Public Information Coordinator

Job Summary

Who We Are

The City of Beverly Hills has a long-standing reputation for providing superior customer service to residents, businesses, and visitors. This characteristic, combined with outstanding staff in all departments, has been a hallmark of success for this high performance organization. The municipal government (approximately 1,080 full-time and part-time employees) provides the highest quality safety services, recreational, municipal services, and physical environment.

What We Do

The Policy and Management Department provides overall direction and support to eight City departments for the implementation of City Council policy. Through strong leadership, strategic vision and professional management, the Department ensures that City initiatives and operations are cost efficient and effective.

What We Are Looking For

The City of Beverly Hills is seeking an outstanding Public Information Coordinator (PIC) to assist in the City Manager's Office with their Public Information Program. The ideal candidate would have strong experience in developing and presenting press releases, public announcements, news articles, social media content, and other materials related to public relations. Additionally, the future PIC should have experience with managing social media accounts for an organization, acting in some capacity as a media spokesperson, and developing crisis communications messages. This employee should have strong communications skills (verbal and written), be responsive and accessible, and have high customer service standards. This person will report to the Public Information Manager.

Work Schedule

This position requires employees to report directly to the Beverly Hills City Hall, Monday through Friday. Additionally, due to the nature of the role, this position may be expected to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as scheduled.

Selection Plan

All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position, including detailed responses to all supplemental questions. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application or supplemental application materials.

The selection process may consist of all or some of the following components:

• Supplemental Questionnaire

• Oral Interview

• Technical Project

The best-qualified candidates who most closely meet the needs of the department may be invited to participate in the oral interview and performance exercise. All candidates will be notified by email regarding their recruitment status approximately 2 weeks after the recruitment period closes.

Conviction History

As a finalist for a job, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction (or arrest, in limited circumstances) conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you are a finalist. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with the City. If you are selected as a finalist, you will be contacted to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

Conclusion

Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. Note: Falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City of Beverly Hills.

Disaster Service Workers

All City of Beverly Hills employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Major Duties

The Public Information Coordinator assists in administering the City's public information program, including developing and presenting press releases, public announcements, news articles, and other materials related to public relations. Coordinates media, community outreach, and public information activities and events; coordinates and monitors placement of information on the City's social media, web, and intranet pages. Responds to a variety of public information related inquiries, and supports the public information and community outreach functions.

The Public Information Coordinator is distinguished from the Public Information Manager in that this position generally focuses on developing and managing public information activities for one or more departments while supporting Citywide initiatives, whereas the Public Information Manager manages the City's overall public information program and strategy.

The responsibilities and essential duties performed on a frequent and recurring basis by an incumbent include the following:

• Coordinates and monitors placement of content on the City's web and intranet site and social media accounts and acts as the liaison between the City and its web service and social media providers.

• Coordinates comprehensive media coverage and community outreach for City activities and programs.

• Coordinates, researches, develops, and gathers information; writes materials such as news releases, flyers, brochures, and annual reports; composes and edits press releases, media alerts, publicity, announcements, fact sheets, talking points, scripts, speeches, articles, letters and position papers on City programs, policies and actions as well as for community events and activities.

• Develops and coordinates distribution strategies; manages use of department logos; oversees outreach campaigns; ensures materials are ADA compliant.

• Develops and maintains e-mail marketing and e-notification programs.

• Responds to inquiries and requests for information from the media, public, and governmental representatives.

• Assists with crisis communication at the scene of emergencies and in the Emergency Operations Center as needed.

• Uses an integrated approach to ensure appropriate communication mediums are utilized to reach target audiences.

• Develops and maintains media mailing lists and a network of contacts for the dissemination of information on upcoming events; coordinates efforts and activities with other City departments; proactively maintains positive relationships with the media.

• Assists City Council and department representatives in preparing public information and community outreach materials for presentation and distribution as requested.

• Takes an integrated approach to working within an assigned department to accomplish specific department goals and objectives.

• Researches and writes articles for the City's Newsletter and other publications.

• Takes photographs and videos as needed for publication purposes, to document events and to use and post on social media sites.

• Prepares public service messages for cable channel use.

• Attends a variety of meetings that include City Council, Commission and staff meetings.

• Coordinates and attends special publicity events and acts as a liaison for community relations activities, external groups and assigned media.

• Prepares scripts and organizes shooting schedules for City-sponsored video projects.

• Performs other projects/tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, English, Public Administration or closely related field from an accredited college or university.

• Three (3) years of recent progressively responsible professional experience in journalism, public relations, public information, media relations, marketing, or closely related field.

• Experience in a government agency is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Current print and electronic media practices, technologies, and trends.

• Social media usage and strategies for effective public relations.

• Basic municipal government practices and operations.

• Reporting methods, techniques and literary styles.

• English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.

• Computer applications as they relate to area assigned.

• Effective public and customer relations techniques.

• Crisis communication skills.

• Photography fundamentals, including composition.

• Basic techniques of website design, content development, and newsletter production.

Ability to:

• Write clear, concise, objective and interesting text and edit materials for objectivity.

• Determine basic design, layout, graphics and method(s) of presentation.

• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive data.

• Adhere to multiple deadlines and handle multiple projects.

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

• Make oral presentations to groups.

• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions and use independent judgment and initiative.

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

• Operate a camera or other video recording devices.

• Operate a personal computer and use applicable software.

• Interact with members of the public with courtesy and tact.

• Think clearly under stress and respond quickly and accurately.

• Tailor materials to different audiences (such as residents, non-residents, seniors, young families, teens and local businesses) and create avenues for departmental messages to reach diverse audiences.

• Effectively communicate complex information to the public.

• Work with regulatory agencies

• Work a flexible schedule, including extended hours, which may include days nights, and weekends.