Assistant to the Village Manager/Public Relations

JOB

COVER LETTER & RESUME MUST BE INCLUDED TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THE POSITION

Responsible executive who will perform diversified tasks for the Village. Work requires a variety of complex tasks involving independent judgment and action in accordance with organizational policies and practices. Communicate information between the Village and the public, including the media. Monitor the opinions and needs of the public and report these concerns to the Village Manager. Issue media releases and public notices and provide communication through a wide variety of channels. Work performance is evaluated by observation of quality of tasks performed and results achieved during completion of tasks. Performance is reviewed through conferences and written reports. Position may require use of Village vehicle and Village equipment in the performance of duties. May work an irregular schedule, especially when publicized situations or incidents affect the Village. 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Illustrative Tasks:

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.)

Illustrative tasks for Assistant to the Village Manager role

• Coordinates agenda development, review, and approval process.
• Assists in development and implementation of the Village budget, including associated monitoring and reporting.
• Prepares and leads Village Council and other public presentations.
• Develops and assists with implementation of strategies to enhance operational effectiveness.
• Provides research and analysis, including supporting department heads, as needed.
• Fosters organizational commitments to service excellence, helpfulness, public transparency, and accountability.
• Cultivates an organizational culture of mutual respect, teamwork, and high ethical standards.
• Supports and/or is engaged in service request tracking and resolution, often involving multiple individuals/entities.
• Manages assigned Village contracts and agreements.
• Broad-ranging administrative duties, including such responsibilities as meeting and public appearance coordination, service request tracking and resolution, processing letters, mailings and electronic correspondence, processing invoices, etc.
• Serves as backup for other administrative support positions in and/or other Department Directors as needed.
• All other assigned duties.

Illustrative tasks for Public Relations role

• Works with Village leadership to develop and execute print, video, and electronic public information strategies, including such examples as social networking, public education and engagement initiatives, etc.
• Authors or edits a variety of print and electronic public information, including such examples as press releases or other official public statements or speeches, brochures, flyers, meeting notices, presentations, website content management, and social media network engagement.
• In coordination with the Village Manager, may manage media relations.
• Organizes and maintains photograph and public communications art library.
• Attends special events, which may include evenings or weekends.
• All other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Familiarity with the Council-Manager form of government and an associated commitment to uphold the International City/County Management Association Code of Ethics, as well as local and state ethics mandates.
• Strong research and analytical skills, including the ability to combine data, narrative, and imagery to create a compelling local government story.
• Effectively prioritizes and manages multiple, concurrent projects or assignments.
• Identifies and implements innovative solutions and best practices.
• Exhibits exceptional tact, strategic thought, and collaborative spirit in handling controversial topics or assignments.
• Displays professional oral and written communication skills, tailoring messaging to match the audience and communication channel.
• Demonstrates commitment to service delivery excellence and thoughtful community engagement.
• Supports an ethical workplace culture supported by commitments to mutual respect, teamwork, accountability, regulatory compliance, and consistent application of laws, rules, and policies. 
• Computer skills and abilities consistent with the demands of an evolving municipal information technology landscape, to include current functional knowledge of Microsoft 365, agenda management and financial software, social media networking.
• Serves as a trusted public servant, with one?s professional conduct and demeanor helping to cultivate positive perceptions of the Village of Islamorada, both as an organization and community.
• Can be trusted to handle confidential information and responsibilities professionally, while also maintaining compliance with our public transparency commitments and legal obligations.
• Familiarity with the evolving industry, regulatory, and administrative policy landscape for maintaining social media network presence, including such examples as the ADA mandates specified in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and others.
• Principles, tools, and techniques associated with process improvement, performance management, and strategic planning.
• Knowledgeable in the Florida public records laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position.
• The nature of work for this position may require the incumbent to work in excess of 40 hours per week, some weekends and some holidays.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Requirements for Position:
Must possess a Bachelor?s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related degree, with at least two (2) years of demonstrated experience in project management and budgeting; a Master?s degree is desirable, but not mandatory. Journalism, public and media relations, or similar public communications experience is desirable.
 
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. Employees are occasionally required to walk and stand and lift and move records and documents weighing 20 pounds or less. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills and information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; and interact with Village staff and other organizations.