Public Information Officer - Fire Dept.

City of Lynchburg; Lynchburg (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lynchburg seeks a communications professional to support the Lynchburg Fire Department with public relations, media relations, and social media.

You will coordinate internal communications, manage the department's digital presence, and respond to media inquiries. This role requires a Bachelor’s degree and strong written and verbal communication skills, with occasional night or weekend availability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications, PR, marketing or related field.
• Experience in media relations and internal communications.
• Proven public speaking and audio/video production skills.

Responsibilities

• Establishes strategies to build relationships with community, press and workforce through open exchange of information.
• Develops and implements methods for communicating information to the public via videos, emails, Internet, social media, brochures, news releases, presentations, and more.
• Maintains internal communications and messaging; manages internal digital message boards and updates content.
• Maintains Department social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, etc.).
• Responds to media inquiries on routine, emergency, sensitive, and controversial matters.
• Leads content development for informational campaigns, press releases, and similar communications.
• Arranges news conferences and reviews information for release by Department personnel.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Internal communications

Crisis communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations, marketing or related field

Tools

Video editing software

Desktop publishing

Job description

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Collaborates with Department officials in developing photographic, video, and other materials designed to serve the public relations and communication needs of the Lynchburg Fire Department (LFD); develops and implements positive public relations and social media communications and materials; and performs other duties as assigned. Responsible for internal Command Staff messaging to Department employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Establishes strategies to build effective relationships with the community, the press, and the workforce by ensuring the open exchange of accurate information through community input and partnerships.
• Organizes the development and implementation of methods for communicating information to the public by using videos, email, Internet, social media, brochures, news releases, presentations, maps, media outlets, public broadcasting, or other mediums.
• Maintains effective internal communications and messaging and serves as the content manager for internal digital message board systems and keeps these up to date.
• Maintains the Department's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms.
• Maintains positive contacts with the media, enhancing the image of the Department while providing the public with information that is complete, accurate, and up to date.
• Responds to media inquiries on routine, emergency, sensitive, and controversial matters.
• Drives comprehensive content development, including informational campaigns on department issues and initiatives, press releases, or similar communications.
• Arranges for and assists at news conferences; reviews information for release by Department personnel.
• Ability to speak on a broad variety of city-related issues and occurrences.
• Serves as a resource for, and assists LFD employees with, media inquiries.
• Maintains a thorough working knowledge of positive public relations processes and best practices.
• Maintains a thorough working knowledge of desktop publishing software and of design principles and publication standards
• Uses up to date photographic and videography equipment to shoot a wide variety of subjects in both indoor and outdoor settings.
• Utilizes advanced computer skills knowledge with the ability to design and maintain websites and uses graphic design and video editing software applications to edit videos and develop graphic designs and media layouts for multimedia publications and social media platforms.
• Leads outreach activities and marketing/advertising campaigns to engage diverse communities.
• Manages Department website.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of public administration and public relations as applied to public safety issues and local government operations.
• Monitors news coverage of LFD and City activities, programs, policies, and actions.
• Assists with the periodic review and assessment of LFD branding, including images and logos, slogans, public-facing design elements, internet presence, etc.
• Assists with design and preparation of the Department's annual report.
• Suggests improvements in LFD practices in community engagement and interactions.
• Conducts media relations training for Department staff.
• Attends business association meetings to explain the community risk reduction programs and solicit their cooperation and support.
• Creates educational brochures for community risk reduction, hiring, and promotional processes and various services offered by the Department.
• Collaborates with City departments in planning for major events.
• Maintains a collaborative working relationship with the City of Lynchburg’s Communications Department.
• Knowledge of public safety area of expertise: fire and emergency medical services.
• Ability to adapt broadly defined policy guidance to specific situations with a minimal amount of supervision.
• Collaborates with City departments in planning for major events and festivals.
• Ability to work under pressure.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE

Bachelor's degree in journalism, mass communications, public relations, marketing or a closely related field with major course work in communications, production, and or videography. Considerable work experience in media relations, internal communications, and/or media services. Any combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must have demonstrated experience in public speaking and audio/video production methods.

• This position is subject to call out at night and/or on weekends.
• Must be able to respond at all hours to important events to coordinate social and traditional media relations.
• Must possess a valid Virginia driver's license and acceptable driving record according to City criteria.
• Requires a comprehensive background investigation to include a local, state, and federal criminal history check, sex offender registry check, and credit check.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the National Incident Management System. Must successfully complete IS100 and IS700 National Incident Management (NIMS) training within 90 days of employment. May also be required to complete higher levels of NIMS training as determined appropriate for the position.
• Preferred knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 relating to safeguarding patient information.