Public Relations Spokesperson

SWBNO supports life in one of the nations’ most culturally rich and historically significant cities by providing water, sewer, and drainage services to roughly 370,000 residents and 18.5 million tourists annually. As a quasi-City/State entity, the utility is governed by an 11-member board comprised of the Mayor of New Orleans, two representatives of the City’s Board of Liquidation, and eight citizens, five representing council districts, one at-large member, and two consumer advocates. The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the governing board and oversees the day-to-day operations of SWBNO and its workforce of more than 1,200.

Duties and Responsibilities:
About the Utility

SWBNO supports life in one of the nations’ most culturally rich and historically significant cities by providing water, sewer, and drainage services to roughly 370,000 residents and 18.5 million tourists annually. As a quasi-City/State entity, the utility is governed by an 11-member board comprised of the Mayor of New Orleans, two representatives of the City’s Board of Liquidation, and eight citizens, five representing council districts, one at-large member, and two consumer advocates. The Executive Director serves at the pleasure of the governing board and oversees the day-to-day operations of SWBNO and its workforce of more than 1,200.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Communications Director, the Press Secretary is responsible for building awareness of SWBNO through traditional and social media efforts; acting as the primary media contact for SWBNO’s day-to-day interactions with local, state, and national news media; and advocating for the utility and its customers through government relations.

Other Responsibilities Include

Coordinate with the Communications Director to develop, implement, and manage communication strategies to ensure campaigns and media interactions are aligned with broader organizational objectives and priorities.

Act as the formal media liaison for SWBNO, responding to media inquiries and maintaining relationships with journalists and other members of the press.

Develop and implement media placement strategies and establish an appropriate media mix based on market data and target audiences.

Draft and maintain content calendars to fulfill all media needs.

Manage SWBNO social media accounts, including developing and posting content as well as responding to inquiries.

Oversee media placement budgets and negotiate media costs.

Provide accurate and supportive coverage of SWBNO efforts and coordinating agencies through utility-published news stories.

Plan and execute press conferences and other promotional events.

Draft speeches and letters on behalf of SWBNO leadership.

Monitor analytics and create reports detailing the successes and failures of online and offline media efforts and strategies.

Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, dignitaries, policymakers, and other key government stakeholders.

Provide frequent informational updates to government stakeholders and educate them on SWBNO’s operations and policies as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, a social science, or related fields.

5-7 years of experience in the communications field; media relations and/or government relations experience required.

Experience in the public sector is preferred.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Proficient in content management systems.

Experience managing social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

Experience in media planning and buying.

Demonstrated ability to implement communications projects, tactics, and strategies in sensitive or time-sensitive situations.

Crisis management experience is preferred.

#J-18808-Ljbffr Sewerage & Water Board of New Orleans