Public Information Coordinator

Village of Tinley Park; Tinley Park (IL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Village of Tinley Park is seeking a Public Information Coordinator to plan, develop, and execute internal and external communication initiatives aimed at promoting the Village’s positive image. This role collaborates with multiple departments to ensure consistent, clear messaging across newsletters, websites, social media, and events.

Responsibilities include gathering information, writing for various platforms, and coordinating media relations and production of print, video, and digital

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in journalism, community/public relations, or public information.
• Experience writing for various platforms is required.
• Municipal experience and media relations experience are highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Gather facts from Village departments and boards and write news and feature copy for newsletters, press releases, websites, speeches, and scripts.
• Coordinate outreach to the community through print publications, websites, social media, videos, and other media to ensure a consistent voice.
• Develop design concepts and production solutions for communications (flyers, announcements) based on marketing strategies.
• Maintain advanced design skills and knowledge of current design/production techniques.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with local media; respond to inquiries as needed and escort reporters/photographers.
• Attend Village events and capture photos/videos using village equipment; update village video programming as needed.

Skills

Journalism

Public relations

Media relations

Copywriting

Social media management

Graphic design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Public Relations, or related field

Tools

Graphic design software

Photo/video editing software

Job description

The Village of Tinley Park is a vibrant, progressive community located in the fast-growing Interstate 80 corridor in southwest suburban Chicago. As the 14th-largest city in Metropolitan Chicago boasting a residential population of 56,000 residents and nearly 1,000 businesses, this exceptional community possesses everything from a fun and lively Downtown district to flourishing residential neighborhoods to thriving corporate, commercial and entertainment centers, all tied together under Tinley Park’s Life Amplified brand.

The Village of Tinley Park seeks highly qualified individual to fill an Public Information Coordinator position plan, develop, and execute internal and external communication initiatives, and works to promote and enhance the positive image of the Village with the community and its various constituents. This position also collaborates closely with multiple Village departments to ensure messaging is consistent, clear, and aligned with the goals of the Village while coordinating outreach to the community through the Village’s print publications, websites, social media platforms, videos, and other specialized forms of media.

The Public Information Coordinator will be responsible for gathering facts and information from Village departments, Village Board, commissions, Village staff, etc., and write news and feature copy for distribution through electronic newsletters, press releases, websites, speeches, scripts, printed publications, social media, brochures, event programs, crisis communications, and other appropriate media to ensure a consistent voice across multiple platforms. Collaborate with Village departments to provide conceptual design and production solutions for communications (ie. flyers, announcements, etc) based on marketing strategies to meet Village needs. Maintain advanced design skills and a broad knowledge of current design and production techniques. Cultivate and manage relationships with local media. Respond to media inquiries as needed and within scope of authority. Escort reporters and photographers who visit the Village for interviews or photographs.

Additional responsibilities include;

• Social Media: Develop, post, and monitor social media content across multiple Village sites including but not limited to Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and others.
• Print Media: Design publications and layouts, advertising materials, flyers, brochures, presentations, and signage for the Village. Coordinate production of scheduled and specialty publications, including writing and gathering information, editing, desktop publishing/design, taking/placing photographs, and coordinating with outside printers to facilitate professional printing when required.
• Video Media: Assist with video production and livestreaming of Village events. Coordinate television programming including preparing program treatments, researching, writing scripts, videography, scheduling talent and guests, and overseeing logistics for shoot locations including writing content and performing updates on a regular basis.
• Websites: Assist with maintaining the content on the Village’s municipal, visitor, and Harmony Square websites. Develop informational videos for the Village’s communication channels.
• Other Media: Monitor and compile Tinley Park media clips weekly and distribute them to staff. Write, record, and deliver the Tinley Park Messenger telephone message twice a month. Develop content for and manage the REACH digital signage system. Attend Village events and take photos, videotape various Village functions, using village owned equipment as needed. Respond to resident inquiries about specific programs, services, events, and Village video programming issues.

Due to the specialized needs of the Marketing Department to support community programming, this position is required to provide support during assigned special events, including set-up & tear down. Duties shall be assigned based on the type of special event and required coverage, assignments. Special event assignments shall include evening and weekend hours and shall occur in both indoor/outdoor settings in a wide variety of weather conditions.

A Bachelor Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field is required. A minimum of one (1) to three (3) years of experience in journalism, community/public relations, or public information. Prior experience writing for various platforms is required. Municipal experience, media relations experience, familiarity with social medial platforms, and prior experience with graphic design and photo/video editing software are highly preferred.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter and able to work independently with minimal supervision. They will exercise judgment in the application of prescribed procedures and methods of routine matters, remain organized and work well under pressure. They must be able to take appropriate action within clearly defined guidelines and establish effective working relationships. Must maintain a professional attitude, be able to deal tactfully and effectively with a variety of people in difficult circumstances and maintain the highest level of confidentiality in dealing with sensitive matters.