Public Information Officer

Public Relations Manager

Plans, organizes, and implements a wide range of communications and public relations activities / services to assure that the City's key messages reach the public; manages public information staff and activities, including press releases, special events and electronic media programs.

First consideration may be given to current City of Las Cruces employees who meet all minimum qualifications. Meeting or exceeding the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. This position is full-time; regular; exempt position. This position is graded RX15.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as primary spokesperson for the City government; coordinates and manages the public information staff and activities; coordinates public information programs with other departments, agencies, organizations and businesses to accomplish public outreach goals; coordinates activities with City managers and elected officials on council action and information to be released to the public; coordinates public relations activities for programs and departments to assure that the City's key messages reach the public.
• Supervises and trains assigned staff; plans and manages work activities; plans, prioritizes and assigns tasks and projects; monitors work, develops staff skills, and evaluates performance.
• Monitors local issues, assesses value and impact of information, and recommends a course of action; cultivates relationships with local media to increase positive exposure for the City.
• Develops and coordinates media strategies and campaigns for programs and departments; places stories in media outlets, and participates in interviews with the media; develops and coordinates the printing and distribution of publications and information packets; prepares, reviews, and edits information releases, publications, and scripts; coordinates assigned projects, and special events.
• Composes communications on a wide variety of subjects; edits correspondence, speeches, technical documents, information packets and other communications for City departments; interprets the actions and strategies of City programs to specific groups and the media; assesses local and regional issues and develops communications strategies.
• Maintains records and files; prepares special and recurring reports; develops budget and monitors expenditures.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations or a closely related field AND four years experience in mass communications programs, including lead / supervisory experience. A combination of education, training and experience may be applied in accordance with City of Las Cruces policy.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General Knowledge of : Principles and practices of administrative management, including personnel rules, budgeting, strategic planning and effective employee supervision and training; current principles, techniques, and objectives of marketing, public information, media relations and community relations programs; professional journalistic methods, including research, publication and presentation; principles and practices of files and records management; state, and local community and media resources; print and broadcast media information channels; video production equipment, techniques and quality standards; business and personal computers, and spreadsheet software applications; City organization, operations, policies and procedures.

Skills in : Communicating effectively with City employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public by telephone, in person, and in group settings; maintaining composure, and working effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities; preparing and presenting information for diverse audiences; coordinating the activities in a public relations program; analyzing communications issues, evaluating alternatives, and making logical recommendations based on findings; assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands; using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines; assessing project needs, and developing effective solutions; effectively managing and leading staff, and delegating tasks and authority.

Ability to : Identify and respond to public and City Council issues and concerns; learn the organization, operation and purpose of a municipality; interpret and apply City policies, procedures, rules and regulations. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals; develop and implement an effective municipal public relations program; prepare and deliver effective verbal presentations; prepare and write effective letters, press releases and promotional materials; communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing; establishing and maintaining effective working relations with co-workers and representatives from other businesses and agencies.