What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Relations Specialist position at City of Ocala?
The Public Relations Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing public relations strategies, assisting with media relations, and creating content that promotes the city’s programs, services, and events. This position will support various city initiatives, campaigns, and events.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or a related field.
3 years of experience in public relations, preferably in a government setting.
Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality content under tight deadlines.
Understanding and ability to write in AP Style.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication strategies.
Ability to manage time effectively and meet tight deadlines.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving recordQUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT Annual Budget: $N/A
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will directly supervise 0 employees.
This position may indirectly supervise 0 employees.
If applicable, supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING MODERATELY STRUCTURED. Fairly broad activities using moderately structured procedures with only generally guided supervision.
PLANNING
With regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner and/or sequence of performance of own work.
CONSIDERABLE RESPONSIBILITY; may also occasionally assist in the planning of work assignments performed by others within a limited area of operation.
DECISION MAKING
Performs work operations which permit opportunity for decision-making of minor importance. FREQUENTLY;
Performs work operations which permit opportunity for decision-making of major importance. FREQUENTLY;
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and understand the most complex documents; Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers. Ability to perform these mathematical skills using money and other forms of measurement.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Ability to utilize common sense understanding in order to carry out written, oral or diagrammed instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving several known variables furnished in written, oral, or diagram formats.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Under immediate supervision, with SHORT ASSIGNMENTS of work at frequent interval with REGULAR CHECK of work.
MENTAL DEMAND
CLOSE; Operations requiring close and continuous attention for control of operations. Operations requiring intermittent direct thinking to determine or select the most applicable way of handling situations regarding the organization’s operations.
USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTER
Regular use of complex machines and equipment (desktop/laptop computer and software, road and production machines and equipment, etc.)
ACCURACY
Probable errors of internal scope readily detected in normal course of work by standard check or routine crosscheck within a single department or office. Errors resulting from inaccuracy would create Minor confusion, delay or expense to correct.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Extensive contacts with various diversified sectors of the public environment; wherein, the contacts are major importance and failure to exercise proper judgment can lead to substantial losses to the organization.
EMPLOYEE CONTACT
Contacts of considerable importance within the department or office. Requires tact in discussing problems and presenting data and making recommendations.
SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED
Accounting Basic
Alphanumeric Data Entry Basic
Contact Management Basic
Database Basic
Enterprise Resource Planning Basic
Human Resources Systems None
Payroll Systems None
Presentation/PowerPoint Intermediate
Programming Languages Basic
Spreadsheet Intermediate
Word Processing/Typing Intermediate
ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE SKILLS
Adobe Creative Cloud (Primarily Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and InDesign)
Canva Proficiency
OTHER SKILLS
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
While performing the functions of this job, the employee may be required to:
Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Use hands to handle or feel Frequently
Reach with hands and arms Occasionally
Climb or balance Occasionally
Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Frequently
Talk or hear Frequently
Taste or smell Never
WEIGHT LIFT REQUIREMENTS
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move:
Up to 10 pounds
VISION REQUIREMENT
Specific vision abilities required by this job may include:
Color vision (interpreting color software screens or reports; work duties that require the ability to identify and distinguish colors).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work near moving mechanical parts (spinning shafts, engines, lifts, etc.) Never
Work in high, precarious places (tall structures, bucket lifts, extension ladders, etc.) Never
Fumes or airborne particles (painting, sanding, solvents, flying lint or dust particles, etc.) Never
Toxic or caustic chemicals (including potential for chemical spills, etc.) Never
Outdoor weather conditions (exposure to outdoor heat, cold or inclement weather) Occasionally
Wet or humid conditions (not weather-related, such as greenhouse, carwash, etc.) Never
Extreme cold (not weather-related, such as freezer, cold storage, etc.) Never
Extreme heat not weather-related, such as furnace, kitchen, ovens, etc. where temp is regularly above 100 degrees F) Never
Risk of electrical shock (live electrical wires, equipment that retains power after shutoff) Never
Work with explosives (TNT, dynamite, nitroglycerine or other related explosives) Never
Risk of radiation (x-ray equipment, nuclear radiation, electromagnetic radiation, etc.) Never
Vibration (jack hammer, soil compactor, equipment that creates high vibration, etc.) Never
The noise level in the work environment is usually Moderate (business office with computers/printers, light traffic, etc.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).
- Drafts and distributes press releases, media advisories, speeches, and other communication materials.
- Ensures that all content is clear, accurate, and aligns with the City of Ocala’s messaging and branding guidelines.
- Assists in the development and execution of crisis communication plans.
- Responds quickly and effectively to public relations issues, providing accurate information to the media and the public.
- Creates and manages content for the city’s social media platforms. Ensures that messaging is consistent across all channels and engages the community.
- Assists in planning and executing city events, including press conferences, community outreach events, and public meetings.
- Ensures that all events and city-led initiatives are well-organized and effectively communicated to the public.
- Works closely with community groups, organizations, and stakeholders to promote city initiatives and foster positive relationships.
