Public Relations Specialist - Communications & Marketing

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Summary
Works to create and maintain a positive image for the City of Temple by communicating programs, accomplishments, and points of view to the public and media. Duties involve responding to media inquiries and public information requests. At times the position will assist, as needed, with police and fire department on-call scenarios.  Available as part of a 24/7 PR Team rotation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assists the Communications & Public Relations Division Director in all communications efforts to enhance the City's image and deliver key City messages
• Works collaboratively with the City departments, while supporting them in their media relations and communication/PR efforts
• Serves as a backup public information officer, if needed
• Assists with a variety of projects and events
• Follows the city policies, procedures, and safety guidelines
• Performs other duties as assigned

Media Relations

• Responsible for assisting in preparing, drafting, and disseminating media releases for the city
• Maintains regular media contacts, keeps them proactively informed of issues and events of importance to public safety and citizens
• Responds to inquiries and requests from internal and external customers within 24 hours and effectively presents information  
• Identifies, researches, and communicates proactively with the media to help tell unique stories about the city departments
• Acts as a spokesperson during media interviews, presentations, and public speaking engagements
• Tracks city media coverage and collection of news clips, as well as assisting with performance metrics/KPI reporting publications
• Assists the Communications & Public Relations Division Director in researching, preparing, writing, editing and disseminating external communications materials for the city departments, to include annual reports, brochures, fact sheets, press kits, and other forms of written communication
• Develops and writes content for the monthly city newsletter, the city’s online newsroom, website, and the City Council Wrap-Up Newsletter

Web, Social Media and Multimedia

• Assists with developing and writing content for letstalktemple.com, staysafetemple.com and other communication materials
• Maintains and updates City newsrooms section of the website on a consistent basis with fresh stories and information, including visuals
• Coordinates with the marketing team on social media strategies, campaigns, and public events to engage City residents 
• Assist with the coordination of social media programming
• Assists with content development & programming for the City's Government Access Channel, through video projects and photography

Marketing

• Designs social media graphics and other promotional materials, as needed
• Provides marketing counsel and support to City departments in the promotion for special events, campaigns, services, and programs
• Researches marketing & communications awards opportunities for City departments

Professional Development

• Participates in professional organizations and marketing information groups to advance knowledge and network with other industry professionals.
• Remains current with industry trends and technology by attending trainings, conferences, and webinars

Minimum Qualification

• Combination of education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Mass Communication, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Advertising, Mass Communication or related field
• One (1) year related experience; experience in content creation, marketing, digital photography, videography, website design, social media platforms 
• Graphic design experience
• Demonstrated use of Adobe Creative Suite
• Municipal Government experience
• Photography & Videography experience