PRESS SECRETARY

at  City of Newport News

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE

• Public Relations and Communications – Considerable knowledge of the principles, techniques and
  methods of public relations, marketing and communications. Knowledge of the processes and
  equipment used in the design and preparation of multimedia graphics, brochures and other visual
  aids. Knowledge of effective and innovative publicity techniques and practices. Knowledge of

effective methods for researching, preparing and disseminating public information.

• Technology – Knowledge of office equipment and personal computers, content platforms, social

media blogs, search engine optimization, web analytics, and a variety of presentation media and

digital marketing.

• Public Administration – Thorough knowledge of government operations, communications

protocols and the challenges and opportunities in communicating local government initiatives

using successful strategies to leverage a variety of communication tools..

• Customer Service – Thorough knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer

services. This includes meeting quality standards for services and evaluation of customer
satisfaction.

REQUIRED SKILLS

• Critical Thinking – Uses logic and reasoning to understand, analyze, and evaluate complex
  situations and then to research information to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative
  solutions, conclusions or approaches to a situation. Applies general rules to specific problems to
  produce answers that make sense. Combines pieces of information to form general rules or

conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

• Judgment/Decision Making - Evaluates the best method of research and then exercises appropriate

judgment in establishing priorities and resolving complex matters. Considers the relative costs and

benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Interpersonal Relationships – Develops and maintains cooperative and professional relationships

with employees, managers and representatives from other departments, organizations or the

REQUIRED ABILITIES

• Communication – Excellent ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing, ideas and
  proposals to diverse audiences to include preparing and presenting a wide variety of related
  community and public relation materials. Excellent ability to listen and understand information
  and ideas presented verbally and in writing. Ability to handle a variety of issues with tact and

diplomacy and in a confidential manner.

• Time Management – Ability to plan and organizes daily work routine. Estimates expected time of

completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Implements work

activities in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

• Accounting and Budgeting – Ability to perform arithmetic, algebraic and statistical applications.

Ability to employ economic and accounting principles and practices in the analysis and reporting
of financial data.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Requires a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, English, Business
Administration or a related field and 3-5 years of directly related experience in media relations,
communications or public relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Acceptable general background check to include a state and local criminal history check and a valid
driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work.
• Some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10

pounds).

• Tasks may involve extended periods of time at keyboard or work station.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

• Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals.
• Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Under limited supervision, this position serves as creative visionary for overall communications
associated with the Mayor’s Office, including managing a variety of complex speeches, news releases,
social media communications, or similar functions. This position will introduce and implement
progressive communication strategies while working collaboratively with City departments and
stakeholders to research and enhance the flow of information throughout the Mayor’s Office, as well
as ensure positive messaging that resonates with a variety of audiences. Reports to the Special
Assistant to the Mayor.