Job Description

***Equal Opportunity Employer***

***Women and Minority Applicants are encouraged to apply.***

**City of Syracuse residency will be required.**

**If you are not a resident, you have six (6) months from your date of hire to establish residency.**

The City of Syracuse Department of Communications is currently looking for qualified candidates for the position of Senior Public Information Officer .

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE POSITION:

Under the direction of the Director of Communications and Marketing, the Senior Public Information Officer plans, prepares, and disseminates critical information on Government activities, services, programs, projects, and objectives to various stakeholders. This role will support administrative departments within the City of Syracuse government including the Office of the Mayor.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES:

· Supervises produces and distributes various types of print and electronic communications and multimedia.

· Manages and coordinates public appearances and field events for the Mayor or City Official managing media relations and event logistics.

· Represents the City of Syracuse as a spokesperson when requested.

· Prepares and distributes statements on behalf of the city and key departments; requires the ability to exercise discretion and sound independent judgment on matters of city business when communicating with members of the press.

· Supervises and direct interns in the field.

· Organizes and manages communications projects for portfolio.

· Produce and publish content for web, social media, advertising, print material, and flyers.

· Produce and publish for public distribution and placement articles on city initiatives, projects, and content from subject matter experts within key portfolio.

· Produce and Publish the city government annual progress report.

· Conducts media relations and outreach.

· Produce and distributes press releases to appropriate media for special events and programs.

· Prepares speeches, letters, and policy statements for agency personnel in key portfolio.

· Prepares briefings and remarks for Mayoral appearances.

· Answers public queries and welcomes recommendations and suggestions for improving agency programs.

· Assesses public reaction to agency activities by providing verbal or written response to difficult or controversial matters, working closely with the department head.

· May at the request of the department head, represent agency at press conferences, interviews, workshops and seminars.

· Strong familiarity with AP Style.

· Good knowledge of style, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar.

· Good knowledge of government functions, services, and programs.

· Good knowledge of writing online and media.

· Good relationship management skills to manage relationships with members of the media.

· Ability to engage with residents, businesses, and key stakeholders.

· Ability to adapt and write in plain language for various audiences and voices.

· Ability to pitch stories and news articles.

· Ability to design graphic communications using software such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or comparable design software.

· Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships with other department leaders, staff, vendors, and the general public.

· Ability to supervise and collaborate with staff and interns in planning events and digital engagements.

· Ability to take good, clear, photographs; advanced photography skill is a plus but not required.

· Ability to manage content online using content management platform such as WordPress.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field.

· Minimum of four (4) years of experience in public relations, marketing, or communications, or related experience.

The Affirmative Action Policy of the City of Syracuse is to provide equal employment opportunity for all individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, age (18 and over), marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity or gender expression, sexual or affectional preference or orientation, or any other classified group within the protected class. If you have a disability for which you wish special accommodation to be made, contact the Department of Personnel at One Park Place, 300 S. State St., 7th FL at 315-448-8780 or Personnel@syr.gov.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,750.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

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