DEPUTY DIRECTOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Collaborates with the Director of Public Affairs to provide leadership for the city's external media, government, and public relations components. Works with the Director to plan, implement, and follow city communications policies and practices.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

• Manages media relations for the city.
• Develops and implements a strategic media relations campaign to ensure a positive public image for the city.
• Works with the media
• Maintains contact with the Public Affairs Director in news media, public statements, crisis communications, and public relations activities.
• Represents the city to news media.
• Manages developing and disseminating press releases, web features, and other external media communications.
• Plans and develops special events for the city.

• Provides guidance and support to the city on planning events and other public relations activities.
• May represent the city at public events, press conferences, and meetings.
• Manage special projects for the Public Affairs Department related to the organization.
• Provides support for specific initiatives to advance the City’s mission and goals.
• Coordinates with vendors to ensure that events run smoothly.
• Helps develop a comprehensive strategy for public events.
• Develops public relations communications processes.
• Directs the staff in their role at the request of the Public Affairs Director.
• Maintaining confidentiality and material/information necessitates considerable discretion, judgment, and diplomacy.
• Assists the Director of Public Affairs with overseeing all department activities.
• Serves as the Director of Public Affairs in the absence of the Director.
• Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

• B.A. in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism. Minimum three (3) years of experience working directly with elected officials at various levels of government or as a Senior Communications Manager. The equivalent of education and experience will also qualify for this position.

• Never been convicted of a felony.
• A citizen of the United States or has obtained legal work status.
• Must pass a detailed background investigation.
• Work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license with a clean driving record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Requires a thorough understanding of press/media relations, advertising and promotion, marketing, and communications.
• Experience functioning successfully as a communications strategist and spokesperson in a politically charged environment.
• The ability to function in a managerial capacity for a division or organizational unit includes making decisions on procedural and technical levels.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in critical and/or unexpected situations involving moderate organizational risk.

• Ability to deal effectively and efficiently with vendors, suppliers, other governmental agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in MS Office Word, Excel, and Outlook and familiar with standard office machines.
• Ability to respond to complaints and grievances professionally and courteously.
• Ability to plan and conduct effective and informative public meetings.
• Ability to maintain high ethical standards, both on and off duty.
• Ability to work routinely under highly stressful conditions.
• Ability to promote a positive work environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.