Public Information Officer

About the role

The Town of Farragut seeks a full-time Public Information Officer to join our team. The position serves as the primary public information and media contact, coordinating media relations and providing strategic communication support.

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
• Advise Town leadership, elected officials, and departments on communication strategies, media relations, crisis communication, public sentiment, and community messaging
• Oversee and coordinate official Town messaging across communication platforms
• Coordinate communication for high-interest Town projects, public issues, policy changes, service updates, weather events, facility impacts, and other sensitive matters
• Manage and support the Town website, social media accounts, newsletters, publications, and other digital communication tools
• Develop and implement communication plans that promote awareness of Town goals, services, initiatives, events, programs, and activities
• Develop and implement public engagement messaging and attend public meetings, workshops, civic meetings, and community events
• Respond to public inquiries, requests, and complaints and work with departments to resolve or route issues appropriately
• Coordinate event photography, videography, and photo archiving
• Work with staff and elected officials to prepare remarks, proclamations, presentations, reports, and other written materials
• Aid in budget preparation, purchasing, and financial reporting for communication-related programs and projects

Requirements

• 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
• Thorough knowledge of public relations, public information, media relations, mass communications, marketing, branding, journalism practices, and writing/editing techniques
• General knowledge of municipal government operations, public records considerations, state and local laws, government protocol, and Town programs, policies, and organizational structure
• 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

Qualifications

• 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

• Word processing, desktop publishing, graphic design, website management, social media platforms, photography, videography, presentation software, and standard office equipment
• Developing messages that are accurate, understandable, accessible, and appropriate for diverse audiences

Benefits

The Town offers a competitive benefit package that includes:

• 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