DPS/DPU Public Information Coordinator

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Public Information Coordinator will plan and implement effective coordination of DPS and DPU internal and external public relations communication. This position assists in planning, organizing, and directing information of new and current departmental services to the media and public through the Communications Director. They will do so by promoting public relations; researching, writing and distributing news releases and all publications to media representatives and the general public to inform them of departmental activities, under the supervision of the Communications Director.

This position will design and complete the layout of publications and presentations, prepare speeches, and assist in promoting public relations with neighborhood groups and programs. This position will photograph or video subjects and projects as needed and maintain an inventory or media. Additionally, the position will plan, organize, and assist in conducting special events; purchase advertising time and space as authorized; obtain quotes and make recommendations for the purchase of printing and other related items; assist in planning and coordination of activities and policies to improve internal departmental communications and section operations. This is an at-will appointed position.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• 
  External Public Relations Communication:
  • Plan and manage public relations for DPS and DPU programs by organizing and directing information through the Communications Director to introduce new and current departmental services to the media and public (this includes, but is not limited to, leaf collection, snow/ice control, Toledo Regional Water Commission, Engage Toledo, road reconstruction, summer programming, etc.)
  • In coordination with the Communications Director, work with media outlets for proper disbursement of DPS and DPU information
  • Prepare press releases, speeches, and related material for press conferences involving the Mayor, Chiefs, Directors, and DPS/DPU staff
  • Monitor and assist with city social media
  • Develops, coordinates, and maintains departments' publicity and marketing efforts
  • Assists with coordination of special events
  • Respond to questions from residents by way of social media, public information requests, or email
  • Record and edit video, photos, etc. of programs in action and maintains an inventory of graphics for use
• Internal Public Relations Communication:
  • Assists in planning and coordination of activities and policies to improve internal departmental communications and section operations
  • Assist in getting messaging out to our employees
  • Informational pages specifically for employees (for example: Flu shots, work boot truck, uniform information, etc.)
  • Divisional newsletters or emails to DPS/DPU employees
  • Information postings at divisions.
  • Performs other tasks as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of:

• Communication methods and procedures.
• Public relations procedures.
• Written and verbal communication, including public speaking and interviews.
• Public Service and Public Utilities departments.
• Design graphics and print production.

Skill in:

• Analyzing complex problems, evaluating alternatives and making sound recommendations.
• Using the internet, remote communications, and other advanced tools to increase productivity and perform job functions.
• Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), desktop publishing software, social media, and video editing.
• Writing and speaking that is easily understood by others.

Ability to:

• Coordinate between multiple divisions and make sound recommendations regarding public relations information.
• Work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, peers, superiors, vendor representatives, clients, and general public.
• Multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Business, Marketing, Journalism, Communications or closely related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in public relations, communication, journalism and/or marketing.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• None

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described within this job description 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.
In this position, the employee will continuously sit. Frequently standing, walking, and driving. The position will occasionally require the employee to drive a personal and company owned vehicle. The employee will frequently lift and carry up to 5 pounds. Speaking and listening are constant essential functions of this position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The employee is continuously indoors. Rarely will work outdoors and occasionally travels to multiple worksites. The noise level in the work environment is usually low.
If you need assistance or an accommodation, or if you have questions about completing the online application, please contact the Department of Human Resources at (419) 245-1500.
Class Code: Public Information Coordinator (7014)

The City of Toledo provides excellent health and retirement benefits for its employees.

Health Insurance

The City of Toledo is a self-funded medical plan provider that offers a broad network of health services options for its employees. The City also offers a multi-tiered prescription drug plan and dental and vision care services.

Employees are required to pay a monthly premium depending on the employee’s selection of single, single plus one, or family coverage. Coverage is also afforded for qualifying domestic partners, depending on the employee’s bargaining unit. Monthly co-premiums are determined by collective bargaining agreement or Municipal Code.

Group Life Insurance City employees are covered by a group life insurance plan depending on collective bargaining agreement or Municipal Code. Ohio Public Employees Retirement Plan The City is a member of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement Plan (OPERS). All employees who are paid in whole or in part by the state of Ohio, a county, municipality, or any other political subdivision of state or local government in Ohio must become members of OPERS unless they are covered by another state retirement system in Ohio.

OPERS is a pension plan providing fixed retirement benefits every month based on a formula that rewards years of service. The City contributes 14.00% of the employee’s annual base salary and employees contribute 10.00% of their annual base salary. For more information about OPERS, click on this link: https://www.opers.org/ Deferred Compensation & 401(K) The City of Toledo offers a voluntary governmental 457(b) deferred compensation plan, which is a retirement savings plan that allows eligible employees to supplement any existing retirement/pension benefits by saving and investing pre-tax dollars through salary deferral. Contributions and any earnings are tax-deferred (both federal and state income taxes) until money is withdrawn. Withdrawals are taxed at ordinary income levels. For more information about the Ohio Deferred Compensation click on this link: https://www.ohio457.org/iApp/tcm/ohio457/index.jsp 401(k) The City of Toledo offers a voluntary pre-tax savings contributions retirement plan. The plan is commonly referred to as a 401(k). Under the 401(k) plan, an employee’s retirement savings contributions are deducted from the employee’s paycheck before taxation. The City does not make contributions on the employee’s behalf. (Contributions are tax-deferred until withdrawn during retirement). Annual contributions to the 401(k) plan are limited to a maximum pre-tax annual contribution, as established by Internal Revenue Service regulations. Roth 401(k) The City of Toledo also offers a voluntary post-tax savings contributions retirement plan. This plan is commonly referred to as a Roth 401(k) Plan. Under a Roth 401(k) Plan, an employee’s retirement savings contributions are deducted from the employee’s paycheck on a post-tax basis. Annual contributions to the Roth 401(k) plan are limited to a maximum post-tax annual contribution, as established by the Internal Revenue Service.