Public Relations Manager

$62,129.60-$72,238.40 annually; dependent upon qualifications

Job Summary

The Public Relations Manager position is a highly responsible, professional and creative position that has direct contact with the public. The PR Manager will create and maintain a highly favorably image for the City of Temple by communicating programs, accomplishments and points of view with the public and media. Duties involve advising City management in the development and maintenance of effective and long-range policies, plans and practices which affect its relations with the public. Manage media relations and public information requests by being front-end triage for the City of Temple departments and leadership. Work is performed under the direction of the Director of Marketing and Communications, and considerable independent judgment, discretion, and initiative are exercised in carrying out the daily operations of the department with efficiency and effectiveness. Advise appointed and elected officials, senior management and staff on matters pertaining to both internal and external communications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Manages all of the City's media relations; implements and updates a strategic communication plan to effectively support the City's image and deliver key City messages.

• Serves as the City’s public information officer, on behalf of City departments, council members and others by serving as the primary contact for media requests, presentations and interviews.

• Serves as a spokesperson and representative for the City Manager, City Council, and all City departments answering inquiries from the community, media, organizations, etc.

• Oversees and participates in the full range of public relations and communication events & activities.

• Responsible for preparing, drafting, disseminating, and tracking media releases for departments while also serving as a resource for departments who have a dedicated public information officer. 

• Maintains regular media contacts and keeps them informed of issues and events of importance to the City and citizens.

• Communicates with the media on proactive news stories to help us tell our story. 

• Researches, prepares, edits, and disseminates public information and press kits.

• May coordinate and assist with the preparation of and respond to correspondence received by the City Council.

• Sets and maintains customer service standards; solicits and responds to customer concerns; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; follows-up with department staff to ensure prompt resolution.

• Stays well-informed of new trends and innovations in the field of public relations, including operations and technology; evaluates the impact of new developments and recommends improvements to existing programs and procedures.

• Monitors City social media feeds and responds as appropriate. Must possess a full understanding of all primary social media platforms.

• Effectively presents information and responds to inquiries and requests from internal and external customers, including council members, administrative staff, and the general public within 24 hours at all times. 

• Responsible for creating, strengthening, and maintaining strong community partnerships, lines of communication, and alliances by networking and collaborating with various organizations and groups on behalf of the City. 

• Prepares and releases various reports to residents and the media including the Temple Economic Indicator Report and a City Council Wrap-Up newsletter. 

• Efficiently prepares and manages a budget in a manner that supports the mission and vision statements, strategic plans, and organizational values, priorities & plans.

• Utilizes effective problem-solving skills, conflict resolution skills, collaboration, and teamwork.

• Meets quarterly with local media outlets to build and maintain positive relationships.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Advertising, Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field  

• Three (3) or more years experience in public information, marketing, or public relations

• Valid driver's license 

• Public relations experience working for a government agency preferred 

To apply for this position, please visit www.templetx.gov/jobs