Public Information Specialist

The Public Information Specialist is responsible for assisting parish offices and official personnel with the preparation and delivery of public communication content via press inquiries, press release writings, and other public information matters.

Essential duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.

Employee is considered essential personnel and must report to work if required by their manager during any Emergency or Natural Disaster occurs.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Assists with the creation and revision of content included in parish government social media channels and ensures social media monitoring and public responsiveness.
• Helps coordinate communications projects, printing publications, website design and maintenance and videography.
• Ensures that all forms of communication and public meetings are in compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Assists with the drafting and implementation of parish communications plan, parish media relations policy, social media policy and parish branding guidelines.
• Assists with overseeing and maintaining the parish website while identifying and implementing improved functionality and features.
• Serves as co-webmaster and managing editor for the parish website.
• Provides Content Management System Training to users from other parish departments.
• Works with production coordinator to schedule all programming that takes place on the parish government television channel, including news segments, promotional segments, event coverage, public service announcements, etc.
• Compiles press releases, designs, and writes copy for brochures and booklets, fliers, power point presentations and other multi-media material.
• Compiles information, data and talking points for speeches conducted by the parish president and other members of the administration.
• Receives and responds to all emails sent through the parish website, inquiries on social media and resident phone calls.
• Assists with the coordination of special events, including press conferences, ribbon cuttings, ground breakings, informational tours, luncheons, etc.
• Assists with the coordination of the logistics and planning of the annual Independence Day celebration.
• Assists with compiling information for and producing the quarterly parish employee newsletter.
• Attends and employs communication techniques to cover a substantial number of evening meetings and weekend activities on behalf of the parish and the Public Information Office.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

Competencies:

• Strong communication skills through email, phone, in-person, and virtually with both internal and external customers.
• Excellent computer skills and software management skills specific to the programs needed to complete tasks.
• Knowledge of significant technical and aesthetic aspects of multimedia production, from concept development to post-production, including video recording, animation, video editing, lighting, audio recording, and audio dubbing and compression.
• Knowledge of presentation of multimedia material on the Web and social media environment, and functional knowledge of web posting, social media dynamics, new media analytics, basic design, and marketing; and file conversion for the web.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to solve problems.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other staff and external partners.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with others.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting, Journalism, Mass Communications, or related field required.
• Minimum of 2-5 years’ experience in communications and media relations required.
• Demonstrated experience in working with graphic design, website management, CMS systems, broadcast, and internet-based media is required.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment:
The primary duties of this position are performed indoors. On occasion, the position is required to work outdoors to help in the coordination of events. Must be able to travel to external locations as required via various modes of transportation.

Physical Requirements:
This position requires lifting and carrying of objects up to 50 pounds with frequent sitting/standing; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch, and often required to walk. The position will spend long periods in the office, on telephone, or operating other computer and video equipment, requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity.
St. Charles Parish is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, political affiliation, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.

Acknowledgement:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or evolve, and employees may be asked to perform additional duties as necessary. This position is a classified civil service position and is subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations and all applicable St. Charles Parish Policies.