Public Information Coordinator

Odessa, Texas; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Odessa seeks a Director of Communications to plan, coordinate, and direct public information, marketing, and branding efforts, with emphasis on Public Safety including Odessa Police and Odessa Fire Rescue.

This role oversees internal and external communications, responses to public information requests, media relations, and the City newsletter, and requires on-call availability.

Qualifications

• Associate degree and five years in journalism, communications, and public relations; public sector experience preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience considered.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Communications in developing a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program.
• Manage internal and external communications, overseeing media relations, publications, and client acquisition efforts.
• Coordinate responses to media requests and develop a strategic approach based on local market needs.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Budgeting

Video production

Public information

Open records / Open meetings

Education

Associate Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Video editing software

Web content management

Job description

Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Communications, this role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and directing the City of Odessa's communications, public information, marketing, and branding efforts, with a particular focus on Public Safety, including Odessa Police and Odessa Fire Rescue. The position involves collaborating with City departments and officials to develop and distribute accurate, timely, and accessible public information about City services. Additionally, the role oversees the coordination of responses to public information requests and promotes public awareness of City programs. This position also manages the City's internal and external communications. Please note that this is not a typical 8-to-5 job, and the position requires being on call most of the time.

Essential Functions

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assist the Director of Communications in developing and executing a comprehensive marketing, communications, and public relations program to enhance the City's image and reputation.


• Manage internal and external communications, overseeing marketing materials, media relations, publications, and supporting client acquisition efforts.


• Ensures the City's desired image and position, particularly for police officers and firefighters, is effectively communicated internally and externally. Maintain consistency in messaging across the organization and with all stakeholders.


• Develop novel approaches, methods, and designs to promote the City's image positively.


• Responsible for editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all organization publications.


• Coordinates media interest in the Organization and ensures regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.


• Collaborate with management and staff to develop and maintain a strategic approach based on local market needs and constituent satisfaction.


• Support organizational direction, programs, services, and decision-making to ensure the City's overall health and vitality.


• Responsible for achieving marketing /communications/public relations mission, goals, and financial objectives. Ensure that evaluation systems relate to these goals and objectives and report progress to the City Manager's Office.


• Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate the City newsletter.


• Works with City staff and officials to develop and coordinate responses to media requests.


• Serves as City Spokesperson to provide public information and promote public awareness of City programs and events; serves as Emergency Public Information Coordinator during local emergency events.


• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.


• Supports departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.


• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.


• Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Minimum Qualifications:

Associate Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field; AND five years' increasingly responsible experience in journalism, communications, and public relations required; public sector experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

Knowledge In:

• State and federal rules and regulations covering municipal government, including open records, elections, open meetings, and Texas Public Information Act.


• Principles, techniques, and objectives of marketing, public information, mass communications, media relations, and community relations programs.


• Developing and managing budgets.


• Professional journalistic methods, including research, presentation, and publication.


• Current legislative, political, and economic trends in state and federal government programs.


• Methods, techniques, and equipment used in the production of video projects.


• Local community resources, and state and regional community services programs.


• Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for municipal government employees.

Skill In:

• Coordinate public information programs, projects, and operations and develop community relations and communications programs from concept to completion.


• Analyze information from various sources and develop effective action plans.


• Maintaining composure and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities.


• Proficient in writing press releases, delivering presentations, and negotiating with media outlets.


• Shooting and Editing of Videos


• Website updates


• Prepare and present information to diverse audiences, including public speaking engagements.


• Interpreting and explaining federal and state rules, regulations, and City policies and procedures.


• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with media representatives, City employees, public officials, and representatives from other regional agencies.


• Operating a personal computer utilizing various business and specialized presentation software.


• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Ability To:

• Manage multiple projects at a time.


• Apply abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues. Requires multiple periods of intense concentration.


• Work well under pressure.


• Coach and educate others.


• Lead with strategic thinking and initiative.


• Have a sophisticated executive presence and ability to influence and negotiate at all levels.

License and certification requirements:

A valid Driver's License is required. FEMA certification(s) and an Attorney General Certification in Public Information are required within six months of employment. Certification for access to National/Texas Crime Information Centers (NCIC/TCIC), and Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (TLETS) are required within one year of hire.

Physical demands and working environments:

Work is performed in a standard office environment.