Communications Administrator

About the role

The purpose of this position is to serve as the City’s official spokesperson for the City’s external communications, under the direction of the City Manager or designee. Employees in this classification are responsible for supporting the City’s strategic goals by creating, reviewing, and managing external communications, responding to media requests, and coordinating emergency communications by partnering with the City’s Emergency Response Departments (i.e., Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works Department).

Responsibilities

• Serves as the main point of contact for news media in both emergency and non-emergency situations, except for police and fire activities.
• Maintains contact with the media; coordinates interviews with the City officials; supports Emergency Management Personnel in maintaining an effective crisis communications plan; coordinates news coverage at incidents and other agency events.
• Develops, implements procedures for, and responds to media and general public requests for information, including responses to media outlets, citizen requests and other inquiries; manages the City’s newsletter and other formal communication avenues.
• Ensures that external facing media is continuously updated with City events and City Manager approved content.
• Works with administration and various departments to prepare public statements, press releases, photos and supporting data for the news media; works collaboratively with departments to identify, develop, and approve published content to ensure singular branding.
• Serves as the liaison to various agencies to help promote the city and its community stakeholders.
• Writes, shoots, produces, edits, and strategizes City videos for re-broadcast on the City’s local station, social media and City website.
• Supports the Emergency Manager during crisis and emergency situations.
• Identifies potential negative or crisis situation and advises City administration of methods for mitigating issues.
• Adapts to daily priorities as needed by the City; ensures responsive communications thru variety of channels that are adapted to evolving needs.
• Responds to media requests for interviews; arranges and coordinates news conferences; conducts inter-agency interviews in compiling information.
• Researches, assembles, edits, and presents news materials through written media and oral communications.
• Compiles Department records/information requested under Public Documents Law, Chapter 119.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution, in journalism, marketing, communications, public administration, or closely related field;
• Four (4) years of experience with progressive communications and/or public relations responsibility preferably within a governmental or public sector organization;
• Two (2) years of experience leading and managing a team, including scheduling meetings, assigning tasks, and providing regular reports;
• Two (2) years of experience implementing communication strategies and addressing and resolving issues related to press releases, media requests, and public updates;
• Valid State of Florida Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of experience with crisis communications management;
• Experience with video production and editing;
• Experience with social media management;
• Experience with public speaking and presenting.

Qualifications

Essential Functions:

• Knowledge of public relations and communications principles and practices;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects;
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends;
• Ability to travel as needed.

Skills

Skills Required:

• Strong writing and editing skills;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and projects;
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends;
• Ability to travel as needed.

Benefits

Not specified.

Pay

Not specified.

Schedule

Not specified.