Public Outreach & Communications Specialist

City of Lancaster (CA); Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Lancaster (CA) seeks an experienced Public Information Officer to manage media relations, plan press conferences, and coordinate public information campaigns for City policies and events.

The role handles news releases, website content, and production of City communications, with photography, video, and design tasks as needed. Strong writing, interviewing, and project management skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public administration, or a related field.
• Two years of progressively responsible work using computer programs/software; internship in a public agency desirable.
• Experience in photography with standard and digital equipment and make audio and/or audio-visual recordings; use desktop publishing, word processing, and graphics software with proficiency desirable.
• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position.

Responsibilities

• Gather and compile information through research or interviews; prepare news releases, feature articles, and materials for distribution to media; update City website.
• Plan and coordinate media press conferences and release information regarding policies, statistics and events; assist reporters covering City events.
• Coordinate community events and manage special projects as needed.
• Research and prepare materials for radio/TV broadcasts, news stories and public service announcements.
• Video editing; take photos for publications and create AV slide presentations; write scripts and maintain photo archives.
• Produce City publications (newsletters, reports, flyers, brochures, fact sheets, bulletins).
• Prepare speeches, manuals, reports, and correspondence; respond to inquiries.
• Maintain media relations with internal media; edit and proofread communications.
• Create and execute general and crisis communication plans; manage press clippings.
• Build and maintain relationships with City employees, contractors, public groups, schools, and media; provide good customer service.

Skills

Media relations

Public information

Crisis communications

Event planning

Communication strategy

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/journalism/public admin

Public agency internship experience desirable

Tools

Photography

Desktop publishing

Word processing

Graphics software

Job description

City of Lancaster (CA) seeks an experienced Public Information Officer to manage media relations, plan press conferences, and coordinate public information campaigns for City policies and events.

The role handles news releases, website content, and production of City communications, with photography, video, and design tasks as needed. Strong writing, interviewing, and project management skills are essential.