Communications Officer (Public Education Program Coor)
Community Relations/Communications, Fort Worth

The primary responsibility of this position is to manage, oversee and coordinate all department programs related to the Communications Office to include monitoring the community's involvement and support of assigned programs.

Responsibilities may include such activities as:

Strategic

• Works with the Deputy Chief Communications Officer to determine and implement strategies to maximize usability and effectiveness of the city's communications efforts
• Works with the Deputy Chief Communications Officer to develop, plan and implement strategies to enable residents, businesses, visitors and employees to easily access municipal information
• Establishes schedules and methods to provide publication services (strategic planning)
• Evaluates the effectiveness of city publications
• Works cross functionally with all members of the Communications Office team to promote the city's mission, vision and Strategic Goals

Tactical

• Edits and/or writes copy for city publications, ensuring consistent tone and message and eliminating factual and grammatical errors
• Edits and/or writes speeches and talking points for senior leaders
• Edits and/or writes video scripts for Cable TV programming
• Edits materials produced by the Reprographics Division
• Manages coordination of City Page, City Times and proclamations
• Performs related duties and responsibilities as required

* Note: In addition to a writing opportunity and an AP Style test, three (3) writing samples are required.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Business Administra­tion, Public Administration, Public Relations, Journalism, Social Sciences, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.

Three years of increasingly responsible experience in public relations or marketing including one year of administrative and budgetary responsibility.

Preference will be given to candidates with a strong emphasis in core communications skills, especially writing; plus three (3) years of relevant experience in coordinating text, design, photography and graphics for publication including one year of administrative and budgetary responsibility.

Other requirements:

• Ability to coach/mentor others in written communications
• Mastery of English usage, including grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary, demonstrated by a writing opportunity*
• Mastery of Associated Press (AP) style
• Ability to work with local media to tell Fort Worth's story
• Research methods and techniques

In addition, the final candidate will be able to interpret and clearly and concisely explain city policies and procedures. The candidate must display willingness to undertake a work schedule that includes attending night and weekend activities .

Bilingual skills preferred. Broadcast experience helpful.

* posted December 12, 2008