Public Information Officer

The City of Westerville is one of the largest suburban communities in the state of Ohio, located in the northeast corner of Ohio's fastest growing region (northeast Franklin County and southern Delaware County). Westerville is a leader in job creation and widely known for its nationally recognized parks system and award-winning city services.

This position serves as deputy on an award-winning team, supporting all department and public functions of the City. Westerville offers excellent benefits and substantial professional development opportunities. This is not an entry-level position. Minimum five years professional experience in public information, communications, public relations or a related disciple.

NATURE OF WORK: The Public Information Officer operates in the Community Affairs division, supporting the communication objectives of the public safety agencies and public utilities serving the City of Westerville. The PIO focuses on communicating programs, services and promotions of the Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire, Westerville Electric Division (WED) and Water and the We.

Connect Data Center. This position reports to the Chief of Staff but operates as a member of the City's centralized public relations team. The PIO is based at City Hall but also has workspace in the Police and Fire divisions as needed. JOB OVERVIEW: Acts on-call for public information inquiries and responds immediately as needed on emergencies or for public safety scenes (fires, law enforcement incidents, power outages, etc).

Experienced in crisis communication and National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) Incident Command Structure (ICS). Prepares social media content in collaboration with the Community Affairs Manager on behalf of WED, Water, WPD, and WFD on central social media channels. Conducts social listening on special topics related to public safety.

Directly manages strategic and tactical implementation of communication objectives for Westerville first responders, lineman and utility employees. Prepares special communication programs for recruitment, community engagement opportunities, special programs and more. Assists in the development and management of special events for WPF, WFD, WED and other departments as designated by the department director.

Participates in other special events (e.g., Great Westerville Pumpkin Glow, 4th of July, etc). Writes and edits content for the City's bimonthly magazine. Participates in Citywide communications including media relations, public relations, public affairs, advertising, marketing and special events.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

For purposes of 42 U.S.C. 12101, May not include all duties performed Works with the Community Affairs Director to promote a positive, proactive relationship with the media. Coordinates directly with the Community Affairs Manager and other staff as needed to address PIO duties. Assist in monitoring of and adherence to the City brand among all City departments and among external entities when and as necessary.

Supports WPD, WED, and WFD, City departments and divisions, their function, operations and services in communication activities. Assist in the management of customer service aspects of City operations, integrating set customer service expectations into communications strategies. Assist in the development and execution of advertising, both print and electronic, specific to public safety programming.

Support the production of special events. Works with the City Web Administrator to update WPD, WED and WFD webpages along with corresponding communication, including analytics and monitoring and tracking for multiple City programs, services and departments. Coordinates, updates and manages online event calendars in conjunction with multiple, concurrent community-based events citywide.

Perform primary and secondary research as needed to determine public safety communications and broad customer service benchmarks citywide. Support internal communication initiatives primarily through the City Intranet. Support other staff functions as designated by the City Manager's Office. Provides PIO support for the Westerville utilities, including the Westerville Electric Division where this role would provide support during outages, including the Westerville Electric Division where this role would provide support during outages, including managing outage texting.

Perform other duties as assigned. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT: Has exposure to chemical compounds found in an office environment (e.g., toner, correction fluid, etc.); this is considered sedentary work and the employee must demonstrate the ability to perform the physical demands required of the position in accordance with the U.

S. Department of Labor's physical demands strength ratings. In case of emergency, unpredictable situations, and/or department needs, may be required to lift, push, pull, and or/or carry objects heavier than D.O.L. strength ratings recommend.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

An example of acceptable qualifications. Possession of a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications/Public Relations, Marketing or related field. Five (5) or more years experience performing public relations/strategic communication planning, including social media management. Excellent writing and editing skills, with expertise in AP Style.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, particularly as it relates to public information management. Demonstrated experience in social media and other digital communications. Proficiency in Microsoft Office application, with experience and skill in graphic design. Preferred: Adobe Creative Suite. Results-driven, capable of multitasking.

Basic photography photo editing skills. Any combination of education, training, and/or experience equivalent to the minimum qualifications stated above. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Indicates developed after employment KNOWLEDGE OF: city goals and objectives; city policies and procedures*; digital communication tools, content management systems and social media platforms; Ohio Public Records Law and best practices in government transparency; local government operations.

SKILL IN: use of modern office equipment and software, critical thinking, judgment, and decision making; writing, editing and verbal and written communications. ABILITY TO: demonstrate professionalism; apply management principles to solve agency problems*; manage communications during crisis or emergency situations.