PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST - CITY MANAGERS OFFICE

A highly responsible public relations, promotions and marketing position involved in creating and implementing a comprehensive and multi-strategy public relations program to effectively communicate, manage, enhance, and create a positive image for the City of Cocoa. Work involves researching, planning, coordinating and supervising all communications related to the City utilizing all means and modes of media.  Work includes gathering, writing, and editing material to be released to newspapers, broadcast media, targeted audiences, and the general public. Work requires coordination of public relations efforts amongst and between City Departments and the exercise of some independent judgment and initiative. As warranted, the position will serve as a spokesperson for the City. Position reports to and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager.  Develops and implements public relations and communication strategies and plans to promote the City’s programs, services and accomplishments. Seeks opportunities to promote the City and increase understanding of major issues affecting the City by residents, the media, business and the general public. Acts as the primary liaison to the media. Coordinates media efforts between City departments.  Serves as spokesperson for the City when appropriate. Build and maintain positive working relationships with media and cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the accomplishments and concerns of the City. Writes or reviews all press releases for the City, letters to the editor and articles for newspapers and City publications and coordinate the dissemination of information to the public. Develops and/or coordinates communication and promotional material with citizens through City and departmental publications, brochures, information packets, reports, newsletters, the media, websites, and social media. Develops and manages the City’s social media presence including Facebook, Twitter, and other related sites. Drafts correspondence, prepared remarks, and presentations for the City Manager and the Mayor and City Council as directed by the City Manager’s Office upon request. Organize, plan and implement public relations and outreach efforts, including public meetings, press conferences and events. Develop and implement resident and business surveys; research and compile data for reports. Facilitate meetings of citizens, neighborhoods, business groups and task forces. Participates in emergency management operations in drafting and/or communicating public advisory messages.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:Candidates must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for position.

Knowledge, ability and skills
Ability to design, create and produce marketing, advertising, and promotional material. Good organization skills. Ability to handle multiple tasks and switch between tasks quickly. Thorough knowledge of principles, practices and techniques of communications, public relations and marketing. Strong ability to communicate effectively and creatively, verbally and in writing, using a variety of formats and methods in a variety of situations, to diverse groups and individuals. Knowledge of and ability to maximize social media. Ability to facilitate public meetings and make public presentations.  Strong problem solving and strategic communication and marketing planning skills. Ability to create and maintain programs that promote a favorable community image of the City. Ability to interact effectively with the media. Ability to work in a variety of settings, independently and on teams and committees. Ability to exercise sound judgment. Ability to conduct research and analysis and to compile and disseminate information through a wide variety of applications. May be required to respond and assist in emergency management operations in the event of a natural or manmade disaster. May be required to attend Council meetings during evening hours, as requested by management, or attend other City functions as needed.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL SKILLS
Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including common office machines such as computers, typewriters, copiers, facsimile machines, etc.