Press Information Officer

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS  

The incumbent in this position, under general supervision, will assist in the planning and dissemination of public information, public relations, communications or community involvement activities for the Office of the Mayor and Common Council to assure that the City’s key messages reach the public. This incumbent also performs a variety of public relations assignments which include developing, packaging and distributing information which has a significant impact on public and/or governmental relations; researches and answers inquiries and other public information issues.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

• Serves as a media contact for the Office of the Mayor, Common Council and City of Buffalo

• Responds to some inquiries from reporters and media representatives

• Assists in generating and disseminating communication materials, including press releases, social media content, public service announcements, website content, annual reports, speeches, editorials and other related public information

• Assists in the arrangement for media coverage of Mayoral or Common Council events, informational and educational campaigns, and other activities

• Arranges and participates in community outreach events and meetings involving the Office of the Mayor, Common Council and City of Buffalo

• Helps coordinate and prepare the Mayor Common Council and other City Commissioners and Directors for interviews and press conferences

• Identifies and organizes opportunities for public and media appearances

• Helps to manage social media strategy and content

• May assist with internal communications (working with the designated City departments to produce key messages through print and digital media; edits, designs and prints internal publications) or with external communications (informing media, partner organizations and others of relevant news and events, developing and submitting timely news items, editorials, etc. to local publications to foster greater awareness about the City’s key messages and initiatives; edits, designs and prints external publications)

• Works closely with the Digital Communications Officer to keep the City website current at all times

• Review and/or edit documents for accuracy and completeness 

*In order to carry out the responsibilities of the position, the Press Information Officer must be available by phone or text at all times

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Excellent oral and written communication

• Excellent in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing

• Excellent in using computers and related software

• Ability to coordinate with various departments

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city and government agency employees and the public

• Ability to use social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) and online strategies (websites, blogs, etc.) to compliment a public awareness campaign or a press strategy

• Proficient in media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods including alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media

• Ability to interact with news and other public media 

Competencies and Abilities Needed to Succeed in the Position:

• Strong verbal, written, and public relations skills including the ability to write on behalf of another person

• The ability to communicate effectively with other employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public

• A strong aptitude for quick analytical thinking and problem solving

• Ability to manage and stay current on relevant issues and events in the community

• Producing, directing, writing, shooting, and editing video productions from concept to completion 

• Demonstration of self-initiative and self-motivation

• Knowledge of the operations and functions of state and local governments

• Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

PREFERRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS