Public Information Officer

At the City of Atlanta, we are passionate about building and improving our community.  Our police officers, firefighters and building inspectors keep our citizens safe. Our Public Works staff keeps our City clean. Our Atlanta Department of Transportation team helps maintain, build and improve our City’s infrastructure. Our City planners help envision and shape future City growth. Our Parks & Recreation professionals enhance our quality of life.

Our engineers help keep our drinking water clean, the largest airport in the world (by passenger volume) operating and our buildings maintained.  Along with the host of Finance, Procurement, and Human Resources professionals whose support is vital, we are the City of Atlanta!   If you are seeking a meaningful role where you can make a real difference improving and growing our City, we welcome you to explore the job opportunities we have to offer.

Posting Expires:  6/14/2024

Salary:  $26.16/hourly

General Description and Classification Standards

Performs professional public information, related research work, and event coordination. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Preparing news releases and advisories, public service announcements, statements, brochures, newsletters, and reports of general content
• Researching and preparing remarks
• Developing, managing, and implementing traditional and social media strategies
• Organizing and coordinating departmental-related projects, special events, ceremonies programs, and public relations endeavors; and processing associated paperwork.

Supervision Received

Works under general supervision depending on the organization’s structure may work independently with responsibility for an assigned function or program. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned. 

• Works with the communications team to ensure that all collateral developed for the organization is aligned with its desired public image
• Develops, updates, and manages website, intranet, and social media content
• Assists in maintaining department presence on social media and updates the communications team on social media trends
• Assists with creating an internal newsletter and other forms of internal communications
• Assists with writing and editing documents, reports, and correspondence
• Updates weekly KPI and other reports as needed 
• Creates press releases, public service announcements, and media advisories to inform the public and for distribution to the news media
• Develops story ideas and promotional concepts for department activities and organizes internal projects and activities. Will serve as the point of contact for departmental ceremonies and special events including planning, coordination, and publicity events such as new vehicle dedication ceremonies, and the events supporting the launch of new initiatives. 
• Responds to questions, public concerns, and requests for information by telephone, in person, by social media, or by mail from superiors, the general public, news media, elected officials, outside agencies, employees, etc. 
• Monitors and peruses newspapers, broadcasts, and other publications for articles and broadcast stories related to the department

Decision Making 

Uses independent judgment and discretion in the handling of special events, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. Leadership Provided None. May oversee temporary or contract workers and interns as needed.

 Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

• Knowledge of journalism and news media practices, policies and procedures, and the principles, practices, and procedures of the Department of Public Works, and a working knowledge of other City of Atlanta departments’  operations and functions.
• Ability to research, design, and assemble layouts for presentations, programs, and publications and to prepare written reports in a concise, clear, and effective manner
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and execute special events
• Ability to plan, review, and edit written content 

Minimum Qualifications - Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, business or public administration, commu