Public Info Specialist Senior #2109-207200-01

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.

Beginning October CATS, City of Charlotte will require proof of vaccination as a condition of employment.  The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a such, will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law.

Performs leadership role, professional work in the planning, development and implementation of CATS’ communications program including public relations, media relations, public involvement, social media and internal communications.  Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with the community, CATS customers, CATS employees, elected officials, government agencies, public interest groups, stakeholders and the media.  Ensures all public relations and communication efforts align with and support CATS’ goals and objectives. Coordinates and attends public meetings which are held before, during, and after normal business hours, including weekends.  Participates in monthly on-call rotation schedule, including holidays.

• Serve as a lead public relations advisor to assigned CATS’ division(s) and/or projects; creates communications plan(s); provides guidance on and assistance with implementation of plan(s)
• Counsel management and employees in effective communication with the public, employees and the media; creates messages and strategies that support communication goals
• Supervises other public relations specialists and contractors assigned to the corridor-specific projects engaged in the public and community relation functions.
• Serves as primary backup for Manager of Public & Community Relations
• Serve as an agency spokesperson; provides support to CATS employees in their relationships with the news media; be on call during assigned weekends and holidays for any media calls and bus and/or rail incidents that may occur
• Provide guidance and assistance in disseminating information to the press and the public; respond to media and public inquiries Represent agency at meetings and special events (civic and professional groups, neighborhood associations, etc.) where appropriate
• Prepare and deliver program/project presentations, including speaking points; prepares and presents written and verbal communications for various audiences
• Work with managers and staff to identify stakeholder interests and concerns, anticipate trends and issues, and to provide advice on business decisions; keeps leadership apprised of this information
• Promote and supports stakeholder involvement and public participation in CATS programs and planning
• Participate in crisis/emergency communications, both internal and external
• Measure value and effectiveness of communication activities
• Ensure all public relations and communication efforts (print, web, television, presentations etc.) are aligned with the City of Charlotte’s image, strategies and messages
• Produce or oversee the production of program publications, brochures, newsletters, videos, web pages and other materials as appropriate
• Evaluate communication programs and activities to ensure efforts accomplish goals and objectives
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Knowledge of public relations best practices
• Ability to learn, understand and present complex issues as they relate to CATS’ stakeholders, government agencies and the general public
• Demonstrate leadership
• Accomplish goals using sound judgment and creative problem solving skills
• Superior verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking
• Ability to plan and develop short- and long-term communication strategies and messages
• Demonstrate independent judgment and initiative within established policies and procedures
• Willingness to work successfully as an individual, as a team member and with diverse workgroups
• Ability to set work priorities and meet deadlines; willingness to take on projects with short turnaround times
• Appreciation for detail
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, and general public
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a high level of skill
• High proficiency level of computer skills using Microsoft Word, Outlook, Power Point, and Excel.

 

Candidates must possess a minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in public relations, communications, public involvement or community relations. Supervisory or management experience preferred.

Candidates for this position are required to have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in public relations, communications or related field.

 

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.

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.

You are welcome to visit the City of Charlotte Human Resources Department lobby where we have workstations available. Our office is located at 700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays.

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.

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.

If you have technical issues submitting your application, click here.

Beginning October CATS, City of Charlotte will require proof of vaccination as a condition of employment.  The City is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and a such, will consider reasonable accommodations as required by law.