2J02

PAY RANGE: EP13

PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST 1

(Bilingual)

(General)

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is public information and promotional work at the intermediate level in an operating department or the Office of the City Representative. Employees in this class prepare promotional and informational materials. Employees in this class assist in implementing communications with the goal of enhancing the image of the City of Philadelphia and its departments and agencies and affiliated programs locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. A successful candidate will participate with promoting internal and external communications. A progressively expanding range and complexity of projects with a gradual increase in the level of responsibility is assigned as employees gain experience in the work. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

ALLOCATING FACTORS: (The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1. Positions in this class must perform public information and promotional work in an operating department or at the Office of the City Representative.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Participates in obtaining information on current issues affecting non-English language speaking community; maintains a mailing list of persons active in the various community groups; writes and/or translates informational and educational newspaper articles, radio scripts, pamphlets, leaflets, speeches and brochures.

BOTH SPECIALTIES

Receives general instructions in the techniques of researching information, writing and arranging for broadcast and publication of news and other materials on the objectives, functions, and accomplishments of the City and the department; assists public relations staff in the planning of informational programs for publicizing City and departmental functions utilizing a variety of news media, including social media.

Develops and improves techniques useful in the arrangement of materials for the release of materials to reporters, and editors and newspaper and broadcasting media; participates with communications staff in working with partners and key stakeholders in government, business, education and the general community on planning programs and arranging materials for public consumption.

Participates in the planning and facilitation of ceremonial activities and special events; notifies participants of their role in the ceremony; notifies City officials of background information; develops specific program agenda; receives requests for proclamations, citations, welcomes, and tributes; participates in composing proclamations and arranges ceremonial presentations; drafts informational material to promote programs and events; attends ceremonial and special event functions; under direction of technical superior, may represent the department at community events meetings, press conferences, and ceremonial events.

Performs related work as required.

DIGITAL MEDIA ASSIGNMENT

Utilizes web application technology to write, edit and adapt accurate and editorially consistent social media or internet content for web site or blog; collaborates with and guides content specialists in developing customer-friendly web site copy; may use software to edit graphics and photos for web content; responds to online inquiries from citizens.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· current principles, practices and developments in communications, public relations and in the news media.

· English usage, grammar, rhetoric, punctuation and spelling

· modern journalistic principles and practices

· the methods and techniques of disseminating information effectively and efficiently to the public and the print and electronic media and social media available for such activities

· current and expanding social media

· common software including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and related software including Internet and web-based programs

· web applications software for the purpose of writing and editing web content

· website content management

· planning and facilitating special events

ABILITY TO:

· strategize and evaluate various subject matter materials critically from the standpoint of listener, viewer or reader interest

· establish and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders such as event partners, sponsors associates, the public, local, civic and business officials, and news organizations

· develop print and electronic communications

· learn to edit graphics and photos for the Digital Media Assignment

· develop and manage department’s website content and manage current and expanding social media strategies and outreach

· write in multiple styles, formats and different types of writing (public relations, business, ceremonial documents, etc.)

· develop written material for content, style, punctuation and syntax.

· prepare speeches, event programs, and other special events and ceremonial documents for internal and external use, as needed

· track and demonstrate results of media coverage

· work collaboratively and creatively to support public relations team, the functions of the department and its related activities

· speak, read and write fluently in a specified non-English language and the English language for the Bilingual specialty

· present and maintain positive stories in the news media including the emerging social media or other online/digital marketing

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 6/24.)

EDUCATION:

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university, with major course work in communications, marketing, media studies, public relations, journalism, or a related area.

NOTE: Completion of an industry recognized certification or additional experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year for year basis.

AND

EXPERIENCE:

One year of paid experience in communications, creative marketing, digital media, or public relations that has included planning and facilitating special events for a governmental or non-profit agency.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources which has included the experience.

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Sufficient training to be able to read, write and speak effectively in the specified non-English language required by the job assignment.

City of Philadelphia classes which typically meet the minimum experience requirements:

Public Relations Specialist Trainee (2J01)

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

Class Established - 7/67

Spec. Revision: CSC - 10/91; Ad. Board - 12/91

CSC - 8/12; Ad. Board - 9/12

CSC – 1/15; Ad. Board – 2/15

Spec. Revision: CSC – 9/16; Ad. Board – 10/16

Spec. Revision: CSC – 1/18; Ad. Board – 2/18

Latest Spec. Revision: CSC – 5/24; Ad. Board – 6/24