Summary

The Public Relations Specialist is a full-time, permanent position in the Administration Department. The immediate supervisor for this position is the Mayor. The person in this position is supervised on a daily basis and has no supervisory authority. The Public Relations Specialist works regular hours most of the time, with some flexibility when required. There is occasional weekend and night work when the workload demands it. There is no shift work involved with this position. This position has accountability for budgetary, safety, and legal issues related to the work for which this position is responsible.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Oversee public relations for City departments

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Develop and manage all public relations activities

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Responsible for providing promotional stories/information to all media

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Issue news releases and public service announcements

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On a weekly basis, work closely with department heads, City Council members, the Mayor’s office, and the HR’s office to develop interesting/positive articles that would be informative and appealing to the citizens of Laurel.

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Inform media (News outlets, social media, City website) of any newsworthy events

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Establish and coordinate press conferences if needed.

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Work with various City departments to address specific problems in the community

Assist in planning special projects and events in the City

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Coordinate and direct City-sponsored programs

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Assist various committees throughout the City, as necessary

Provide administrative and clerical support to the Civil Service Commission

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Prepare agenda for monthly Civil Service meeting

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Prepare any information for Commissioners pertaining to agenda items

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Mail agenda packages to Commissioners at least five days before the meeting date

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Make sure that Commissioners, employees, and Administration are made aware of all meetings

Maintain minute book of Commission meetings

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Prepare minute book for public record

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Obtain signatures, as required

Provide general administrative support to the Civil Service Commission

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Type all correspondences as directed

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File and update Civil Service handbooks as necessary

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Assist covered employees in understanding the Civil Service Rules

Coordinate Civil Service Examinations as scheduled

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Procure appropriate testing materials for all applicants

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Monitor all phases of testing process

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Collect, secure, and grade tests or mail test to grading facility

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Submit Eligible Lists to Civil Service Commission on next scheduled meeting

Coordinate arrangements for Civil Service Hearings

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Contact and schedule Certified Court Reporter to attend hearing, if warranted

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Send out subpoenas as necessary for the City and the aggrieved employee

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Send letters to Commissioners, Advisory Board Members, and Mayor to confirm date for hearing

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Record hearing for Commissioners

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Type disposition of the hearing per commissioners’ decision and distribute after it is signed by the Commission Chairperson

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Enter hearing into minute book if approved at next meeting

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Perform other duties as directed

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Certification, Education, Experience

Certification: No certification is required for this position

Education: A high school diploma or its equivalent is required for this position: An Associate’s degree in public relations

or a related field is strongly recommended

Experience: At least 2 years of experience in this or a related field is strongly recommended