Public Information Specialist #2306-207210-01

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.

The Public Information Specialist is responsible for communicating information on services and programs to the media and general public and coordinating, attending and hosting neighborhood meetings on related issues. 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. This position will report to the Public & Community Relations Manager.

• Performs advanced, professional work in development and implementation of public information programs.
• Works with media market to respond to inquiries, coordinate interviews, and generate earned media.
• Serves as 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 inquiries while maintaining log.
• Plans all aspects of public meetings including but not limited to reserving the venue and organizing all needed materials.
• Coordinates public meeting communications materials including press releases, handouts, and stakeholder communications.
• Works with City of Charlotte's Communications Division, Charlotte Communications & Marketing (CC&M) and other city departments.
• Generates 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.
• As part of your responsibility to support the CATS Safety Culture, report safety concerns and issues through the various methods established by CATS as outlined in the ASP. 

• 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.
• Ability to carry at least 20 lbs. 

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

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.

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.