Public Affairs Specialist

POSITION PURPOSE

The Public Relations Specialist is instrumental in ensuring effective and timely communications to all of Indianapolis Public Transportation Corporation’s audiences, with a focus on internal audiences. Responsibilities include developing and executing internal and external communications strategies, designing visually appealing digital and print materials, planning/executing special projects, coordinating engagement efforts and assisting the Public Affairs Department with internal and external outreach needs. The ideal skills for success in this role include excellent writing, graphic design software abilities, creativity, project management, attention to detail and experience building consensus among diverse audiences. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate must be able to perform in a satisfactory manner the functions listed below. The company will provide reasonable accommodations to enable people with disabilities to perform these functions.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Write and develop effective and engaging internal communications, including via employee newsletters, digital platforms, print materials and tabling responsibilities, with the objective of motivating and informing employees about IndyGo’s goals, objectives and special projects. 
• Serve as key liaison between internal departments and employees, specifically the Operations Department, to ensure the timely distribution of information and improve employee awareness and participation. 
• Assist the Public Affairs team with staffing community engagement and outreach activities.
• Assist the Communications team with internal and external communications needs, including assisting the Communications Manager, Creative Design Specialist and Digital Media Specialist, when applicable.
• Manage map and promotional item inventory weekly, including tracking product quantities and coordinating reorders, as necessary.
• Manage simple advertisement resizing tasks monthly after initial designs are provided.
• Oversee internal signage creation for in-house printing, specifically relating to routine announcements and updates.
• Manage business card orders and delivery coordination to ensure timely distribution to staff.
• Assist with website content and monitor graphic audits, ensuring accurate and timely information is displayed.
• Capture photography needs for internal events and manage the organization of digital photo folders and platforms, such as Teams and Flickr.
• Perform basic photo editing tasks for various digital and print products as needed. 
• Design low-priority vinyl stickers for vehicles to satisfy brand standards.
• Identify media trends and pitch stories for public awareness, while also helping solve customer service inefficiencies.
• Maintain department project organization, archives and records.
• Other duties as assigned.

OTHER FUNCTIONS

• Assures department compliance with federal ADA, Civil Rights and procurement regulations.
• Applies federal regulations to public involvement practices.
• Develops, manages or assists with special projects as needed.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

To perform this job successfully, the ideal candidate must have the following education and/or equivalent experience. A combination of relevant education and experience may also be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree (four-year [4-year] college or university) in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Graphic Design or a related field.
• Two (2) to five (5) years in communications, graphic design or marketing preferred.
• Publications management and/or communications experience preferred. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable people with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Working knowledge of graphic design principles and print production.
• Must be able to effectively write, with an emphasis on AP Style.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with others.
• Must be able to effectively stay organized.
• Excellent proofreading skills.
• Ability to understand and communicate complex plans, transit operations and government programs.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
• Working knowledge or ability to learn email programs such as Benchmark, media monitoring systems such as Meltwater, and website content management systems such as WordPress.

Other Requirements

• Experience or comfort with basic photography and videography skills.
• Attention to detail.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those people must meet to successfully perform this job’s essential functions. The company will make reasonable accommodations to enable people with disabilities to perform these functions.

• Must have the ability to communicate and accurately exchange information so others will understand. 
• Periodically requires “on-call” availability. 
• Occasional evening and weekend hours are required.
• Consistent local travel required.
• Ability to work in a deadline-orientated office environment.
• Requires occasional exposure to excessive noise, fumes/odors, some hazardous materials and dirt/dust.
• Ability to transport up to 30 pounds to various locations, including boxes of handouts, swag items and other materials for tabling and other public engagement events.

IndyGo is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

JD- Public Relations Specialist.pdf