Public Information Officer

About the role

The Town of Farragut is seeking applicants for an full time Public Information Officer. The starting rate of pay is $77,148 (min) to $98,850 (mid) annually, salary exempt.

Responsibilities

• Serves as the Town’s primary public information contact and coordinates media relations for all departments.
• Prepares, edits, approves, and distributes official news releases, public service announcements, talking points, notices, feature articles, and other Town communications.
• Advises Town leadership, elected officials, and departments on communication strategies, media relations, crisis communication, public sentiment, and community messaging.
• Provides strategic oversight and coordination of official Town messaging across communication platforms.
• Covers emergency public information processes in partnership with Knox County, emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire/EMS providers, and other governmental partners as needed.
• Manages and supports the Town website, social media accounts, newsletters, publications, and other digital communication tools to ensure accurate, accessible, timely, and consistent information.
• Develops and implements communication plans that promote awareness of Town goals, services, initiatives, events, programs, and activities.
• Coordinates Town-wide branding and assists with the development, implementation, and promotion of the Town of Farragut brand.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates Town-wide publications, including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, reports, flyers, posters, and other public information materials.
• Designs or coordinates graphics, advertisements, presentations, social media content, photography, videography, and promotional materials.
• Serves as the primary writer and copy editor for official Town communication materials.
• Works with staff and elected officials to prepare remarks, proclamations, presentations, reports, and other written materials.
• Coordinates public engagement messaging and attends public meetings, workshops, civic meetings, and community events as needed.
• Responds to public inquiries, requests, and complaints and works with departments to resolve or route issues appropriately.
• Coordinates event photography, videography, and photo archiving.
• Coordinates work performed by consultants, vendors, or other partners on marketing, branding, website, or communication projects.
• Assists with budget preparation, purchasing, and financial reporting for communication-related programs and projects.
• Performs other duties and coordinates special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, business administration, public administration, or a related field and at least five years of increasingly responsible experience in public affairs, public information, communications, media relations, marketing, or public relations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Experience in local government communications, website management, social media management, crisis communications, public engagement, or media relations is preferred.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public relations, public information, media relations, mass communications, marketing, branding, journalism practices, and writing/editing techniques.
• Thorough knowledge of communication planning, public engagement, social media, website content management, accessibility, and digital communication tools.
• General knowledge of municipal government operations, public records considerations, state and local laws, government protocol, and Town programs, policies, and organizational structure.
• Working knowledge of emergency management principles, Incident Command System concepts, Emergency Operations Center functions, and crisis communication best practices.
• Ability to plan, develop, and conduct effective public information programs; prepare clear, accurate, and credible written narratives about Town issues; communicate effectively orally and in writing; exercise sound independent judgment under time-sensitive deadlines; gather, compile, analyze, edit, and interpret information; maintain confidentiality and professional discretion; build effective relationships with staff, elected officials, media, community groups, partner agencies, and the public; manage multiple priorities; supervise and delegate work; and respond calmly and professionally during sensitive, urgent, or high-visibility situations.
• Skills in word processing, desktop publishing, graphic design, website management, social media platforms, photography, videography, presentation software, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, public meetings, community events, media needs, and emergency or weather-related communication needs as assigned.
• Valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee.
• Incident Command System, public information, crisis communication, or related emergency management training is preferred and may be required after hire.

Benefits

• 88% Town paid health coverage for employee and up to family plan, including a wellness program and multiple EAP plans.
• 100% Town paid Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and LTD.
• Optional STD, FSA, Additional Life for family, Hospital Insurance, Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance.
• 401k Retirement plan that includes a 6% Town contribution (no match required) and a matching program upon hire.
• Paid Time Off (Paid Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave).
• Park and Recreation Discounts.