PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT

Description

This position focuses on audio and visual production, photography, operation of A/V systems, and public relations support. It plans and produces visual materials for use in public relations/marketing communication, digital content, and video programming, while also performing related professional and technical duties as assigned. The incumbent works within a general outline of responsibilities, developing methods and workflows under general supervision.

Essential Job Functions

• Develops informational materials to be provided directly to audiences through visual means, including audio-visual / social media channels and graphic products;
• Films and edits video products for use in public relations projects;
• Assists in developing and producing various public relations/city-wide video products for the City’s communications channels. Gathers information and creates graphics for print and on-line mediums, creates, produces, records and edits video programming; acquires pre-produced video programming for use as appropriate;
• Assists City officials and department heads with video production, print and graphic materials as requested;
• Assists in preparing and distributing press releases and public service announcements to disseminate City information and to otherwise facilitate a positive public image of the City;
• Receives and responds to public / news media inquiries, requests for assistance, concerns and complaints;
• Attends City, community and committee meetings as appropriate;
• Performs general administrative / clerical work as necessary, including preparing reports and correspondence, entering and retrieving computer data, copying and filing documents, sending and receiving faxes, answering the telephone, ordering supplies and materials, etc.;
• Operates A/V equipment for live streamed meetings, events and other special requests in council chambers or off-site locations, and
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, marketing or a closely related field;;
• Two (2) years of relevant prior experience, preferred;
• Valid South Carolina Class “D” Driver’s License.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and/or calculating ratios, rates and percentages;
• Ability to gather, organize, analyze, examine or evaluate data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information;
• Ability to provide information, guidance or assistance to people to directly facilitate task accomplishment; may give directions or assignments to helpers or assistants;
• Ability to handle or use machines, tools or equipment requiring brief instruction or experience, such as computers for data entry, fax machines, copiers, telephones or similar equipment; may service office machines, including adding paper and changing toner;
• Ability to perform skilled work involving rules/systems with almost constant problem-solving;
• Ability to operate A/V equipment, video/photography cameras and other creative equipment to record/capture content;
• Ability to read journals, manuals, and professional publications; speaking informally to groups of co-workers, staff in other organizational agencies, general public, people in other organizations; composing original reports, scripts, articles, press releases, brochures, and other publication materials using proper language, punctuation, grammar and style;
• Ability to perform professional level work requiring the application of principles and practices in a wide range of administrative, technical, or managerial methods in the solution of administrative or technical problems; requires general understanding of operating policies and procedures and the ability to apply these to complex administrative problems; requires continuous, close attention for accurate results or frequent exposure to unusual pressure; and
• Ability to guide others, requiring frequent decisions affecting co-workers and others who depend on the service or product; works in a somewhat fluid environment with rules and procedures but with many variations from the routine.

The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.

Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.






































To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:
https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/