conferences, observations, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Ensures communication plan is executed properly; prepares and distributes department newsletter; provides continuous improvement program updates; provides informational video announcements; provides communications to external stakeholders.

Reviews all DEO websites for content accuracy and navigation improvements.

Assists in planning, facilitating, and executing public outreach activities including neighborhood and community feedback sessions as needed.

Drafts press materials across mainstream and community-based communication channels.

Initiates press outreach per citywide communications plan/expectations to increase positive messaging on a more routine basis.

Supports and initiates visibility to Economic Opportunity activities e.g., Rome Yard RFP, Opp Zone RFP, other major development opportunities.

Tracks City Council requests and initiatives and provides greater visibility and affirmative positive coverage of progress.

Leads messaging for projects prioritizing the benefit to the public, particularly client interactions with Housing & Community Development and the proposed Workforce Hub. Launches and facilitates a ‘community ambassador’ service to keep surrounding public informed about the project status and plan.

Guides the publication and release of the Economic Advisory Report, including community outreach as needed.

Provides support for all public engagement and outreach as needed.

Performs related work as required.

Advanced knowledge of: writing and communication skills; familiarity of mainstream and community-based media channels .

Intermediate knowledge of: divisions and programs of the DEO portfolio.

Advanced ability to: professionally represent the department/division and the city; exercise independent judgment; communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders.

Intermediate ability to: utilize written and oral communications in an effective manner; deal with the public in an effective manner.

Advanced skill in: organization of communications and public relations materials and programs; use of computers (Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); video production; interpersonal relations; writing and summarizing complex materials for publication.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, advertising, journalism, or a related field and two (2) years related experience.

Possession of a valid drivers license required.

Evaluation of education and experience. Drug testing is included in all pre-employment processing.

Employees may be required to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays and overtime as needed. During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.