Specialist I - Community Development Communications

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

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered (exempt)

• Gather and compile information through research or personal interviews; prepare news releases, feature articles, and other materials for distribution to newspapers, magazines and other publications, edit informational materials received from other sources for use/release by the City, manage and keep current information on the City website.
• Plan and coordinate media press conferences and release of public information regarding policies, statistics, promotional and special events; assist media representatives covering City-sponsored events.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate activities related to a variety of community events; organize and manage other special events, projects and programs as needed.
• Research, obtain and prepare materials for radio and television broadcasts, news stories, public service announcements, and related public information coverage.
• Video editing; take photographs for publications and audio-visual slide presentations; make audio and/or video recordings for news media or City use, write scripts for a variety of related presentations and maintain City photo archives.
• Plan, write, format, produce and/or coordinate production of a variety of City publications such as newsletters, reports, flyers, brochures, fact sheets, and bulletins.
• Prepare written, photographic, and other graphic and visual materials for use on the City’s website.
• Prepare speeches, manuals, reports, correspondence and maintain related files; respond orally and in writing to inquiries and complaints, as appropriate.
• Maintain media relations with internal media.
• Edit and proofread communications.
• Create and execute general and crisis communication plans.
• Manage press clippings.
• Build and maintain positive and effective working relationships with City employees, contract workers, public groups, agencies, school officials and media in the course of work using principles of good customer service.
• Perform related duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, public administration, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible work using computer programs/software, interacting with all levels of individuals, and handling multiple priorities; equivalent to six (6) months of full-time experience as a public information intern in a public agency is highly desirable.
• Experience in photography with standard and digital equipment and make audio and/or audio-visual recordings; use desktop publishing, word processing, and graphics computer software applications with proficiency is highly desirable.
• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position may be considered.

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of methods of presenting and disseminating public information through various media, including newspapers, radio, television, and websites.
• Knowledge of methods and practices of special events planning, coordination, and promotion.
• Knowledge of graphic design and layout techniques; computer applications related to desktop publishing, word processing, and graphic presentations.

Core Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information
• Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work
• Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards
• Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers
• Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
• Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness

Guiding Principles:

1. Put people first.
2. Be visionary.
3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
5. Be Creative.
6. Always Improving.
7. Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)
• Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
• Move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
• Be exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
• Operate Equipment (none)
• Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors:

• Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
• Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

• Analyze (continuous)
• Computations (frequent)
• Generate Written Work Product (frequent)
• Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
• Interruptions (frequent)
• Maintain Positive Public Relations (moderate)
• Organize (frequent)

Disaster Service Worker:

Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.