Responsibilities

• Provides information to the public regarding City government: promotes City/departmental programs, projects and facilities; keeps the public informed about City/departmental operations, programs, services, activities, and issues; responds to inquiries or comments from the public, answers general questions, resolves problems/complaints, or refers questions to appropriate individual/department; and provides/publishes agendas, notices, and other information in compliance with Open Records and Open Meetings requirements and legislation.
• Coordinates media relations activities for the City: assists with press conferences, answers media inquiries and provides information to members of the media; determines timeliness and appropriateness of information to be released; writes press releases, compiles press packets, and distributes information to the media; reviews and approves press releases and all communications written by city departments; and maintains positive working relationships with members of the regional media force.
• Coordinates and participates in the development, research, writing, editing, design, production, and publication of various reports and communications materials, including articles, reports, brochures, newsletters, video scripts and other publications; posts to all City of Roswell social media accounts; conducts graphic design and production of various publications; coordinates printing projects to ensure compliance with established specifications, policies, and procedures; designs, prepares, and delivers presentations; reviews and approves internal and external communications produced by other departments.
• Assists in the development and implementation of policies and procedures pertaining to city communications and compliance with legislation governing public information, records, and meetings.
• Assists with development and maintenance of information for publication on the City’s web sites, Intranet, government access channel, information channels, and other media.
• Assists in the coordination of social media management and online communications.
• Assists in internal communications, public outreach, and special event planning.
• Assists in the coordination of media relations in emergency response situations: assists in responding to media on all crises requiring a public information response.
• Monitors local, state, and national newspapers, television/radio broadcasts, and other sources for information pertinent to City government operations/activities: identifies news/information with potential impact on the City or the assigned department; advises City management of news articles/issues of potential media interest; and studies local news to gauge public interests and reactions to city related concerns.
• Coordinates projects and activities with other departments, outside agencies, or others as needed: encourages contribution of information and participation from other departments; monitors and assists with development of interdepartmental communications.

Requirements

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or closely related field; supplemented by three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes public/media relations, social media communications, electronic communications, marketing, graphic design and desktop publishing, and personal computer operations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
• Three (3) years previous experience and/or training that includes public/media relations, social media communications, electronic communications, marketing, graphic design and desktop publishing, and personal computer operations
• Licenses or Certifications: Additional certifications may be required based on assignment.
• Special Requirements: None
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
• - Knowledge of communications and journalism principles and practices.
• - Knowledge of various media and their effectiveness in communicating to the public.
• - Knowledge of graphic design elements, printing processes, and layout/production techniques.
• - Knowledge of and proficiency in computer applications, such as desktop publishing, graphics design, presentations, and the Internet.
• - Ability to write, develop, prepare, and edit effective communication and promotional materials; and must be able to develop and deliver effective public presentations.