Brunswick Regional Water & Sewer H2GO Public Information Officer
Job Description
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 position. Other duties may be required, assigned, and expected commensurate with the administrative needs of the District.
General Purpose
The principal function of an employee in this class is to provide the District’s governing board and all staff with communications and internal and external marketing support. This position also oversees District branding and messaging; provides counsel to the Board of Commissioners, Executive Director and department heads; manages District relationships with the media and ensures quality and accurate dissemination of information. In addition, this position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the District’s communications initiatives.
Essential Duties:
Essential Duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned.
Acts as District’s official spokesperson with the media.
Proactive media and community relations, through the writing, reviewing and editing of news releases, newsletters, emails, articles, postings, publications and scripts.
Facilitates news conferences and prepare all necessary materials as needed.
Develops, implements, and maintains an effective public information program and coordinate public relations activities for District Commissioners and District staff.
Assists and counsels elected officials and staff concerning public relations aspects of policies, practices, procedures, programs, and actions.
Proactively promotes District accomplishments and activities.
Be available 24/7 for emergency incidents and also in non-traditional work hours for presence at various special events and meetings.
Develops and executes communication plans for various District campaigns, both internally and externally.
Researches attitudes, opinions, and perceptions of selected internal and external groups and report that information to elected officials and staff by collecting ad managing constituent concerns via surveys, web applications and focus groups.
Provides and coordinates media training to management and employees as requested or needed.
Facilitates broadcast and telephone interviews with the media as well as responses to email inquiries.
Manages District use of third-party communication websites and social media sites.
Policy and procedure creation including, but not limited to, communications, sponsorship and crisis communications policy.
Development of public relations strategies centered on key legislative issues.
Builds and fosters long-term working relationships with various publics of importance including media, citizens, school districts, community organizations, other municipal, County, regional and state public information offices, and other associations the District deems important to the success of its mission.
Speech writing and District position statement creation.
Development and maintenance of a strategic communications plan to support the District’s mission and goals.
Marketing
Prepare and review brochures, pamphlets, fliers and other marketing pieces for various departments; work includes writing, editing, coordinating development of copy and data, proofreading, coordinating images, and printing proof approvals.
Research, write, and participate in the development of and approval of content for various multimedia productions (e.g. PSA, video projects, slide shows, internet, Website, etc.).
Ensure consistency with the District brand and oversee protection of the organization’s service identity.
Plan, execute and evaluate the District’s marketing plan on an annual basis.
Special Events
Oversee coordination of special events and special media events including news briefings, press tours, and formal events including serving as emcee.
Creation of communication strategies for various events that the District participates in or sponsors.
District Standards
Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with District policies and procedures.
Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, and mass communications or related field; recent experience in responsible public relations positions. Previous related public sector experience required. Some supervisory experience. Active in public information organizations. Valid North Carolina driver's license.
Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of District management.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Current principles, techniques and objectives of public information, communication and public relations programs
Board of Commissioners – Executive Director form of government and the role of communication in support of Commissioners and Director priorities
Media tactics, including interview techniques and preparation
Professional applications of research and writing skills
Skills required:
Effective verbal and written communications skills
Strategic Thinking
Resource Management
Managing Change
Decisiveness
Interpersonal Skills
Operation of standard office equipment and a personal computer and software applications for work processing, graphic presentations, spreadsheets, databases, information retrieval and research, and other job-related software
Constructive communication; collaboration on ideas to determine best options,
Mastery of English grammar, spelling and punctuation
Ability to:
Maintain quality results of your own work and the work of others through proofreading, cross checking data and accurate communication
Develop creative ideas in relation to public information projects
Manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines
Work independently and accurately with minimal supervision on a continual basis
Develop and apply programs, policies and functions
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other District employees, media representatives, the public, and other interested and affected parties
Performance Aptitudes
Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort including but not limited to, lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling, etc. of objects and materials of light weight (generally 25 pounds or less). Tasks may involve extended periods of time in seated position and at a keyboard or workstation.
Project Management: Tasks require the ability to schedule, coordinate, and manage various projects of varying degrees of difficulty, size and complexity.
Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials: Tasks require the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials, commensurate with duties of the position.
Social and Interpersonal Communication Skills: Position requires professional social and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to function in a major organizational unit requiring significant internal and external interaction.
Reasoning: Position requires functional reasoning skills enabling the analysis of major problems that necessitate complex planning for interrelated activities that can span one or several work units. Position requires situational reasoning skills allowing for the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and innovation in situations involving broader aspects of the organization.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position. This job description is subject to change as the needs and requirements of the job change
Please mail resume and salary requirements to Brunswick Regional Water & Sewer H2GO, PO Box 2230, Leland, NC 28451, Attn: Teresa Long, Clerk to the Board; or email to bwalker@H2GOonline.com. Deadline: June 15, 2015. However, the District will continue to accept applications and resumes until position is filled. Applications received will be treated as confidential.