PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER

THIS IS AN UNCLASSIFIED VACANCY

IN THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's Degree in public relations or a related field required; supplemented by three years of experience in public relations; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Specific License or Certification Required: Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license.

Specific Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities: Must be able to demonstrate proficiency in performance of the essential functions and learn, comprehend, and apply all county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures necessary to function effectively in the position.
The examination will consist of an evaluation of education and experience, accomplished by analysis of the application. Application must document that the applicant possesses the minimum knowledge, skills, education and experience as listed to be rated as qualified. If selected, an official, accredited college transcript is required, at time of employment, for all degrees/course work used to qualify for this position.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETED IN FULL BEFORE THEY ARE SUBMITTED. PLEASE REVIEW ALL APPLICATIONS FOR ACCURACY AND MAKE ALL CORRECTIONS BEFORE SUBMITTAL BECAUSE ERRORS CAN RESULT IN NOT MEETING THE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED BY THE PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT.

Purpose of Classification:

The purpose of this classification is to produce and release information about the programs and activities of the County, including marketing and promotions, media management, and assisting with special events.

Essential Functions:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Writes and distributes press releases, releases marketing materials, ceremonial documents, talking points, newsletter articles, proclamations, etc.; publicizes and informs media of County programs, activities, and special events; responds to routine media inquiries; coordinates and attends media interviews with staff from assigned departments.

Monitors County presence in print media: researches and analyzes information and trends; gathers and compiles articles into daily press packet; distributes packets to County officials and staff.

Takes photographs using digital camera and telephone for a variety of uses; attends events and activities; chooses and edits photos; maintains photo database.

Provides written and photographic content for Fulton County social media outlets and provides editorial input consistent with the County’s overall messaging.

Produces content on behalf of Fulton County and its agencies that is consistent with current branding standards and assists in maintaining said branding standards.

Writes and edits articles for internal and external newsletters: researches and verifies information; submits completed articles.

Manages communications for assigned departments; creates and implements communications plans; attends various meetings and events related to department activities.

Assists with other public relations activities and special events, which may include media planning and creating marketing and other collateral materials.

Processes a variety of documentation associated with department/division operations, within designated timeframes and per established procedures: receives and reviews various documentation, including news articles and press releases; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate; prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, and other documentation, including press packets, proclamations, press releases, media logs, and articles; compiles data for further processing or for use in preparation of department reports; and maintains computerized and/or hardcopy records.

Operates or uses various equipment and supplies in order to complete work assignments: operates and maintains a digital camera and motor vehicle; operates a personal computer to enter, retrieve, review or modify data, utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, e-mail, or other software; and operates general office or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions.

Additional Functions:

Performs other related duties as required.

Performance Aptitudes:

Data Utilization: Requires the ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.

Human Interaction: Requires the ability to work with and apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others to coordinate programs or activities of a project, and resolve typical problems associated with the responsibilities of the job.

Equipment, Machinery, Tools, and Materials Utilization: Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Verbal Aptitude: Requires the ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.

Mathematical Aptitude: Requires the ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication and division; ability to calculate decimals and percentages; may include ability to perform mathematical operations with fractions; may include ability to compute discount, interest, and ratios; may include ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures.

Functional Reasoning: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems; to interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form; and to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards to meet variations in assigned objectives.

Situational Reasoning: Requires the ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.

It is the policy of Fulton County that there will be equal opportunity for every citizen, employee and applicant, based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetics, disability or sexual orientation.