Public Relations and Media Specialist

Job Summary:

The Public Relations and Media Specialist serves as the City's lead media relations and public information professional, managing strategic communications, proactive storytelling, and emergency response messaging for City departments excluding the Loveland Police Department. Act as the primary media contact and City spokesperson, coordinating with departments to respond to inquiries and elevate positive stories across all media levels. Lead citywide emergency communications as the Public Information Officer (PIO), directing communication resources during incidents and ensuring timely, accurate public information. Support City leadership in crisis communication, issues management, and sensitive messaging. Produce clear, compelling written materials-including press releases, talking points, scripts, and council communications-and provide media training and resources to strengthen organizational readiness. This role requires strong judgment, political awareness, and the ability to represent the City with professionalism. The PIO must be available outside standard business hours and remain on call to respond to emerging incidents.

The salary range for this position is $104,737.36 - $146,632.30 annually with a hiring range of $104,737.36 - $125,684.83, depending on qualifications and experience. This opportunity will be available to applicants until Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 12:00 P.M. M.S.T.

A current resume is required, and a cover letter is preferred.

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the City's primary media relations contact; manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, draft and distribute press materials, and proactively pitch stories to local, regional, statewide, national, and industry outlets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media partners; serve as City spokesperson for media contacts; conduct television, radio, and print/digital interviews; write and issue press releases and media advisories; respond promptly to media requests for information; coordinate the handling of high-profile or sensitive projects. Set up media interviews with appropriate City staff and subject-matter experts and proactively tell the Loveland story through the media.
• Respond to breaking news and critical incidents-both on scene and remotely-by providing timely, accurate information to the media and public; maintain 24/7 on-call readiness.
• Lead emergency communication as the City's Public Information Officer (PIO), including planning, activation, and management of communication resources during emergencies such as floods, fires, utility disruptions, and public health incidents.
• Collaborate with the Office of Emergency Management to develop and implement public information strategies under the Incident Command System (ICS).
• Develop and maintain emergency communication plans, templates, and processes to ensure coordinated, accurate, and accessible messaging across all channels during incidents.
• Support crisis and issues management by identifying emerging risks, advising leadership, and escalating sensitive matters to the Director of Communication & Engagement
• Write and issue press releases and media advisories; coordinate high-profile or sensitive communications projects; connect media with appropriate City staff and subject-matter experts.
• Drive Citywide storytelling and messaging that highlight programs, services, and community impact; ensure brand consistency and compliance with ADA/WCAG accessibility standards.
• Demonstrate strong news judgment and integrate traditional and digital media tactics to protect and strengthen the City's reputation.
• Monitor local and regional news coverage and public sentiment; analyze trends and provide recommendations to Communications leadership, the City Manager's Office, and department leaders.
• Monitor communication performance and media outcomes; prepare reports and recommend strategies for improvement.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and evaluation of Citywide communication plans, including identifying target audiences and coordinated dissemination strategies.
• Provide media relations and emergency communication training for City leadership and staff; develop practical resources, guides, and toolkits to strengthen organizational readiness.
• Serve as the main communicator supporting select client partners across the City
• Respond to public requests for information to support transparency, trust, and positive community relations.
• Remain knowledgeable about City programs, services, issues, and events; represent the Communication & Engagement Department at community meetings and events.
• Coordinate with City departments and partner agencies to ensure consistent, accurate, aligned messaging; maintain confidentiality with sensitive information
• Post timely and accurate updates on social media and other platforms during breaking news and community developments; engage professionally with the public online.
• Regularly attend City Council meetings and retreats and respond to requests from media on-site; assist with post-meeting communication as needed.

Other Job Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Job Level and Management Expectations:

Qualifications:

Education:

• Required: 4 Year/Bachelors Degree: Communications, public relations, journalism, emergency management, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for stated requirements.

Experience:

Required:

• 6 years of progressively responsible experience in media relations, public information, crisis/emergency communication, or related fields.
• 6 years of demonstrated experience serving as a Public Information Officer (PIO) for complex incidents or multi-agency responses.
• 6 years strong knowledge of media practices, crisis communication principles, and communication technologies/analytics.

Preferred:

• Public sector or municipal experience.
• If not held at the time of hire, the incumbent will be required to complete public safety public information and Incident Command System training within the first year of employment, including but not limited to FEMA IS/G-290 series, NIMS public information coursework, CDC Crisis and Emergency Risk Communication (CERC), and FBI-LEEDA Media & Public Relations, as directed by the Communication Director.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills; experience communicating with diverse communities, including those with limited English proficiency.
• Experience developing training curricula, guides, and toolkits for media and emergency communications.

Certifications:

• FEMA PIO training/certification; NIMS/ICS familiarity (e.g., ICS-100/200, IS-700/800) preferred.
• Driver's License required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear public messaging.
• Strong knowledge of media relations, public information practices, and crisis communication strategies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, media representatives, partner agencies, and community members.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast paced environment and work under pressure during emergencies or high- profile- events.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to provide leadership, coaching, and guidance to others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.
• Knowledge of media monitoring tools, analytics, and communication technologies.
• Ability to provide objective feedback and counsel on communication strategy.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

• Frequent: Minimal physical effort typically found in clerical work. Primarily sedentary, may occasionally lift and carry light objects. Walking and/or standing as needed and minimal.
• Occasional: Light to moderate physical effort that includes frequent standing or walking or maintaining arms and hands in the same position for repetitive tasks. Frequently works with light objects and light hand tools.

Working Environment:

• Frequent: Exposure to routine office noise and equipment.

Additional Working Demands / Conditions:

• This role will require on-call availability, evening/weekend work, and deployment to the EOC or field locations during emergencies.
• Ability to travel and conduct business throughout the City.

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.

Benefit Eligible Benefits Package Includes:

• Two (2) Medical plans, Dental, Vision (for self/ spouse/ children)
• A Dedicated, exclusive Employee Health and Wellness Center
• Discounted Chilson Center passes
• Paid vacation, holidays, floating holidays, and medical leave
• Flexible spending including Dependent Care
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-term and Long-term disability, and voluntary Critical Illness Coverage
• Retirement 401a, 457, Roth (pre-& post tax) and company match
• A Comprehensive Employee Assistance Program
• Voluntary 529 College Invest program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program
• Personal and Professional Development opportunities
• Employee Recognition Program
• Exceptional work-life balance
• Market based pay & regular performance reviews
• Local Government employment is eligible for Public Loan Forgiveness Program

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

City of Loveland job descriptions are designed to describe the general nature and level of work necessary to perform well in the job; they are not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities, skills, and qualifications. City of Loveland job descriptions may be updated periodically, and additional activities, duties or responsibilities may be assigned by management as deemed appropriate.

Hybrid Remote Work Eligibility

This position may be eligible for up to two days per week working remotely. Probationary employees (within the first six months of employment) may not be eligible. Subject to change based on business needs and performance expectations.

Employment offers will be conditional on the successful completion of a driving record and criminal history background check.