Parks and Recreation Public Relations Specialist

JOB
The purpose of this position is to build and maintain a positive image for the Parks and Recreation department by establishing and maintaining relationships with internal and external consumers, the community, employees, and coaching employees in the correct way of communicating with co-workers and the public. Performs public relations activities involving the development and maintenance of a variety of community information and media relations programs, services, and activities designed to keep the community and the department informed on Parks and Recreation related matters. Responsible for internal management of staff messaging to Department employees. Collaborates with Department management on marketing needs to reach the best potential audience for programs and events. Develop a strong relationship with the Facilities and Services Planner in order to make their community engagement efforts and services more impactful. Identify and organize various resources to effect public relations. Develops educational programs relating to public relations and presents to department staff. Makes written and verbal presentations to the public, civic, school, and church groups. Updating and maintaining Web content. Produces quality graphics and text for pamphlets, brochures, and other departmental engagement literature. Serves as the liaison between the Parks and Recreation Department and community groups. Other duties to provide direct or indirect service to citizens may be assigned.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.Develops public relations plans and programs to include prioritizing the establishment of relationships and solidifying bonds between the department, employees, and the community. Conducts a variety of studies and special projects that are designed to improve relationships with stakeholders who encounter the department. Organizes the development and implementation of methods for communicating information to employees and the public by use of videos, email, Internet, social media, brochures, news releases, presentations, media outlets, public broadcasting, or other mediums. Establishes strategies to build relationships by ensuring the open exchange of accurate information through employee and community input and partnerships.Oversees the Department's Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and other social media platforms. Assists with the periodic review and assessment of the Danville Parks and Recreation Department’s branding, including images and logos, slogans, public-facing design elements, internet presence, etc. Suggests improvements in Department practices relevant to employee and community interaction. Surveys employees, citizens, and businesses to obtain and evaluate information regarding department activities. Films and edits internal and external videos for communication of key messaging. Conducts public relations training for Department staff. Maintains the Department's calendar. Creates brochures and flyers to inform employees and the community about activities and programming offered by the Department. Collaborates with City departments in planning for major events and festivals. Assists with design and preparation of the Department's annual report.Public Information Officer - Coordinating the Parks and Recreation public information response before, during, and after an emergency. Managing the Danville Parks and Recreation Department footprint on all social media platforms. ADDITIONAL DUTIES Public Information Officer – Connect government to citizens through traditional media, digital media, and social media; engage City employees; and maintain media relations. Communicate critical information effectively to the public. Write press releases and prepare information for distribution by media outlets. Respond to requests for information from media outlets. Maintaining a social media presence may be part of the duties. The position may require you to work an irregular schedule.Performs additional duties as assigned

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDSWork is sedentary in nature, requiring occasional light physical exertion. Requires adequate vision, hearing and talking to relate information through traditional media, digital media, and social media, to use a computer, telephone and communicating effectively with others. NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time. Regular and predictable attendance is expected.Frequently experiences time pressure, frequent change of tasks, irregular work schedule/overtime, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, working closely with others as part of a team, and tedious or exacting work.May occasionally experience emergency situations.MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARETypically requires use of standard office equipment, including Computers, databases and related query applications, GIS tools and applications, electronic spread sheets, word processing, statistical applications, desktop publications, department Records Management System (RMS).WORK ENVIRONMENTThis work is performed in an office environment where there are no health, safety, or environmental factors. The employee does not normally wear protective equipment.