Public Affairs Specialist

Summary

Responsible for the execution of information flow between the City of Denton and all stakeholders. Assist with Citywide overall communications, including but not limited to, marketing, public affairs, media relations, digital presence, branding, event management, community engagement and creative internal/external communication initiatives.

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

DUTIES

• Develop strategic communications to maximize engagement through news media, writing, editing, web management, marketing projects, and other public services; assist in identifying media placement and branding opportunities with local, regional, and national media outlets.
• Develop and/or implement the public affairs communication plans and program strategies to address critical and complex public issues.
• Collaborate and proactively engage with internal and external media stakeholders interested in the City of Denton’s programming, activities, initiatives, and performance; initiate Citywide media coverage to highlight efforts, accomplishments, and/or initiatives.
• Act as a liaison and interact with community, including but not limited to, outside entities, businesses, non-profit agencies, community groups, and neighborhood groups to foster community relations, promote Citywide programs and initiatives, and improve community engagement.
• Provide input into the long-range planning and/or coordination of the overall public affairs program for the organization.
• Support the overall Citywide implementation of communications campaigns, coordinates the writing, design, and production of marketing materials to advance brand awareness and drive impactful engagement.
• Engage and interact with audiences through city social media outlets.
• Assist with public affairs and media relations activities, including but not limited to press conferences, City of Denton events, community outreach, video shoots, social media, and digital campaigns.
• Assist with special events and community engagement activities to develop stakeholder engagement or advance interest in the City of Denton.
• Research and gather background information for speeches; produce other communication materials including news releases, press advisories, talking points, memos, newsletters, social media posts, video scripts and marketing campaigns.
• Assist with enhancing overall City brand awareness and identifies opportunities to advance Denton’s reputation.
• Ensure that activities and materials align with the City of Denton’s brand, values and goals, and that organizational initiatives and projects are successfully communicated to internal and external stakeholders.

SUPERVISORY/BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field; and,
• One (1) year’ experience in business administration, public administration, communications, public relations, local government, or related field; and

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field; and,
• Three (3) years’ experience in business administration, public administration, communications, local government, or related field; and,

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications, and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local Government legislative processes, codes, and laws.
• Knowledge of City of Denton policies, procedures, mission, and goals.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of marketing, communication, and public administration.
• Knowledge of strategic integrated communications and use in community relations and community engagement.
• Knowledge of advanced project management principles, including the ability to manage multiple projects of diverse scope and budget.
• Skill in judgment and creativity in decision-making; considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions and select the most appropriate one.
• Skill at the intermediate level with Microsoft Office 365 and other software systems necessary to complete work.
• Skill in developing and implementing organizational structures, procedures, and technology.
• Skill in data analysis, development of strategic plans, problem solving and action plan execution.
• Skill for ensuring continuous improvement in processes, relationships, and cost savings.
• Ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to support controversial positions, negotiation of sensitive issues and/or important presentations with customers, citizens and co-workers while maintaining poise.
• Ability to communication effectively, both oral and written forms, in a variety of circumstances using appropriate tone and appearance for the situation, and to listen intently to other points of view.
• Ability to perform all job duties in a manner that is consistent with the City of Denton’s core values.
• Ability to motivate, mentor and manage teams through direct and indirect influence.
• Ability to develop, understand, interpret, and apply rules, policies, and procedures operations.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work, maintain attention to details and quality, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle records and complex situations of a confidential nature.
• Ability to simultaneously handle multiple tasks and changing priorities in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to maneuver comfortably through complex policy, process, and people-related organizational dynamics.
• Ability to gather and analyze data, draw conclusions, and present data and other information in a clear and logical manner.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Must have and maintain a valid Class “C” Driver’s License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver’s license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification.

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

SAFETY

• Perform preventive maintenance on tools and equipment; ensure equipment is in safe operating condition.
• Follow established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties, including lifting and climbing; operate tools and equipment according to established safety procedures.
• Promptly report unsafe conditions in the work area and/or any conditions that are not immediately correctable to the supervisor.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Safety Sensitive (Subject to random drug testing): No.
• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Lifting: Lifting and carrying no more than 10 pounds.
• Environment: Works in an office setting; occasionally requires irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Travel: Travels to City of Denton buildings and professional meetings as required.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position. Must be able to work after normal business hours and weekends, as needed. Must attend regularly scheduled and special meetings.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

CORE VALUES

• Inclusive
• Collaborative
• Service-Oriented
• Strategically Focused
• Fiscally Responsible

TOP TIER BENEFITS

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans?
• Employee Health Clinic
• Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays
• Retirement Plan

EEO STATEMENT
The City of Denton is an equal opportunity employer. It is the City of Denton’s policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.

This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.