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Public Information Specialist #2103-207210-02

Public & Community Relations Specialist

Date Opened
Wednesday, September 29, 2021 8:00 AM
Close Date
Friday, October 22, 2021 11:59 PM
Section
Charlotte Area Transit
Salary
  • Grade 4, commensurate with experience

Overview

The City of Charlotte is the largest municipality in North Carolina and the 17th largest city in the United States, with a total population of more than 872,498 citizens. A major commerce center, Charlotte hosts several of the nation’s largest banks and technology companies.

Also known as the Queen City, Charlotte is home to the Carolina Panthers, the Charlotte Hornets and the NASCAR Hall of Fame. We work hard to ensure that the community will be a winning city for everyone – a truly remarkable place to live, work, learn and play. Join us in helping to keep our City thriving, ensuring upward mobility and advancement in the workplace.

Summary

Responsible for communicating information on services and programs to the media and general public; coordinating, attending and hosting neighborhood meetings on related issues; and departmental coordinator for communications. Work is performed under general supervision with performance being evaluated on the basis of work products and effective results. Considerable independent judgement and initiative is exercised within established policies and procedures. Work may require supervisory responsibilities and extensive public contact.
Reports to the Public & Community Relations Manager.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

  • Performs advanced, professional work in development and implementation of public information programs.
  • Work with media market to respond to inquiries, coordinate interviews, and generate earned media.
  • Communications project manager for designated 2030 Transit Corridor System Plan projects. Work closely with various CATS divisions to effectively communicate all aspects of transit projects to the public.
  • Works with colleagues on the Public Relations team in developing public relations strategies and plans.
  • Develops written information materials such as brochures, quarterly reports, newsletters, talking points, speeches, council communications, press releases, feature articles, op-eds, etc.
  • Tracks and responds to citizen inquires while maintaining log.
  • Plans all aspects of public meetings from reserving the venue to organizing all needed materials.  
  • Coordinates public meeting communications materials including press releases, handouts, and stakeholder communications.
  • Work with City of Charlotte's Communications Division, Charlotte Communications & Marketing (CC&M) and other city departments.
  • Generate media reports for select PR campaigns.
  • Work closely with CATS Social Media Specialist on all projects, initiatives and efforts.
  • Will assist with other department projects and activities.
  • Will serve on the On-Call CATS Media Line rotation on a weekly and weekend rotation.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Ability to prepare finished product news releases, brochures, or other information sources for dissemination to representatives of the media and general public.
  • Thorough knowledge of business English, spelling and punctuation.
  • Ability to work as a team member and with diverse workgroup.
  • Ability to set work priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a high level of skill.
  • Excellent computer skills including using Microsoft Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to research and prepare special reports.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, and general public.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to carry at least 20 lbs.
  • Walking 
  • Sitting
  • Bending
  • Twisting
  • Reaching
  • Kneeling
Sensory Requirements:
  • Speech
  • Touch
  • Hearing
  • Vision(near, distance and peripheral)

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in English, Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications or related filed.

Salary

Starting at $52,526.00

Conditions of Employment

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

As of October 1, 2021:

The City of Charlotte requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination as a condition of employment for any new City of Charlotte employees.  

The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such, will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law.

How To Apply

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

Benefits

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

Click here to learn more about the City of Charlotte’s benefits.

The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

In Conclusion

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