Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Department: Mayor's Office

Pay Grade: 10

Supervision Received: This position will report to the Mayor or designee until further directed.

Supervision Exercised: None

Position Classifications: The position of Public Information Officer in the City of Stow is a Full-Time unclassified position by the Stow Municipal Civil Service Commission, is non-exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and is not included in a collective bargaining agreement.

Purpose: The Public Information Officer position leads and coordinates the City's internal and external communications, acting as a liaison between City administration and the community.

Essential Functions

1. Lead marketing, branding, community relations, and media relations for the City to ensure consistent and accurate public messaging.
2. Develop, implement, and manage internal and external communication strategies aligned with City priorities and initiatives.
3. Draft, edit, and distribute content including press releases, public announcements, speeches, website content, and social media communications.
4. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries; coordinate interviews, prepare City officials, and respond to requests for information.
5. Oversee and manage all City social media accounts, including content creation, scheduling, monitoring, and public engagement.
6. Manage and maintain the City's website in coordination with all departments to ensure timely, accurate, and user-friendly information.
7. Coordinate communication efforts related to City programs, services, events, and initiatives to promote community awareness and engagement.
8. Develop and coordinate emergency and crisis communication strategies, including timely dissemination of information during public safety incidents or service disruptions.
9. Ensure consistency of City branding, messaging, and public-facing materials across all departments and communication platforms.
10. Monitor and evaluate communication efforts, including social media and website analytics, to assess effectiveness and inform improvements.
11. Assist in coordinating responses to public records requests and ensure communications align with applicable laws, policies, and City standards.

*The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

KSA's

Knowledge Of:

• Working knowledge of graphic design platforms-Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, etc.)
• Government structures, processes, and policies.
• Public relations principles and practices.
• Applicable laws related to public communications, including public records, open meetings, and media relations.
• Awareness of departmental goals and objectives.

Skilled In:

• Preparing and delivering speeches, presentations, and written communications for various audiences.
• Create, coordinate and/or assist with press releases, presentation materials, public announcements, and correspondence.
• Social media marketing and email campaign management.
• Graphic design and layout skills for internal and external communications.
• Marketing campaign development and execution skills.
• High level of customer service and ability to maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders.

Ability To:

• Develop and implement communication plans, strategies, and policies.
• Lead and direct integrated public relations and marketing strategies to the public through press conferences, news releases, and speaking engagements.
• Manage messaging, public relations, community outreach, and website development.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with media, community support services, business leaders, and government officials.
• Participate in community events and presentations to various groups and represent the Mayor on various boards and committees, as needed.
• Budget and cost estimation for departmental activities.
• Serve as a primary webmaster.
• Handle people with tact and skill, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills and sound judgment.

Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, communications, English, marketing, or related field.
2. A minimum of 4 years' experience in public relations, communications, print or broadcast journalism, publishing, or closely related field.
3. Must possess thorough knowledge of various forms of marketing, and public relations
4. Must have a working knowledge of personal computers, Microsoft Office, and all social media platforms.
5. Must have the ability to establish effective working relationships and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with City employees and officials and the general public.
6. Must possess and maintain a valid State of Ohio Driver's License throughout the term of employment.

Preferred: Experience in local government or a comparable public-sector setting.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, and communication. Occasional use of hands to operate office equipment and reach with arms is required. Vision abilities required include close, distance, and peripheral vision, as well as the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made as needed.

Work is performed in both office and outdoor settings. The position may involve occasional exposure to varying weather conditions, noise levels, and environmental elements associated with various events or general work related business operations.

The City of Stow offers a comprehensive benefits package to all full-time employees, including major medical hospitalization, dental, vision, and life insurance. Employees have excellent coverage with affordable monthly contributions. Employees also have the option to purchase ancillary insurance and participate in deferred compensation.