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Job Description

PUBLIC INFORMATION DIRECTOR

(Non-classified)

JOB CODE 06430

Effective Date:	10/00X

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to direct the activities of the Public Information Office. This work includes advising City management in the development and maintenance of effective current and long-range policies, plans, and practices which affect its relations with the public; serving as a central source of information about the City and as an official channel of communication between the City and its publics; bringing to public attention, through appropriate media, significant facts, opinions, and interpretations which will serve to keep the public aware of City policies and actions; coordinating City activities which affect its relations with the general public or with special public groups; collecting and analyzing information on the changing attitudes of key public groups towards the City; maintaining effective relationships with civic, corporate, and educational organizations; and developing and participating in news conferences, special events, and other programs of public interest. Supervision is exercised over professional staff in public information, video production, motion picture, and commercial film coordination. Work is evaluated on the basis of results achieved.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for the City's press relations, dealing with print and broadcast media on a local and national level;
• Supervises the design and content of City publications, including annual reports, informational booklets, posters, fliers, etc.;
• Oversees an audio-visual function which produces films, slide shows and video programming to external and internal audiences;
• Responsible for the City's overall graphics design program;
• Assists management officials in articulating their programs before live audiences through the use of visuals and communications instruction;
• Consults with management on a daily basis on problems affecting organizational communications and in formulating policies which will strengthen community relations;
• Oversees the work of the Phoenix Film Office, which works to attract the producers of motion pictures, television programs, commercials, and still photography to Phoenix, and coordinates the assistance of several City departments during film production;
• Administers the City's public opinion research program through contract research films, carrying out a general Community Attitude Survey as well as targeted surveys at the departmental level;
• Oversees the work of Phoenix Channel 11, the City's government access cable channel, and all video production directed toward general or targeted publics;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• The principles, techniques, and objectives of public relations as applied to municipal government.
• Current English usage and journalistic styles, both print and broadcast.
• The regulations, procedures, and services of municipal departments and agencies.
• Opinion research.
• Graphic design principles, typography and layout techniques.
• Audio-visual equipment and its uses.

Ability to:

• Compose news articles, speeches, radio and television scripts, reports, and letters.
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Communicate orally in the English language with customers, clients, and the public in face-to-face, one-on-one settings, and in group settings.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Work cooperatively with others.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Comprehend and make inferences from written material in the English language.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Performs other essential or marginal functions as assigned.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Five years of administrative experience in directing a major public information program and supervision of professional staff in journalism or public relations and a bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism, or related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.