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Senior Public Information Officer

City of San Antonio
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For more information regarding the position, visit the City of San Antonio's employment website at the following link for a complete job description and to submit your application: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sanantoniotx

Job Summary

Under general direction, is responsible for creating and implementing strategic communication plans used to disseminate information about the City's services, programs, and activities. May exercise supervision over assigned staff. 

Work Location
Public Safety Headquarters - 315 S. Santa Rosa San Antonio, TX (78205)

Work Hours
7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday

Essential Job Functions

  • Gathers information to create public relations tools such as news releases, public service announcements, pamphlets and other detailed information to promote City services, programs, and events.
  • Serves as primary contact for media, providing information and direction to inquiries about specific City services or issues.
  • Organizes and implements public awareness campaigns promoting City programs, events, functions and accomplishments.
  • Creates and assists in the production and scheduling of programs by contacting guests, arranging speaking points, graphics, and other material that may be needed.
  • Provides relevant information to public information personnel within other City departments.
  • Writes and produce video scripts and public service announcements for programming or for distribution to other media outlets.
  • Coordinates assigned tasks with staff for completion.
  • Writes, edits, and designs specialized publications.
  • Coordinates news conferences (i.e. officer-involved shootings, arrests and indictments, on-going murder investigations, serial rapists, auto theft rings and increases/decreases in statistics on all crime, etc.)
  • Responds to high-incident situations involving officer-involved shootings, hostage situations, barricaded individuals, suicide attempts, downed aircraft, Hazardous Materials situations, and train and derailments.
  • Conducts interviews in English and Spanish for local, State, national and international radio, television and print news agencies.
  • Acts as liaison to local news organizations. May assist in the development of promotional video content.
  • Plans curriculum and trains cadets and officers during annual in-service training on police/media relations.
  • Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field.
  • Five (5) years professional experience in public relations or related.
  • Valid Class 'C' Texas Driver's License.
  • Applicants for this position must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Bilingual in English and Spanish.

Applicant Information

  • Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
  • Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks.  If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.
  • Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
  • If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications, and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing.  Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of public relations principles, practices, and techniques.
  • Knowledge of journalistic principles, practices, and procedures.
  • Knowledge of broadcast television production procedures, audience needs, and producer goals.
  • Knowledge of marketing principles, methods, and techniques.
  • Knowledge of audio/video equipment capability and use.
  • Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
  • Skill in utilizing a personal computer and rudimentary software.
  • Skill in utilizing desktop publishing programs.
  • Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
  • Ability to plan and coordinate complex and non-routine assignments.
  • Ability to research, gather, and graphically present information and prepare it for publication.
  • Ability to coordinate with media sources, other City departments, and organizations.