PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER - Range 22 / EXE

Municipality of Anchorage; Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Municipality of Anchorage seeks an experienced public information officer for the Anchorage Health Department. The role involves coordinating public information, media outreach, and health promotion activities with city offices and external partners.

Minimum qualifications include extensive news media/public relations experience and relevant degrees. The position supports emergency health communications and reports to the Department head.

Qualifications

• Must have strong writing and media relations skills.
• Experience in public information and outreach programs.
• Ability to communicate clearly with diverse audiences.
• Background check and driving license as required.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate public information and outreach for AHD and media relations.
• Plan and promote publicity for departmental programs and services.
• Work with Mayor, Municipal Manager, and partners on health promotion activities.
• Support emergency response and public health communications as needed.

Skills

Public relations

Media liaison

Crisis communication

Education

High school diploma + 9 years experience in media

Associate’s degree in Journalism/Communications/Business

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Communications/Administration

Master’s degree in Journalism/Communications or related field

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Open to the general public and any current Municipal employee.

This is an executive position (no union affiliation) and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor of the Municipality of Anchorage.

DEPARTMENT: Anchorage Health Department HOURS OF WORK: Monday through Friday; between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: 825 L Street

Employees who are hired or rehired to any position shall be placed at the entrance pay step, and advancement from the entrance step to the maximum step within a pay grade shall be by successive steps.

To be considered for employment, candidates must be legally authorized to work and accept employment in the United States. The Municipality of Anchorage is not able to provide any type of sponsorship, including Student Visas and Employment Visas, under any circumstances.

Coordinates and perform public information and outreach activities for AHD and communicate with the media regarding public/community-based events involving the Department, including in the event of a public health emergency. Determine information needs and interests, plan, prepare, implement and promote a comprehensive, long-range program of publicity and promotion to keep the public informed of departmental programs, activities, policies and services. Coordinate efforts with the Mayor and Municipal Manager's offices, as well as with SOA, AHD and other partners. In conjunction with AHD departments and, as needed, external partners, coordinate health promotion activities, which may include public health materials, presentations, media outreach, community groups, training in areas related to public health. Develop and implement projects identified as priorities to enhance public health throughout the community. Perform other related duties as assigned.

The Department of Health (DOH) engages in the State of Alaska Department of Health emergency responses and the federal Incident Command System (ICS). This includes training exercises as part of the DOH's Crisis Health Action Team (CHAT) and municipal Emergency Operations Center (EOC). In the case of a natural or manmade disaster, AHD employees may be called to engage in emergency operations responses and recovery.

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent and nine (9) years of experience in the news media and public relations.

OR

Associate’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Business Administration, Political Science, or related discipline and seven (7) years of experience in the news media and public relations.

OR

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Business Administration, Political Science or a related discipline and five (5) years of experience in the news media and public relations.

OR

Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Business Administration, Political Science or a related discipline and three (3) years of experience in the news media and public relations.

All applicants must possess and/or obtain:

• Valid State of Alaska Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record at time of hire.
• Satisfactory background check which includes criminal, education, and employment history at time of hire.

The Municipality of Anchorage participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security E-verify Program. For more information, please go to http://www.uscis.gov/E-verify. E-Verify is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

If selected for hire, appointment in this position will be conditional based upon a satisfactory Municipal Employment Office conducted Background Check. A Background Check encompasses criminal history, verifying education, and verifying dates of employment.

If selected for hire, appointment in this position will be conditional based upon the submission of a current copy of the candidate's Alaska Driver's License, and a current (dated within 30 days from date requested) copy of his/her Department of Motor Vehicle driving record, including a driving record from previous states, if the Alaska Driver's License was first issued within one year prior to application, documenting an acceptable driving history. The processing fee(s) are the responsibility of the selected candidate. For information on acceptable driving history, please refer to the MOA Driving Conviction Guidelines.

Military Service Interview Preference

Veterans who wish to be considered for interview preference, as permitted in Municipal Personnel Rules 3.30.031 D, must attach to the application a copy of their DD Form 214, DD Form 256, NGB Form 22, or a letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, recognizing the person as a veteran. The attached documentation must show an honorable discharge or general (under honorable conditions) discharge. The minimum qualifications of the position must be met for preference consideration.

Individuals currently serving as a member in good standing in the National Guard or the organized military reserves who wish to be considered for interview preference, as permitted in Municipal Personnel Rules 3.30.031 D, must attach proof of current service to the application. Proof of current service can be shown by submission of a statement of service which, at a minimum, shows the full name, date of birth, Social Security Number, date service began, branch of service, rank, name of command providing the information, and unit of assignment. The statement of service must be on a form or letterhead of the individual’s command organization, and shows the name, signature, title, and contact information of the signer providing the statement of service. The minimum qualifications of the position must be met for preference consideration.

The Municipality of Anchorage is an Employer of National Service. Please be sure to include any volunteer work with AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, or other national service programs on your application in the work history portion.

The MOA is an EO and AA Employer and complies with Title I of the ADA.

For information regarding requests for reasonable accommodations related to employment under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Municipality of Anchorage ADA Coordinator at 907-343-4571.