- Attends community meetings and events as assigned to represent the city and gather feedback.
- Supports internal communication efforts by developing content for employee newsletters, internal announcements, and other internal communication channels.
- Monitors and analyzes media coverage and provide recommendations for improving media relations and public perception.
- Creates and provides presentations and reports on social media, website, and digital communication analytics.
- Assists in photography, videography, and graphic design efforts as needed.
- Assists in the design and maintenance of the City’s website.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism or a related field.
3 years of experience in public relations, preferably in a government setting.
Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to produce high-quality content under tight deadlines.
Understanding and ability to write in AP Style.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication strategies.
Ability to manage time effectively and meet tight deadlines.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Must possess a valid Florida Driver's License with an acceptable driving recordQUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FUNDS, PROPERTY and EQUIPMENT Annual Budget: $N/A
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position will directly supervise 0 employees.
This position may indirectly supervise 0 employees.
If applicable, supervisory responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance, rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
ANALYTICAL ABILITY / PROBLEM SOLVING MODERATELY STRUCTURED. Fairly broad activities using moderately structured procedures with only generally guided supervision.
PLANNING
With regard to general assignments in planning time, method, manner and/or sequence of performance of own work.
CONSIDERABLE RESPONSIBILITY; may also occasionally assist in the planning of work assignments performed by others within a limited area of operation.
DECISION MAKING
Performs work operations which permit opportunity for decision-making of minor importance. FREQUENTLY;
Performs work operations which permit opportunity for decision-making of major importance. FREQUENTLY;
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and understand the most complex documents; Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide numbers. Ability to perform these mathematical skills using money and other forms of measurement.
CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS
Ability to utilize common sense understanding in order to carry out written, oral or diagrammed instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving several known variables furnished in written, oral, or diagram formats.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
Under immediate supervision, with SHORT ASSIGNMENTS of work at frequent interval with REGULAR CHECK of work.
MENTAL DEMAND
CLOSE; Operations requiring close and continuous attention for control of operations. Operations requiring intermittent direct thinking to determine or select the most applicable way of handling situations regarding the organization’s operations.
USE OF MACHINES, EQUIPMENT AND/OR COMPUTER
Regular use of complex machines and equipment (desktop/laptop computer and software, road and production machines and equipment, etc.)
ACCURACY
Probable errors of internal scope readily detected in normal course of work by standard check or routine crosscheck within a single department or office. Errors resulting from inaccuracy would create Minor confusion, delay or expense to correct.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Extensive contacts with various diversified sectors of the public environment; wherein, the contacts are major importance and failure to exercise proper judgment can lead to substantial losses to the organization.
EMPLOYEE CONTACT
Contacts of considerable importance within the department or office. Requires tact in discussing problems and presenting data and making recommendations.
SOFTWARE SKILLS REQUIRED
Accounting Basic
Alphanumeric Data Entry Basic
Contact Management Basic
Database Basic
Enterprise Resource Planning Basic
Human Resources Systems None
Payroll Systems None
Presentation/PowerPoint Intermediate
Programming Languages Basic
Spreadsheet Intermediate
Word Processing/Typing Intermediate
ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE SKILLS
Adobe Creative Cloud (Primarily Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and InDesign)
Canva Proficiency
OTHER SKILLS
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
While performing the functions of this job, the employee may be required to:
Stand Frequently
Walk Frequently
Sit Frequently
Use hands to handle or feel Frequently
Reach with hands and arms Occasionally
Climb or balance Occasionally
Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Frequently
Talk or hear Frequently
Taste or smell Never
WEIGHT LIFT REQUIREMENTS
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move:
Up to 10 pounds
VISION REQUIREMENT
Specific vision abilities required by this job may include:
Color vision (interpreting color software screens or reports; work duties that require the ability to identify and distinguish colors).
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Work near moving mechanical parts (spinning shafts, engines, lifts, etc.) Never
Work in high, precarious places (tall structures, bucket lifts, extension ladders, etc.) Never
Fumes or airborne particles (painting, sanding, solvents, flying lint or dust particles, etc.) Never
Toxic or caustic chemicals (including potential for chemical spills, etc.) Never
Outdoor weather conditions (exposure to outdoor heat, cold or inclement weather) Occasionally
Wet or humid conditions (not weather-related, such as greenhouse, carwash, etc.) Never
Extreme cold (not weather-related, such as freezer, cold storage, etc.) Never
Extreme heat not weather-related, such as furnace, kitchen, ovens, etc. where temp is regularly above 100 degrees F) Never
Risk of electrical shock (live electrical wires, equipment that retains power after shutoff) Never
Work with explosives (TNT, dynamite, nitroglycerine or other related explosives) Never
Risk of radiation (x-ray equipment, nuclear radiation, electromagnetic radiation, etc.) Never
Vibration (jack hammer, soil compactor, equipment that creates high vibration, etc.) Never
The noise level in the work environment is usually Moderate (business office with computers/printers, light traffic, etc.)
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, changes in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).
Salary : $52,880 - $70,180
