Public Information Officer

Requires successful post-offer completion of a background investigation, physical exam, and drug test (including marijuana/THC) as a condition of employment with the City of Joplin.

Primary Purpose

Under supervision of the Marketing & Communications Director, and in collaboration with the city management team; performs a variety of public relations, media relations, and strategic mass communications duties to educate and inform both internal and external audiences. Educates and informs news journalists, citizens, City staff and visiting public about the municipal government, its operations, projects, programs, services and Council actions that impact the community.

Essential Job Functions

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job. Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Using journalistic AP style, Smart Brevity, and other best practices and standards – plans, researches, writes, drafts, and edits press releases, story pitches, feature articles, video scripts, internal communications, and executive communications.

Manages Media Relations as the City’s primary point of contact for journalists and news media outlets. Coordinates responses to media requests, researches and drafts responses to reporter questions, collaborates with City Clerk regarding open records requests, coordinates schedules and prepares media interviews for staff subject matter experts, and occasionally serves as on-camera spokesperson. Coordinates press conferences, media briefs and tours. Prepares talking points and prepares or trains subject matter experts to ensure they are ready and able to perform in media appearances and assists during interviews. Manages positive and productive working relationships with local news media.

Assist with strategic communications planning and advises on strategy according to Public Relations, Public Information, and Government Communications industry ethical standards and best practices. Assists the Department Director in planning, research, production and dissemination of factual and transparent information in a proactive manner. Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of public relations activities; recommends changes as needed.

Assists with crisis and emergency mass communications, reputation management, and can effectively and reliably serve in the PIO role as defined by FEMA through the ICS framework.

Attends City Council meetings, other public meetings & community engagement activities. Prepares and delivers presentations and reports. Assists with or may be assigned to lead planning of special events such as State of the Community, community engagement event booths, public hearings, groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, etc. Schedules, coordinates and facilitates certain community engagement meetings and activities.

Writes content for and coordinates production and distribution of print and email newsletters, as well as other publications such as reports, brochures, pamphlets, flyers, presentations, etc. Assists with photography, graphic design and publication layout design. 

Collaborates and manages creative working relationships with designers, photographers, videographers, and other skilled specialists, but may also be expected to produce creative works without assistance. Must be able to coordinate with internal specialists and manage external vendors & collaborators to ensure messaging is strategic, designs are on brand, and mass communications products are aligned with organizational goals.

Uses technology including Microsoft 365 products, SharePoint, Adobe Creative Cloud, website Content Management Systems, and various SaaS used by the MarCom Department such as but not limited to SurveyMonkey, Meltwater, Constant Contact, and other City software systems such as Financial Accounting and HR systems, in both Mac and PC environments. Must be capable of learning and becoming proficient in the use and application of new tech and software systems.

Coordinates public relations, community engagement and educational projects and related administrative tasks with department and division heads, subject matter experts, committees, citizens, and employee groups. Leads certain special projects; assists in formulation of recommendations.

Investigates and facilitates resolution of public inquiries and citizen complaints; directs inquiries, where appropriate, to the proper department. Develops written FAQs to assist staff in responding to common questions and inquiries. Anticipates questions and concerns which the media and public may have regarding issues, advocates for prudent action, and addresses public sentiment.

Assists in the management of social media, website content, and email marketing. May also be assigned to assist with a variety of marketing, promotions and advertising tasks.

Other Duties

Attends and participates effectively in departmental staff meetings and Leadership Team meetings.

Maintains the confidentiality of files, records, reports as required by law, City policy, and procedures. Exhibits sound judgement regarding release of public information while protecting sensitive and privileged information. Secures necessary approvals from relevant departments prior to information releases.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of: Correct English usage, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary; principles and techniques of preparing, producing, and disseminating public information; principles, ethics, and best practices of Public Relations, Government Communications & Public Information; State of Missouri laws, regulations, and guidelines governing all aspects of public information; City of Joplin Charter, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and guidelines regarding municipal operations and enforcement functions; use of computers, internet and software systems; use of social media platforms and website content management systems; crisis communications strategies during emergency responses.

Skill in: Journalistic writing, establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with State, Federal, and other local officials, elected officials, media contacts, business/industry officials, and City residents; analyzing and resolving problems arising regarding City operations and mass communications; understanding and interpreting complex laws, rules, regulations, policies, guidelines; following oral and written instructions; assertiveness in handling administrative responsibilities; creating oral and written reports, press releases, correspondence, project analysis reports, and related communication; managing effective communication strategies during emergency situations; Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Cloud. Skill with photography, graphic design and publication layouts preferred.

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Journalism, Business Communication, or related discipline. Degree requirement may be waived if candidate can show either additional 2 years of relevant experience in Public Relations or Journalism, or APR or MPIO certification.

Experience: Minimum three years' experience in public relations, journalism, business communications or a closely related field; public sector experience involving public information and strategic mass communications is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certifications: Possess and maintain a valid state issued driver’s license. APR accreditation through PRSA and/or MPIO certification through FEMA are strongly preferred but not required.

Physical Demands Requirements and Working Conditions

This is primarily an office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 20 pounds.

Miscellaneous Requirements

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset members of the public or their representatives while enforcing departmental policies and procedures.