Communications & Public Relations Specialist

This is responsible work in coordinating a comprehensive program to provide education, information and awareness of division 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 by enterprising news stories for press release, press conferences, public presentations, and social media. 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 division. Tact, discretion and courtesy are extremely important in discharging assigned duties. Work involves liaison and coordination with department, division and other city personnel, the general public, and the media. Work is reviewed through conferences, observations, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Responds to requests from the general public; provides facility tours upon request; coordinates staffing from department/division personnel for participation in public events; provides department/division employees to schools, science fairs, etc.; provides responses to questions and complaints from the public concerning departmental/divisional operations and facilities.

Provides educational materials and opportunities on request; maintains library of relevant materials; makes brochures and handouts related to the department/division available for dissemination to interested parties.

Ensures communication plan is executed properly; prepares and distributes department newsletter; Generates, edits, publishes and shares content to all applicable social media outlets provides informational video announcements; provides communications to external stakeholders.

Performs related work as required.

Knowledge of: Effective writing and communication; familiarity with all types of media; facilities and programs of the assigned area; the city organization and functions; desktop publishing; desirable knowledge of purchasing procedures.

Ability to: professionally represent the department/division and the city; exercise independent judgment in determining what, when and how to effect communications; communicate effectively to a wide variety of stakeholders; utilize written and oral communications in an effective manner; deal with the public in an effective manner.

Skills in: organization of communications and public relations materials and programs; use of computers (Access, Word, Excel, PowerPoint); video production; social media content creation; interpersonal relations; effective writing, communication, and summarizing complex materials for publication; scheduling.

May require the ability to lift up to 30 lbs. of equipment. A combination of standing for extended periods and sedentary, as well as working indoors and outdoors. Requires extended use of computer, typing and viewing a monitor.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, advertising, journalism, or a related field and one (1) year of marketing, communications or related experience; OR an equivalent combination of education (not less than possession of a high school diploma/GED), training and experience that would reasonably be expected to provide the job-related competencies noted above.

Possession of a valid drivers license is 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.