City of DeLand

120 South Florida Avenue

DeLand, FL 32720

Phone: (386) 626-7000
 

Department: 106/Administrative Service                                                 Exempt:  Yes

Reports To:       Assistant City Manager                                                  Salary:  $72,426.00 - $80,000

Position Type:   Full-Time                                                                                                      Hours: 40 hrs/week

Job Summary:

The Community Information Manager will serve as a key member of the professional staff. The position reports to the Assistant City Manager. The position requires experience in current public information and media relations practices and the ability to work in a team environment. The position serves an important role in the City’s efforts to develop and disseminate information about City programs, services and other issues. The position requires considerable independence and thought processes.

Job Description:

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work to provide a comprehensive media relations program for the purpose of educating the public and maintaining a positive public image.
• The position will work with a variety of City functions to communicate the City's strategic plan and policies, provide management of the news portion of the City's website, and assist the oversight of the City's social medial presence and other communication related programs.
• The Community Information Manager will foster a relationship with the media in order to proactively present City programs, services and initiatives.
• May serve as spokesperson for the City and oversees the media relations function of the City of DeLand.
• Serves as primary point of contact for all media on behalf of the City and all of its departments, unless otherwise noted. 
• Serves as communications advisor to City Manager, City Commission, and department heads, providing technical support in all forms of communication and in providing direction in the area of media relations.
• Researches, develops and disseminates electronic and printed publications, press releases, photographic materials, feature articles, videos, public service announcements, promotional materials and other form of communications to local media and the public to increase community awareness of city activities, services and programs. 
• Responsible for electronic communications, such as social media and similar content for the City website. 
• Coordinate media inquiries with responsible department head in a timely, accurate manner according to Chapter 119 in the Florida Statues.
• Serve in an on­ call capacity to respond within ninety minutes (90) at most incidents after being requested to respond to emergencies at any time in the event that information needs to be released to local media and the public.
• Leads the coordination of press conferences as deemed appropriate.
• Ability to lead community engagement initiatives, i.e. Youth Council, School of Government and Citizen Academy. 
• Conducts tours for local media, freelance writers, editors, publishers and the like.
• Attends staff meetings, commission meetings and community meetings as directed, to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the job.
• Participates in collaborative partnership with other city/county/state public information officers.
• Responsible for the dissemination of information and recommended communication strategies during an emergency event while actively contributing as a team member in the Emergency Operations Center during any and all crisis, natural or otherwise.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Must meet requirements in relation to the State (FCIC) and National (NCIC) Criminal Information Centers background check. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and /or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Social Sciences, Education, Public Administration, or related field is required.

• Four (4) years of professional experience as a public information officer. An equivalent combination of education, experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered for minimum requirements.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Must successfully complete FEMA ICS 100, 200, 300, and IS 700 within the first six (6) months of employment.

• Experience in crisis communications is preferred.
• Bilingual preferred, particularly Spanish.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Ability to develop and maintain good personal relationships with others.

• Ability to effectively communicate in both written and oral form.

REASONING ABILITY

• Ability to understand and carry out complex oral and written directions and manage complex computer software.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations when immediate guidance from the supervisor may not be available.
• Ability to plan, organize, coordinate and communicate to senior management staff.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge, skill and application of correct grammar, punctuation, word usage and sentence structure.
• Must have a general knowledge of a working newsroom and how news media outlets operate.
• Ability to use discretion and good judgment in handling politically sensitive information and issues.
• Knowledge and skills in the principals, practices and techniques of effective verbal, written and audiovisual communications.
• Knowledge, skill and application of social media platforms.
• Ability to recognize and develop public information opportunities.
• Ability to use video production equipment and editing software.
• Possession of a valid Florida Driver's license or ability to obtain within four weeks of date of hire.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ADA:  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long of periods of time performing repetitive functions. The employee must be able to access file cabinets for filling and retrieve data. The employee must have the ability to sit at a desk and view a screen for extended periods of time.

Lifting:  Lift up to 15 Pounds

Vision:  20/20 or corrected to 20/100

Environment:  Office/Sedentary Work

Hearing:  Normal Noise Levels for Work Environment

*Class Descriptions are not intended to be restrictive.  The use of (or absence of) a particular illustration of duties shall not be held to exclude or limit the authority of a Department Head to assign other duties which are similar and related to work.