Public Communications Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for designing and producing high-quality graphics, digital assets, and visual materials that support the City of Peachtree City’s communications, branding, and outreach efforts. The purpose of this role is to uphold and enhance the City’s brand standards through visually engaging content that communicates effectively with residents, business owners, visitors, and media in a way that is open, inclusive, transparent, professional, and consistent with the City of Peachtree City’s identity.
Other responsibilities include, but are not limited to, graphic design for print and digital publications, brand asset management, photography, basic drone photography and videography, and design support for City campaigns and events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Support Public Communications Manager with the City’s image and reputation by creating, editing, designing and distributing communications and marketing materials (including logos), both digital and print posts information to social media sites as needed.
• Strong attention to detail, creative vision, and the ability to translate complex ideas into clear and impactful visual communication.
• Provides relevant and accurate information to the community.
• Maintains and updates Peachtree-city.org and social media sites.
• Collaborates with various department contacts, under the direction of the Public Communications Manager, to Create content to inform and engage the public on city initiatives and events.
• Responds to media requests, initiates media pitches, builds on-going relationships with the media, and writes press releases and/official statements.
• Photographs/videos events, places, and people; maintains photo library; responds to requests for photographs from the media, community organizations, and others.
• Participates in the development of strategies for dealing with crisis situations and potentially controversial topics; helps to implement plans and talking points and serves as communications resource for staff.
• Executes City advertisements; creates content, develops/designs themes, and messages; coordinates design; maintains graphic library.
• Executes City’s efforts related to image and assists in maintaining a favorable public image for the city.
• Assist in the creation of city newsletters.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates production of City publications, including brochures, direct mail pieces, etc.
• Responsible for special projects assigned.
• Assists with various City events as needed.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of the practices and techniques employed in journalistic writing and reporting.
• Knowledge of graphic design principles and practices.
• Knowledge of media and public relations principles.
• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs, (i.e. Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.)
• Knowledge of website design software.
• Expertise with social media strategy and platforms.
• Strong knowledge and skill in the use of photographic equipment.
• Skill in preparing reports.
• Skill in communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.  Strong grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills required.
• Skill in public speaking.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with departmental personnel, City personnel, and the public.
• Ability to work under pressure and complete multiple assignments under deadline conditions in a dynamic office environment.
• Ability to work cooperatively and collaboratively in a workplace of dignity and respect.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Public Communications Manager assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the results. 

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include City and department policies and procedures, as well as an overall marketing and communications strategy for the City. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.     

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied public communication duties with awareness of the political climate in which the position operates.  Multiple demands and time constraints contribute to the complexity of the work. 
• The purpose of this position is to enhance the City’s communications efforts.  Successful performance contributes to the promotion of the City’s brand image, events, programs, and initiatives.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with coworkers, journalists, graphic designers, photographers, advertising salespeople, marketing professionals, and the general public.    
• Contacts are typically to exchange information, position the City brand, and troubleshoot complaints.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in hot/cold or inclement weather.
• The work is sometimes performed in the field on an as-needed basis for media projects (e.g., shooting photo or video of work in progress, meeting with other departments), but will also include sitting at a desk or table or intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping.  The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects and distinguishes between shades of color. 

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated graphic design, illustration, and social media practices with completion of a baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field, or an equivalent combination of training, experience or education..
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship, specialized training, or having had a similar position for one to two years in either Public Relations, Media Relations, or government communication.
• 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. 

The qualifications listed above represent the credentials necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.  To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.