Communications & Public Relations Specialist

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 of the department/division. 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 and the general public. 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; provides continuous improvement program updates; provides informational video announcements; provides communications to external stakeholders.

Performs related work as required.

Advanced knowledge of: facilities and programs of the assigned area.

Intermediate knowledge of: the city organization and functions; desktop publishing.

Advanced 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.

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.

Intermediate Skill in: scheduling.

Desirable: knowledge of purchasing procedures.

Mostly sedentary, indoors, 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, 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.

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