Public Information Officer

February 24, 2026

Under the direction and supervision of the Director of Marketing & Communications acts as liaison between departments, the public and the news media. Researches assembles, writes, edits, and produces materials about the departments' operation, programs, and events. Facilitates and coordinates public information programs for the departments; develops publicity activities to heighten awareness for City activities, services and programs; develops and expands communication resources for outreach to the City and citizens using existing and new technology and media. The position serves as an integral member of the City of Tyler Communications team, functioning as an individual contributor with respect to public information programs; must apply a significant degree of initiative and independent judgment; interfaces frequently with City management and other City staff to present recommendations and administer public information programs. <ul><li>Assist the Director of Marketing & Communications in building and maintaining close relationships with key influencers: journalists, editors, producers, and correspondents in the news media including local, national, trade, niche, business and special interest outlets.<li>Assist the Director of Marketing & Communications with the implementation of campaigns, issues management, etc. related to Public Works.<li>Develop a forward-looking public works editorial calendar for consideration in external and internal communication plans to include strategic positioning opportunities and storyline pitches associated with larger programming.<li>Establish metrics to track goal attainment.<li>Assist with the development of communications policies and plans for public works/utilities. Assist in budget planning for paid advertising schedule as part of the editorial calendar.<li> Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews and information response; write, edit and publish press releases about initiatives and events.<li>Facilitate media training of key department spokespersons and assist city staff in media relations and public information policies and procedures.<li>Perform regular media monitoring for the purposes of summarizing and reporting internally on media coverage.<li>Support the departments' leadership teams with prewritten statements and talking points for media interviews and appearances.<li>Coordinates special events for the department to include promotion ceremonies, open houses, and assists with major annual events.<li>Attend neighborhood and community-wide programs to increase awareness of programs and departmental initiatives.<li>Develop and/or coordinate the production of brochures, flyers and promotional/ marketing materials (including e-blasts, digital newsletters, social videos and podcasts) as needed.<li> Update and keep current information on the department's website through the city's content management system.<li>Provide regular social media content (including video) and assist in managing the departments' social media efforts.<li>Serve as an active participant of the Crisis Communication Team; contribute to the implementation of emergency communications and public information processes as part of crisis communications response.<li>Serve as a spokesperson for the department under limited circumstances.<li> As part of the city communications team, supports major communications strategies, goals and events.<li>Attends conferences, trainings, and other meetings to stay current with successful practices in public information and learn new skills.<li>Other duties as assigned.</ul> SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES: <ul><li>Advanced knowledge of social media, print, electronic, radio/television and other media used to distribute public information. Familiarity with AP Writing Style.<li>Understanding of Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements.<li>Understanding of website development and maintenance, website including analytics and SEO best practices.<li>In-depth understanding of social media best practices and analytics.<li>Ability to establish and maintain professional, effective working relationships with media outlets, internal management/ non-management employees, City and other government officials.<li>Excellent verbal/written communication and analytical skills.<li>Proficient use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.<li>Videography and photography experience or graphic design preferred.<li>Podcasting experience preferred.<li>Crisis communications experience preferred; ability to be available 24/7 during crisis situation.<li>Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.<li>Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, successfully managing competing priorities.<li>Experience using media relations and social media tools such as Meltwater/Cision database, PR Newswire, Sprout Social preferred.</ul>A Resume, Cover Letter and a link to current portfolio are required. Education and Experience: Must have a Bachelor's degree in Public or Media Relations, Communications, Government, Marketing or a related field is required. Must have over one (1) year of experience in public relations, corporate communications or similar related function. Must possess a valid Texas Driver's License with a clear driving record. Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends.<div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div> </div>It is the policy of the City to recruit, employ and to provide compensation, promotion, and other conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, genetic information or status as a Vietnam era or special disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, and other protected veteran. The City affirms that employment decisions shall be made only on the basis of a person's ability to perform the essential functions of the job. This position does require presence in the office to perform the essential functions of the job. The City shall continually review its employment practices and personnel procedures and take positive steps to assure that equality of employment opportunity in the City of Tyler, Texas is a fact as well as an ideal. The City of Tyler will accept two years of relevant experience in place of each year of college required in the job description. Four years of relevant experience will be considered in place of an Associate's Degree, and eight years of relevant experience will be considered in place of a Bachelor's Degree. Any experience required in the Minimum qualifications is in addition to years of experience substituted for a degree. The City of Tyler supports a policy of a drug and alcohol free workplace. All candidates are subject to pre-employment testing, which may include, but is not limited to, Drug and Alcohol Screenings, Work Fitness Evaluation, Criminal Background Check, and Consumer Report/Credit Check. No person under eighteen (18) years of age will be employed in any regular full-time position. Persons under eighteen (18) years of age may be employed in temporary or regular part-time positions, if they furnish the City with a minor's release (Form 2-2) and are approved by the City Manager. No person under eighteen (18) years of age will be employed in any position requiring the operation of a City motorized vehicle.

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