POSITION:Public Communications Specialist SCHEDULE: Full-Time LOCATION: Reno, NV SALARY:$85,342.40 - $111,862.40 Yr

CLOSING DATE: 9/29/2024 11:59 PM Pacific

TO APPLY:

Direct Link -https://www.reno.gov/government/departments/human-resources/jobs-recruitment

Careers Page -http://www.cityofreno.com

Please note, employers may close jobs on the website at any time.

SUMMARY: The Public Communications Specialist develops and implements public information and media relations activities and services in a department or area of the City's community affairs; performs a wide variety of duties related to the implementation, monitoring, and dissemination of City information; implements program goals and objectives; and performs a variety of administrative tasks in support of assigned area of responsibility.

MINIMUM/PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism or a related field.

Completion of FEMA Incident Command training programs including Basic or Advanced PIO is desired.

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations, marketing, journalism, communications, media coverage or a related field.

Experience in Public Information Officer (PIO) duties related to public safety is a plus.

Fluent in English and Spanish language skills is highly desired.

License or Certificate: Possession of an appropriate, valid driver's license.

Physical Demands and Working Environment:

• Work is performed in an office and field setting with some travel to attend meetings, interact with media at incident sites; occasional work in inclement weather and in an emergency environment; extensive public contact; exposure to computer screens and other media equipment.
• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; operate media equipment; to travel independently to other locations using various modes of private and/or commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services and activities of a public relations or communications program.
• Principles and practices of copy writing, editing, video production, news-gathering and journalism.
• Techniques and practices of organizing and coordinating programs, activities and special events.
• Techniques of speech writing and delivering.
• Extensive knowledge of City Government including assisting the Fire and Police Departments with their communication needs.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Operations of public relations or communications function.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Crisis communications best practices.

Ability to:

Coordinate and direct public relations programs.

Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing public relations services.

Interpret and explain department and City policies and procedures.

Edit and organize information into an appropriate format for presentation.

Appear before special interest and civic groups to present materials dealing with City activities.

Serve as public relations liaison with the news media, public and other government agencies.

Retain presence of mind in emergency situations.

Work without direct supervision, exercising independent judgment and p rsonal initiative.

Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.

Perform responsible professional work in a high-profile position deali