PIO - Communications Specialist

Public Information Officer (PIO)

Open Until Filled

REPORTS TO : Communications Bureau Manager

DIVISION : Community Services / Communications

FLSA CLASSIFICATION : Non-Exempt

GRADE : 14

SALARY GRADE : $75,602 - $89,610

South Metro Fire Rescue (SMFR) is currently accepting internal and external applications.

The ideal PIO candidate will possess strong writing and creative storytelling capabilities, an understanding of the importance for communicating with community members, law enforcement partners and members of the media in a timely manner, a focus on teamwork ethic with on call responsibilities, and the ability to work efficiently and effectively while navigating emergency situations and an overall commitment to the mission, vision and values of the organization.

All candidates must submit a written resume and cover letter with the application.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY

The purpose of the Communications Specialist, PIO is to ensure South Metro Fire Rescue effectively disseminates information to various stakeholders in a manner consistent with organizational values. This position is responsible for representing SMFR during emergency incidents, responding to, and coordinating media requests on scene and following incidents. The Communication Specialist, PIO works closely with various stakeholders, bureaus, and divisions throughout SMFR to understand strategy, organizational direction, programs, and opportunities to effectively execute public relations and social media efforts and deliverables.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (The following statements are illustrative of the duties and responsibilities of the position and do not list every duty that may be required of the employee for this position. The District retains the right to change the duties and responsibilities of the position at any time without notice.)

Communications (external, internal, social, multi-media) :

Assists in the implementation of the strategic communication plans and tactics to help build and maintain a positive SMFR brand image while strengthening media relations, brand awareness and community connectivity.

Participates in the production, preparation, and delivery of community relations information in a variety of media to include video, photography, social media, and other industry best practices.

Assists with media outreach and public relations.

Assists in facilitating media interviews with SMFR subject matter experts (SME's).

Helps write, edit, and produce testimonials and press releases.

Assists with content creation for all social media platforms; assists in managing social media engagement, answering direct messages, and writing public replies.

Helps in the production of videos for both internal and external audiences such as vlogs, training, and safety videos. Production duties include, but are not limited to : operating and maintaining video cameras; operating and maintaining audio equipment; operating and maintaining lighting equipment; operating and maintaining video editing computers and software; conducting interviews; creating graphics; and manipulating still photographs for use in videos.

Takes video and still pictures at emergency scenes for use in training and communication materials.

Maintains photo and video library and assists all personnel with photo / video needs for presentations, trainings, etc.

Creates and edits internal communications using the company website, email, audio, video, and written publications to disseminate information of organizational-wide importance.

Public Information Officer :

Participates in ensuring effective media relations during major incidents; conducts or coordinates media interviews and press releases in television, radio, and print formats; responds to media requests for information.

Serves in an on-call capacity for PIO or other emergency and crisis situations, as needed.

While on-call, must respond to incidents and media requests within 10-minutes of receiving them and arrive on scene within 1-hour, as outlined in the PIO standard operating guideline.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, LICENSES & CERTIFICATIONS (An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.)

Bachelor's degree in film and video production, journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field is preferred.

Minimum of two (2) years of experience in media relations and program management.

Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with the SMFR's Driving Records Policy.

Must obtain CPR certification within one (1) year of hire.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of media relations, social media, public relations, and communications.

Knowledge of the Colorado Open Records Act, Colorado Sunshine Law (open meetings), and HIPPA as they apply to public information releases and District operations.

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of modern fire suppression, prevention, and community risk reduction strategies.

Knowledge of software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite and various web, photo, and video development / editing software.

Skill in demonstrating critical thinking and functioning under extreme stress.

Skill in understanding and responding to customer needs.

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to a variety of audiences.

Ability to handle confidential information and exercise sound judgement.

Ability to exercise initiative and work both independently and as a team.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with management, employees, elected officials, media, community members and general public.

Ability to process multiple, varied tasks and meet deadlines efficiently and effectively.

Ability to operate assigned vehicles.

Ability to respond to emergency incidents and operate within the incident command structure.

Ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and diplomacy.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Communications Bureau Manager.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

This is a non-supervisory position.

EQUIPMENT and SYSTEMS

Requires frequent use of equipment including personal computer (including various software packages, database, and spreadsheet programs), SMFR automobiles, cameras, video and sound equipment, calculators, telephones, two-way radios, facsimile machines, copy machines, printers, and other general office equipment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium work : Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and / or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and distance vision acuity and the ability to adjust his or her focus, allowing a broad field of vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND GENERAL INFORMATION

The primary duties of this job are performed in a climate-controlled office environment. The incumbent will occasionally work at emergency scenes and may be exposed to outside weather conditions and smoke.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

BENEFITS

South Metro Fire Rescue's compensation philosophy is designed to attract and retain highly skilled and motivated employees. As such, SMFR's compensation is more than base pay. All regular fulltime SMFR employees enjoy a total compensation package including : base wages, leave accruals, medical, dental, vision and life insurance employer paid premiums, Retiree Health Savings, Death & Disability and employer paid pension contributions as well as a positive work culture including a robust Fitness, Wellness and Rehabilitation Program, educational opportunities and support, job security and other positive non-monetary values which are intended to collectively position SMFR as an employer of choice in its geographic area. SMFR recognizes that being an employer of choice has different meaning to different people depending on what elements a person highly values. But SMFR's overall goal is to be a great place to work.

Salary : $75,602 - $89,610