Public Information Officer / Media Assistant to the Executive Director

PURPOSE OF CLASSIFICATION

The purpose of this job is to direct, and perform professional public information, related research work and event coordination. Integrates the organization’s communications and public relations programs and initiatives into a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent message in support of its mission, strategic goals, and objectives. Serves as strategic advisor to the Regional Council and department heads with respect to communications and public affairs initiatives. Provides support to the Executive Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assist the Executive Director in carrying out his/her duties as assigned.

Plan, design, and direct public relations programs that will enhance and maintain a favorable public image for the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission.

Initiate and oversee the establishment of integrated strategies, plans, and programs designed to ensure that all communication and public relations efforts are cohesive, consistent, and effective in supporting the mission and advancing the goals of the NWGRC.

Plan, develop, and coordinate comprehensive communication programs, including media, public affairs, and publications, in close collaboration with department directors.

Provide direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to the Executive Director, department directors and other staff, regarding public information matters.

Serve as the designated spokesperson for the organization and its affiliates, if applicable, and when assigned by the Executive Director.

Coordinate surveys, evaluations and assessments of external communications activities in order to determine the effectiveness of the organization’s communications plans.

Assure quality and appropriateness of institutional communication programs, initiatives and assets, whether produced in-house or by outside vendor(s).

Represent NWGRC with other member governments, governmental agencies, vendors, and/or the general public.

Maintains NWGRC presence on social media platforms and provides guidance for Social Media Production and Special Events Coordination.

Respond to questions, complaints and requests for information.

Prepare/proofread documentation for meetings, departmental reports, and infographics; maintain accurate and current copies for future use.

Create, write, edit and/or distribute press releases, brochures, newsletters, annual reports, press kits, and other material.

Prepare news releases and advisories, public service announcements, statements, flyers, brochures, newsletters and reports of both technical and general content, researching and preparing remarks.

Develops and implement traditional and social media strategies.

Organize and coordinate departmental related projects, special events, ceremonies programs and public relations endeavors; and processing associated paperwork.

Serve as a liaison with colleagues and key spokespeople.

Analyze media coverage. Establish and maintain positive relationships with members of the media.

Coordinates speaking engagements for the Executive Director, Department Directors, and program managers.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

May oversee temporary or contract workers and interns, as needed.

Perform all other duties as assigned/required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in communication, business, public relations, public administration, journalism or related field and two years’ experience in the public relations field; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must have and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license. Must submit to a general background check, drug/toxin screening, and review of personal driving record.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Government/political/non-profit experience preferred.

Knowledge of Microsoft Office, and other publishing formats.

Managing social media accounts and monitoring website content.

Local field-related experience.

PERFORMANCE APTITUDES

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to review, classify, categorize, prioritize, and/or analyze data. Includes exercising discretion in determining data classification, and in referencing such analysis to established standards for the purpose of recognizing actual or probable interactive effects and relationships.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in a supervisory capacity.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; and the ability to interpret graphs.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria.

Job Requirements:

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with the completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field.
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually interpreted to require two to three years of related experience, or some combination of education and experience.
• Possession of, or ability to readily obtain, a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

Salary Range: $45,000.00 and up, based on qualifications/experience

Job Type: Full-time. Weekly schedule of 8 hours per day, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., with occasional evening meetings and or multi-day conferences.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Savings/Health Savings Account
• Life Insurance
• Paid holidays

ADA COMPLIANCE

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station. Some field work required.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

The Northwest Georgia Regional Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Commission will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
https://www.nwgrc.org/job-opportunities/public-information-officer-media-assistant-to-the-executive-director/