Public Information Specialist II Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/norfolk/jobs/newprint/3597750) Apply  Public Information Specialist II Salary $50,624.00 - $66,590.00 Annually Location 500 East Main Street Suite 900, VA Job Type Permanent Full-time Job Number 012374 Department Utilities Division Director's Office Opening Date 09/26/2024 Closing Date 10/6/2024 11:59 PM Eastern + Description + Benefits + Questions Description The Department of Utilities is seeking an innovative and results oriented professional to manage media relations as a Public Information Specialist II. This person will plan, direct and maintain effective promotional programs, promote city services through written and verbal communications and educate the community on department related issues. Essential Functions Essential functions Include but are not limited to: + Manages media relations by writing press releases and public service announcements, contacting the media and arranging interviews, responding to media inquiries by obtaining information from the department and serving on committees. + Plans, directs and maintains effective promotional programs by developing campaigns to highlight programs and services, developing effective strategies for communicating with the public, planning and staging events and presentations, developing marketing materials and designing and creating visual displays. + Produces content for social media, website and other platforms + Performs administrative duties by researching and writing reports and replies to citizens, reviewing and preparing statistical information for presentations and monitoring and recording proceedings at meetings. + Performs related duties by acting as the bureau's or department's photographer and preparing and researching grants. + Performs educational duties in schools and community. + Writes, edits, designs, and coordinates printing of newsletters, fact sheets, brochures, advertisements, articles, and other educational materials and correspondence in accordance with the department's media relations requirements. + Works with the Information Technology Department in establishing and maintaining department databases and websites containing information on community events and activities; supervises and trains individuals in proper techniques used to enter, maintain, and update website information. Assists the public in accessing community information from the website. + Develops and manages a public outreach program to enhance the public's understanding of water protection and promote behaviors that reduce potential problems with wastewater and sanitary sewer. + Develops and implement public relations and public involvement processes to increase awareness and advocacy of projects and resolve potential issues through communications with residents, businesses and commuters. + Develops communications methods to enhance customer service, public understanding of the Department and foster cooperation and support to and from the local community. + Produces a Water Quality Report annually for distribution to all Norfolk residents and businesses. + Maintains an internal communications program to provide timely and accurate information to Department employees. + Maintains the Department's internet website with current and relevant information. + Plans, coordinates and participates in special events for the Department to encourage internal team-building and organizational development, publicly celebrate project milestones and participate in civil and community observances. + Performs related work as required. Education/Experience Work requires broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field. Knowledge is normally acquired through four years of college resulting in a Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Requires professional & technical writing training depending on assignment. A bachelor's degree in Communications or Public Relations is preferred. Three years experience. Additional Information & Requirements Valid Driver's License Work Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Work Location: 500 East Main Street, Norfolk, Virginia 23510 Signing Bonus: This position is eligible for a one-time $5,000 signing bonus. This position is designated as an 'Essential' position and you may be required to work extended, rotating, after hours, weekends, and/or holiday shifts in response to emergencies and severe weather.** + Regular full-time and permanent part-time employees may receive paid holidays, vacation and sick leave, employer paid pension plan, basic life insurance, voluntary participation in medical and dental, Section 457 deferred compensation, long-term disability, optional life insurance for self, spouse and children, medical and dependent care reimbursement plans, access to membership in credit union and employer provided parking. + Special project/grant employees are generally eligible for the same benefits of regular full-time employees; however, retirement, life insurance and participation in health plans vary depending upon funding and authorization. + Temporary/seasonal and part-time employees are generally only eligible for employer provided parking and access to membership in credit union. + Retirement If you are hired October 5, 2010, or after to a position with City of Norfolk Retirement System benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction. If you are hired January 1, 2022, or after to a position with Virginia Retirement System (VRS) benefits, you will be required to contribute five percent (5%) of your salary toward your retirement benefit. This will be a pre-tax payroll deduction. + The Tuition Assistance Program is established to encourage employees toward continued self-development and education. Permanent full-time and permanent part-time classified, unclassified permanent, full-time special projects, and constitutional employees who have completed six months continuous service will be eligible to apply. The applicant’s school of enrollment must be an accredited institution. NOTE: The benefits described above are broad generalizations. The specific benefits that an employee may be eligible for are governed by City regulations, as applicable to job type. Non-City Positions listed with a job type designation of "Non-City" are not subject to the benefits descriptions above. Refer to the content of the job posting for information regarding these positions. 01 The following Supplemental Questions are specific to the position for which you have applied to assist the hiring manager in screening applications for specific experience being sought. Please be specific in answering these questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application" as these are not valid answers. Please note that if you are invited to be interviewed by the department, your responses to the following questions may be subject to verification. + I understand and will answer the following supplemental questions completely and thoroughly. 02 If you were referred for this position by a current City of Norfolk employee, please provide the employee's name, department, and job title. If not, please indicate by typing "N/A." 03 Please select the highest level of education you have completed. + High School Diploma/GED + Some College + Technical/Vocational Degree + Bachelor's Degree + Master's Degree 04 Do you have a bachelor's degree in Communications or Public Relations? + Yes - Public Relations + Yes - Communications + No, I have a degree in a related field. + No, I do not have a bachelor's degree in either. 05 If you have a degree in a related field of study, please list it below. Enter N/A if you answered yes above. 06 How many years of experience do you have working in communications, public relations, or a related field? + Less than 3 years of experience + 3 - 5 years of experience + 5 or more years of experience 07 Do you have experience working for a municipality in the department of public works or utilities? + Yes + No 08 Do you have experience with Adobe In-Design software? + Yes + No 09 Please describe your experience using Adobe In-Design. If none, enter N/A. 10 Do you have experience with web design? + Yes + No 11 Please describe your experience with web design. If none, enter N/A. 12 Do you have experience with environmental education? + Yes + No 13 Are you a current or previous City of Norfolk employee? + Yes - I am a current City of Norfolk Employee + Yes - I am a previous City of Norfolk Employee + No - I am not a previous or current City of Norfolk employee 14 Please indicate your veteran status. (A copy of your long form DD-214 may be required) + I am not a Veteran + I am a Veteran + I am a Disabled Veteran Required Question Agency City of Norfolk Apply Please verify your email address Verify Email