Multimedia Journalist - City of Odessa

Department: City Manager's Office Reports to: Director of Communications

The City of Odessa strives for excellence. We focus on training and the development of the best and brightest storytellers along with providing them with the latest technology.

Our Multimedia Journalists are enterprising, self-starters. They are storytellers who incorporate "real people" in their work. This position involves shooting videos, photography, writing, editing, voice-overs, interviewing people, other video production duties, and serving as talent.

A digital-first mentality is essential. We also expect our Multimedia Journalist(s) to post on social media platforms and our website. You need to pay close attention to detail and excel in stressful situations.

Summary: Oversees and reviews communications programs, systems, and initiatives for assigned department; develops media relations, public relations, marketing campaigns, publications, and event planning; writes and edits material for citywide communications. The functions require a thorough knowledge of the terminology, procedures, and practices for Communications and Media development with a significant degree of independence and accountability for results.

Essential Functions: Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversees and coordinates assigned department communications, marketing, and outreach programs.
• Recommends and assists in implementing communication program goals and objectives; establishes schedules and methods for providing program services, including work plans, service level agreements and memoranda of understanding; and implements communications policies and procedures.
• Monitors performance of assigned communications, marketing and outreach programs. Recommends and implements modifications to systems and procedures. Uses technology to provide staff and citizens with fast, accurate and secure methods of gaining access to information.
• Serves as an official City photographer/videographer; attends all events that need to be documented; edits photos/videos to share with the public.
• Promotes and coordinates specific activities within a public education or community program, project, or initiative; prepares communications and marketing materials, including news releases, flyers, schedules of events, pamphlets, brochures, ads, billboards, graphics, and posters in both English and Spanish.; oversees social media content; and oversees the distribution of published materials.
• Actively manages City social media accounts, posting and responding appropriately within time frames set by the Director of Communications.
• Assists all departments in translation needs.
• Monitors the effectiveness of assigned communication programs; and recommends program changes in response to results. Maintains records and develops reports and correspondence related to the effectiveness of new or ongoing programs or projects; maintains and files related reports; and prepares statistical reports as required.
• Represents the City of Odessa at community meetings, civic organizations, and governmental groups, as requested by the Director of Communications; researches print and broadcast media insertions, compiles and distributes to stakeholders; prepares and presents presentations regarding communications program. Attends and records all public meetings, including City Council, ODC, & Downtown Odessa, Inc., and all breaking news situations where a City representative is necessary. Serves as primary media liaison between the City and area Spanish-language media outlets.
• Conducts surveys and research to monitor the effectiveness of assigned communications programs; recommends program changes in response to results.
• Serves as backup PIO in the Director of Communications' absence, if requested.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Communications or City Manager's office.
• This position is designated as "essential personnel" and must be available for immediate call-in due to any natural or manmade disaster or any event the Director of Communications or the City Manager deems necessary. The Director of Communications manages an on-call schedule.
• Must have and maintain a cell phone for City use to hold this position.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed above; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines:

• Associate's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
• 3-5 year's increasingly responsible experience in journalism, communications, and public relations.
• Public sector experience preferred.

A different combination of education and experience deemed equivalent by the department head may be substituted for that stated.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of community organizations and public and media relations.
• Environmental issues and concerns, if applicable, to assigned program.
• Associated press style.
• Design and print processes.
• Basic procedures, methods, and techniques of budget preparation and control.
• Recent developments, current literature, and information related to program management.
• Marketing theories, principles, and practices and their application to program promotion.
• City businesses and activities.
• Modern office equipment including computer hardware and software.
• Crisis, internal and public communication.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and safety regulations.

Skill in:

• Video shooting and editing; graphics; photography
• Computers and applicable software required to perform the duties of the position including, but not limited to, Adobe and Microsoft products
• Organization and time management
• Marketing and promoting
• Reporting
• Public relations writing
• Interpersonal relations

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, using English and Spanish.
• Elicit community and organizational support for program.
• Promote program by implementing and designing marketing and promotional items.
• Proofread and edit.

License and certification requirements: A valid Driver's License is required.

Physical demands and working environments: The physical and work environment demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Some weekend and evening work may be required.