Public Relations and Media Specialist

Responsibilities

• Serve as the City’s primary media relations contact; manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, draft and distribute press materials, and proactively pitch stories to local, regional, statewide, national, and industry outlets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media partners; serve as City spokesperson for media contacts; conduct television, radio, and print/digital interviews; write and issue press releases and media advisories; respond promptly to media requests for information; coordinate the handling of high-profile or sensitive projects. Set up media interviews with appropriate City staff and subject-matter experts and proactively tell the Loveland story through the media.
• Respond to breaking news and critical incidents—both on scene and remotely—by providing timely, accurate information to the media and public; maintain 24/7 on‑call readiness.
• Lead emergency communication as the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO), including planning, activation, and management of communication resources during emergencies such as floods, fires, utility disruptions, and public health incidents.
• Collaborate with the Office of Emergency Management to develop and implement public information strategies under the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Develop and maintain emergency communication plans, templates, and processes to ensure coordinated, accurate, and accessible messaging across all channels during incidents.
• Support crisis and issues management by identifying emerging risks, advising leadership, and escalating sensitive matters to the Director of Communication & Engagement
• Write and issue press releases and media advisories; coordinate high‑profile or sensitive communications projects; connect media with appropriate City staff and subject‑matter experts.
• Drive Citywide storytelling and messaging that highlight programs, services, and community impact; ensure brand consistency and compliance with ADA/WCAG accessibility standards.
• Demonstrate strong news judgment and integrate traditional and digital media tactics to protect and strengthen the City’s reputation.

Requirements

• Required: 4 Year/Bachelors Degree: Communications, public relations, journalism, emergency management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for stated requirements.
• 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.
• 6 years strong knowledge of media practices, crisis communication principles, and communication technologies/analytics.
• FEMA PIO training/certification; NIMS/ICS familiarity (e.g., ICS‑100/200, IS‑700/800) preferred.
• Driver's License required

Preferred

• Public sector or municipal experience.
• If not held at the time of hire, the incumbent will be required to complete public safety public information and Incident Command System training within the first year of employment, including but not limited to FEMA IS/G-290 series, NIMS public information coursework, CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC), and FBI-LEEDA Media & Public Relations, as directed by the Communication Director.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills; experience communicating with diverse communities, including those with limited English proficiency.
• Experience developing training curricula, guides, and toolkits for media and emergency communications.

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