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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 05-005 Creating Public Information Officer Job Classification CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY SPOKANE COUNTY,WASNTNGTON RESOLUTION NO.05-005 A RESOLUTION CREATING A NEW EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION AND JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE POSITION OF PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER FOR THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY. \V1-IEREAS, the City Council from time to time must create new employee classifications and adopt conditions of employment for those newly-created classifications; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Spokane Valley Municipal Code provision 2.50.070, which, in part, provides that position classifications and job descriptions shall be developed for new positions; and WHEREAS, the City Council through Resolution No. 03-031 adopted job descriptions for City positions; and WHEREAS, since adoption of Spokane Valley Municipal Code provision 2.50.70, the City Council has created various new employee classifications and job descriptions. NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington,as follows: Section 1. New Employee Classification and Position Description for Public Information Officer Adopted. The City of Spokane Valley creates the new employee classification of "Public information Officer," and adopts the position description for the position of Public information Officer, attached hereto as Attachment I, as if fully set forth herein. This job description includes a pay grade classification of 14. Section 2. Remaining Job Descriptions Unchanged, The remainder of the job descriptions contained in Resolution No. 03-031 as adopted or amended, remain unchanged by this action. Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective upon adoption. Adopted this l2't' day of April, 2005. City of Spokane Valley CD'CO.A0UK-. ak)-4C4.--J Diana Wilhite, Mayor AT F:` : A.; "Jite hristine Bainbridge, City Clerk Resolution 05-005 Creating PiO Position Page I of I --DRAFT-- CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY POSITION DESCRIPTION Class Title: Public information Officer Job Code Number: 435 Department: Operations & Administrative Svc. Grade Number: 14 Division: NA FLSA Status: Exempt Date: May 1, 2005 Location: City Hall GENERAL PURPOSE Coordinates community and media relations to create public awareness and understanding of City services, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the development and distribution of information. SUPERVISION RECEIVED Works under the general guidance and direction of the Deputy City Manager. SUPERVISION EXERCISED N/A ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Plans, organizes and manages comprehensive and effective media, promotional and public relations programs to address external and internal audiences. Develops and recommends new communications methods and enhancements to better achieve citizen interaction and understanding of City services to citizens, community groups and other external organizations. Establishes and maintains favorable relations with community leaders, the media and internal information sources. Provides public information to media through media releases, fact sheets and background reports. Serves as a resource to media on breaking stories, news features and publicity campaigns. Coordinates the promotion of events, including but not limited to public hearings, ground breaking ceremonies, open houses and City Council or Department projects. Plans, develops and oversees the implementation of promotions and publicity, including but not limited to public service announcements, flyers, brochures, display advertising, newsletters, press conferences and audio visual materials. Coordinates communication and related activities with other City departments, governmental and private agencies, other organizations and the general public. Provides professional communications support and guidance to other City departments and to City Council, including developing communication and public involvement strategies around DRAFT PlO Position Description Page i of 4 • complex policy topics or time-sensitive issues. Drafts speeches, presentations and articles for finalization and delivery by others. Develops and maintains a public awareness and feedback system. Investigates and provides accurate answers to requests for information and needed services. Advises supervisor and other departments, as needed, of concerns and questions brought by the public. PERIPHERAL DUTIES Coordinates interdepartmental and interagency efforts to maintain and expand the City's web site, including overseeing the content. Coordinates volunteer recruitment to promote community involvement in government deliberations. Maintains and cultivates a broad-based list of citizens willing to serve on ad-hoe committees. Works with City Council and staff to develop background information in support of the City's state and federal legislative agenda. Promotes training opportunities for staff and City Council on communication principles, methods, practices and techniques. Researches, evaluates and recommends emerging communications technology to facilitate better communication with citizens. Maintains corporate communications on-call lists, media relations handbook and emergency contact list. Participates as team member in media relations and public relations strategy and planning efforts for proactive or reactive issues. DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience: (A) Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in public relations, communications,journalism, marketing, public administration or a closely related field; and (B) Minimum of three(3) years previous professional experience desired; or (C) Any equivalent combination of education and experience. Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (A) Ability to effectively and accurately communicate, both verbally and in writing, with employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials and the general public. This includes the ability to research, write and edit publications, marketing materials and reports; (B) Effective experience in modern and complex principles and practices of public relations, including methods, principles and practices of preparing and presenting public information materials; Position Description: Public Information Officer 2 (C) Effective experience in the principles, practices and theories of public administration, community and media relations; (D)Ability to analyze situations accurately, adopt an effective course of action and adapt as the situation changes, and to manage multiple projects and tasks; (E) A key value of the City is customer service. This position requires considerable knowledge, ability and skill in the principles and practices of excellent customer service as practiced in both the private and public sectors. It requires the ability to effectively meet and deal with the public; the ability to handle stressful situations; the ability to greet and respond to customers in a friendly; pleasant and professional manner using appropriate inflection, grammar and syntax; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the general public; the ability to maintain a professional, courteous, and pleasant demeanor in difficult and stressful situations; and the ability to diplomatically deal with difficult people. A willingness to expend extra effort to help the public find answers or information relative to their inquiry or complaint is expected. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must possess a valid State driver's license or have the ability to obtain one prior to employment. TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED Personal computer; including word processing, spreadsheet, data base, presentation, publishing and graphics software. PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed mostly in office settings. Some outdoor work is required as part of ground- breaking ceremonies or similar community events. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and is required to talk and hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Position Description: Public Information Officer 3 i WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. SELECTION GUIDELINES Formal application, rating of education and experience; oral interview and reference check;job related tests may be required. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change. Approval: Approval: Human Resources Manager designate City Manager Effective Date: May I,2005 Revision History: New Position Description: Public Information Officer 4