MEDIA & PUBLIC OUTREACH OFFICER

The Media and Public Outreach Officer is responsible for developing, managing and delivering communication, marketing, and public engagement initiatives to promote district activities, programs, and services. This role is responsible for creating and implementing communication strategies that align with the organization’s goals and objectives. This position creates, coordinates, and distributes information through a variety of channels, including social media, press releases, newsletters, website content, community meetings, and special events and analyzing data to measure the effectiveness of their efforts. The position is fulltime, with hours depending on operational needs, including evenings, weekends and short-notice callouts. The position often operates on tight deadlines to timely issue urgent communication, information relating to crisis or emergency management, or responding to trending media posts Essential functions include but are not limited to Develop and implement communication strategies to inform and engage the public about district projects, services, and events. Gather and analyze data to measure the effectiveness of communication strategies, including effectiveness of various media. Serve as the point person for the public, news media and other organizations as assigned by the Executive Director for crises public engagement and emergency management. Create, edit, and distribute content for social media, newsletters, press releases, flyers, website updates, and other communication materials. Be able to design storyboards, film and edit creative and engaging video production for social media shorts and formal presentations. Oversee internal outreach and video programs for employee education and morale in conjunction with the Chief Administrative Officer (Human Resources). Serve as the district’s point of contact for media inquiries, providing accurate and timely information. Coordinate photography, videography, and other media coverage of district activities and events. Organize and participate in community outreach efforts, including public meetings, presentations, and special events. Maintain consistent branding, tone, and style across all communication platforms. Monitor public feedback, social media engagement, and news coverage to assess communication effectiveness. Respond to callouts for urgent public messaging, emergency notifications, or event coverage. Collaborate with other departments to ensure accurate and up-to-date public information. Establish or maintain constructive and cooperative relationships with representatives of community, employee, or public interest groups. Continuous and on-going departmental projects and cross-training. QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or related field or equivalent Experience in public communication, media relations, or community outreach. Demonstrated proficiency with social media platforms, content creation tools, and Microsoft Office Suite. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple time-sensitive projects. Be able to maintain a calm and confident demeanor especially in public settings or in engagement with the news media. Any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Current First Aid & CPR certifications or ability to obtain within 6 months of employment. Pre-Employment Screening (i.e., Drug Test, Driver’s License, Criminal Background Check, etc.) PREFERRED SKILLS Must possess the communication skills necessary to accomplish the District’s mission. Must be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Graphic design, photography, or video editing skills. Knowledge of public sector communications and local government operations. Experience using website content management systems and analytics tools. WORK ENVIRONMENT While performing the duties of this position, the employee works in both indoor and outdoor conditions, occasionally near machinery, or in high precarious places. The employee will likely be exposed to hot/ dry/ wet/ humid/cold conditions. The employee will occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, chemicals, vibration and other potential hazards associated with the maintenance and/or construction of roads and drainage works and other types of construction. The employee also works in an office setting, which may include long hours sitting in one place, utilizing a computer screen. The noise level in the work environment is quiet to moderate, but can be high under certain circumstances. Hand-to-eye coordination is necessary to operate various tools and office equipment. This position does not have any permanent office location. Most work will be done in the field and in a telecommuting environment. Currently, the District does not have a permanent Emergency Operations Center during major emergencies such as hurricanes and therefore, does not require this position to be active during the actual storm event. This position will be responsible to report to work when the all clear is given for District employees to safely report back to work. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that 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 these functions. Work is performed in both office and field settings, including attendance at community events, meetings, and public gatherings. Hand-to-eye coordination is necessary to operate office equipment, cameras, and other media tools, including software editing programs. This position requires periods of sitting at a computer workstation for writing, editing, and digital content creation, as well as the use of hand-held devices to communicate in the field. The employee must be able to walk, stand, and work on uneven or outdoor terrain during events, and may be required to lift and carry outreach materials or equipment (25 lbs.). Talking, hearing, and clear public speaking are essential. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

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