Public Information Officer-Mpo

The City of Wilmington is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Description

The purpose of this position is to plan, coordinate, and implement strategies that visually brand and enhance the Wilmington Urban Area Metropolitan Planning Organization's (WMPO) identity as well as educate and inform the region about WMPO initiatives and opportunities. This is accomplished by facilitating and executing internal and external communications; serving as the direct point of contact for communications related items, news media, and public outreach; developing and applying marketing and communication strategies and implementation plans; creating content for advertising, digital marketing, social media, web, video, as well as graphics for print, layout, apparel, and promotional items to facilitate and execute internal and external communications; providing correct and factual information to the WMPO, general public, other government agencies and/or departments, and the news media when requested; engaging and educating the public in the development of WMPO plans and implementation of Transportation Demand Management strategies and safety campaigns; serving as an administrator for the WMPO's website and social media accounts; maintaining consciousness of all WMPO related events and issues; providing recommendations and ideas about necessary communication actions in often politically charged situations; writing and editing press releases and articles; and overseeing and coordinating special projects and certain events. Performs other related duties as required.

Typical Tasks

Facilitates external and internal communications by communicating and interacting with WMPO staff, Boards and Committees, members, and planning partners to research, compose, edit, and post items for the website, printed publications, social media, government television and other media sources, often for politically charged topics with pressing deadlines.

Applies knowledge of best practices and relevant experience to make all marketing and communications decisions for the WMPO.

Designs and manages all external communications by developing a consistent design for messages, determining audience for print projects, enhancing visual ideas for messages, providing visual anchors, and using photographs to enhance reader's understanding of messages, and formatting messages to maintain visual identity of the WMPO.

Attends outreach events, public meetings and WMPO board meetings to communicate with media and the public as a representative for the WMPO.

Develops, organizes, and expands community awareness programs and special events by attending community meetings with key resource providers, residents, and program stakeholders, conducting activities necessary to reach project objectives, and monitoring program strength and weaknesses.

Serves as the point of contact and coordinates with WMPO staff to respond in a timely manner to media and public inquiries.

Manages WMPO website and social media platforms including posting, advertising, reporting, analytics, monitoring, and responding to comments with timely and accurate information.

Creates creative concepts for specific WMPO needs by researching and gathering data, meeting with appropriate staff, providing directions concerning designs and marketing ideas, analyzing and revising designs as necessary, creating creative logos and graphics, designing standardized templates, and developing and recommending design methods.

Manages design projects by working with vendors, determining print or production methods, creating project schedules, determining materials, tracking and monitoring project progress, and analyzing bid information for project recommendations.

Develops public engagement plans and strategies, consistent with the WMPO's federal requirements and adopted Public Participation Plan, to assist staff in conducting inclusive, equitable, and impactful public outreach for regional and local planning activities.

Qualifications

Formal Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or other similar field and minimum three years of related experience, OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum three years relevant experience.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative suite: Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, InDesign, and Acrobat Pro. Proficiency with WordPress.

• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to perform under pressure of controversial topics and quick turnaround times.

• Excellent attention to detail.

• Demonstrated decision making abilities.

• Ability to work nights and weekends.

• Experience with photography and graphic design.

• Experience communicating with media and the public.

• Experience with the social media platforms Facebook, X, Instagram, Linked In, Next Door, and YouTube.

• Certification &

Other Requirements:

• Valid Class C Driver's License.

Supplemental Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Exerting up to 20 lbs. occasionally, 10 lbs. frequently, or negligible amounts constantly OR requires walking or standing to a significant degree.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position generally requires work indoors/office setting. Some outdoor work may be necessary for particular events.

Our Core Values:

INCLUSION | COLLABORATION | CREATIVITY | ACCOUNTABILITY

Our Mission Statement: Through forward-thinking policies and responsible stewardship, we arecreating a better city every daywith excellent core services and quality of life for all.

What we offer:

The City of Wilmington believes that employees are one of our most important resources. We offer an excellent salary and competitive benefits package to serve the needs of our employees and their families. Our benefits package includes:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance + many other insurance options

• Excellent retirement benefits, including a city provided 4.5% contribution each pay period into a 401(k)account and automatic enrollment into the North Carolina Local Government Employees' Retirement System

• Employer-paid health & wellness clinic

• Paid sick and vacation leave + 13paid holidays per year

• 6-weeks paid parental leave

• Paid volunteer & blood donation leave to give back to our community

• Flex schedule and telework availability, depending on your position

• Professional development trainings & leadership initiatives

• Tuition assistance benefits

Applicant Status Updates: After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants who meet the minimum and/or preferred qualifications will be referred over to the hiring department. All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.