Public Relations and Media Specialist

The Public Relations and Media Specialist serves as the City's lead media relations and public information professional, managing strategic communications, proactive storytelling, and emergency response messaging for City departments. The role requires strong judgment, political awareness, and the ability to represent the City with professionalism.

What You Will Do

The primary responsibilities include serving as the City's primary media relations contact, managing media inquiries, coordinating interviews, drafting and distributing press materials, and proactively pitching stories to local, regional, statewide, national, and industry outlets. The role also involves responding to breaking news and critical incidents, leading emergency communication as the City's Public Information Officer (PIO), and developing and maintaining emergency communication plans.

Why It Might Be a Fit

The ideal candidate will have 6 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public information, crisis/emergency communication, or related fields, and strong knowledge of media practices, crisis communication principles, and communication technologies/analytics.

Requirements

• 4 Year/Bachelors Degree: Communications, public relations, journalism, emergency management, or a related field
• 6 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public information, crisis/emergency communication, or related fields
• 6 years of demonstrated experience serving as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for complex incidents or multi-agency responses
• Strong knowledge of media practices, crisis communication principles, and communication technologies/analytics

Benefits

• Two (2) Medical plans
• Dental
• Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
• Discounted Chilson Center passes
• Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Recognition Program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program