DeKalb County
Public Relations Specialist, Senior (Media)
Salary Range: $52,815-$81,862
Purpose of Classification:
The purpose of this classification is to perform public relations work to promote the mission and programs in an assigned department. Responsibilities include developing and producing content in a variety of media formats and coordinating community outreach events.
Essential Functions:
The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.
Leads and coordinates daily work activities of supervised staff; organizes, prioritizes, and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress and inspects completed work; assists with complex/problem situations and provides professional expertise; trains and instructs staff; and assists with or completes employee performance appraisals.
Develops and implements in coordination with department administrators a comprehensive communications plan to support the mission and objectives of the department/division; develops communications strategies; reviews internal and external communications to ensure consistent messaging; creates and implements in coordination with department administrators branding initiatives; manages online presence in coordination with webmaster and technical staff; and generates public relations campaigns to support special projects, service changes, and new initiatives within the department.
Creates print and online content to publicize and promote department programs, facilities, events, or objectives; researches and verifies information; produces and publishes newsletters, calendars, brochures, and flyers; monitors and creates content for social media and department website; takes photographs for use in content; and writes or edits official department announcements, e-mail blasts, press releases, letters, and posts.
May plan, organize, and staff community outreach programs and events; arranges and conducts special events, contests, ribbon cuttings, facility tours, educational programs, and activities specific to assigned department; secures locations, dates, and sponsorship needed; prepares activities and materials; recruits and supervises event volunteers; and coordinates set-up, staffing, and implementation of program/event plans. Represents department as a spokesperson; serves as a liaison to the news media, other departments, and other external groups; and may arrange and produce short television segments for DeKalb County TV.
Facilitates community outreach; maintains relationships with community partners; attends community events, expos, or meetings on behalf of the department; responds to inquires from citizen groups or the public; and serves on internal and external committees related to department objectives.
Prepares and monitors public relations budget; prepares cost estimates; develops annual budget requests; and reviews and approves expenditures.
Coordinates production of promotional materials with outside vendors; obtains bids; selects vendors; and reviews and approves proofs.
Provides data reporting related to department programs and activities as needed for public relations and promotional materials; compiles data related to program participation, costs, and community feedback; conducts surveys to collect community input; tracks inquiries; and prepares reports.
Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated time frames and per established procedures; receives and reviews various documentation, reports, meeting minutes, and rough drafts of media content; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including written and visual content, press releases, brochures, posters, flyers, newsletters, and calendars; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hard copy records.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field required; three years of experience in public relations, communications, journalism, community outreach, or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.