Public Affairs Officer

Position Description

Serve as Public Affairs Officer for the Nashville Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management and, when activated, Emergency Operations Center.

Typical Duties

• Liaise with local, regional, and national media on critical incidents, crisis communications and public safety campaigns.
• Provide statements, both in writing and on camera, to local media regarding ongoing situations of concern.
• Develop, coordinate, and execute social media campaigns; manage, monitor, and use social media.
• Draft and disseminate news releases.
• Plan, organize and execute public events involving the department, media and/or VIPs.
• Develop, coordinate, and execute public service campaigns.
• Advise executive management on media and public relations strategies.
• Advise and write speeches and talking points for department executive management and stakeholders, when applicable.
• Manage all media relations during city-wide emergencies at Emergency Operations Center activations.
• Help coordinate charitable efforts the department is involved in.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years’ experience in the field of public affairs, public relations, journalism, or a related field.

***No Substitution***

License Required:
Valid Driver License

Candidates with accreditations earned in a foreign institute are encouraged to apply.

Note: Per Metro Ordinance No. SO94-1078. All employees of the Metropolitan Government shall be residents of the State of Tennessee or become residents of the state within six (6) months of employment as a prerequisite to employment with the Metropolitan Government.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Experience operating social media platforms (Facebook, X, Instagram, Nextdoor, Etc.)
• Knowledge of Incident Command System
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, laws, and other regulations governing the publication of written material
• Knowledge of computer software programs used in writing or editing various materials

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.

Metro Nashville Government respects the religious beliefs and practices of all employees and will make, on request, an accommodation for such observances when a reasonable accommodation is available that does not create an undue hardship on business operations.

Requests for ADA accommodation for the recruitment process should be directed to Human Resources at 615-862-6640.

Full-time, Civil Service positions -
10 Vacation Days per year (increasing after 5 years of service)
1 Sick Day per month
12 Paid Holidays per year

Public Safety - Sworn and Civilian positions -
20 vacation days per year
3 Personal days per year
1 Sick Day per month
12 paid holidays per year

Part-time, Non Civil Service positions - Visit HR and Benefits webpages for more information.

Full-time, Non Civil Service positions - contact hiring department for benefits information

Seasonal/Temporary positions - no benefits offered.