Public Information Officer

The Town of Farragut has a reputation for high standards, and this applies to our workforce as well as our vision for the community. We thrive on professionalism and integrity, and genuinely enjoy serving residents. The Town is seeking applicants for an full time Public Information Officer.

The starting rate of pay is $77,148 (min) to $98,850 (mid) annually, salary exempt.

The Town offers a competitive benefit package that includes:

• 88% Town paid health coverage for employee and up to family plan, including a wellness program and multiple EAP plans.
• 100% Town paid Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and LTD
• Optional STD, FSA, Additional Life for family, Hospital Insurance, Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401k Retirement plan that includes a 6% Town contribution (no match required) and a matching program upon hire.
• Paid Time Off (Paid Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave)
• Park and Recreation Discounts
• Student Loan Repayment Option

General Definition of Work

Performs responsible professional, administrative, technical, and strategic communications work for the Town of Farragut. Serves as the Town’s primary public information and media contact, develops and implements internal and external communication strategies, and provides timely, accurate, and consistent information regarding Town programs, services, projects, policies, initiatives, and events. 

Provides communication counsel and messaging support to Town leadership, staff, elected officials, and departments. Work includes media relations, public information, crisis and emergency communication coordination, website and social media oversight, publications, branding, public engagement, and related communications projects. The employee exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative and must establish and maintain effective working relationships with Town staff, elected and appointed officials, media representatives, community partners, other governmental agencies, civic organizations, and the general public. Limited Supervision is exercised over Media and Communication Program Coordinator.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Functions

• Serves as the Town’s primary public information contact and coordinates media relations for all departments.
• Prepares, edits, approves, and distributes official news releases, public service announcements, talking points, notices, feature articles, and other Town communications.
• Advises Town leadership, elected officials, and departments on communication strategies, media relations, crisis communication, public sentiment, and community messaging.
• Provides strategic oversight and coordination of official Town messaging across communication platforms.
• Coordinates communication for high-interest Town projects, public issues, policy changes, service updates, weather events, facility impacts, and other sensitive matters.
• Coordinates emergency public information processes in partnership with Knox County, emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire/EMS providers, and other governmental partners as needed.
• May serve as the Town’s public information representative during emergency operations, critical incidents, or other activations when designated.
• Manages and supports the Town website, social media accounts, newsletters, publications, and other digital communication tools to ensure accurate, accessible, timely, and consistent information.
• Develops and implements communication plans that promote awareness of Town goals, services, initiatives, events, programs, and activities.
• Coordinates Town-wide branding and assists with the development, implementation, and promotion of the Town of Farragut brand.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates Town-wide publications, including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, reports, flyers, posters, and other public information materials.
• Designs or coordinates graphics, advertisements, presentations, social media content, photography, videography, and promotional materials.
• Serves as the primary writer and copy editor for official Town communication materials.
• Works with staff and elected officials to prepare remarks, proclamations, presentations, reports, and other written materials.
• Coordinates public engagement messaging and attends public meetings, workshops, civic meetings, and community events as needed.
• Responds to public inquiries, requests, and complaints and works with departments to resolve or route issues appropriately.
• Coordinates event photography, videography, and photo archiving.
• Coordinates work performed by consultants, vendors, or other partners on marketing, branding, website, or communication projects.
• Assists with budget preparation, purchasing, and financial reporting for communication-related programs and projects.
• Performs other duties and coordinates special projects as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Comprehensive knowledge of public relations, public information, media relations, mass communications, marketing, branding, journalism practices, and writing/editing techniques. Thorough knowledge of communication planning, public engagement, social media, website content management, accessibility, and digital communication tools. General knowledge of municipal government operations, public records considerations, state and local laws, government protocol, and Town programs, policies, and organizational structure. Working knowledge of emergency management principles, Incident Command System concepts, Emergency Operations Center functions, and crisis communication best practices.

Ability to plan, develop, and conduct effective public information programs; prepare clear, accurate, and credible written narratives about Town issues; communicate effectively orally and in writing; exercise sound independent judgment under time-sensitive deadlines; gather, compile, analyze, edit, and interpret information; maintain confidentiality and professional discretion; build effective relationships with staff, elected officials, media, community groups, partner agencies, and the public; manage multiple priorities; supervise and delegate work; and respond calmly and professionally during sensitive, urgent, or high-visibility situations.

Skill in word processing, desktop publishing, graphic design, website management, social media platforms, photography, videography, presentation software, and standard office equipment. Skill in developing messages that are accurate, understandable, accessible, and appropriate for diverse audiences.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, business administration, public administration, or a related field and at least five years of increasingly responsible experience in public affairs, public information, communications, media relations, marketing, or public relations; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Experience in local government communications, website management, social media management, crisis communications, public engagement, or media relations is preferred.

Physical Requirements

This work is primarily sedentary with some periods of moderate physical effort. Work regularly requires sitting, walking, standing, speaking, hearing, using hands and fingers, and viewing computer screens and written materials. Work occasionally requires bending, reaching, lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling up to 35 pounds; operating standard office equipment, camera equipment, audiovisual equipment, and a motor vehicle; and working outdoors during events or emergency situations. Work requires good eyesight, hearing, speech, hand/eye coordination, and the ability to communicate detailed or important information accurately and quickly. During emergency incidents, weather events, public meetings, or other operational needs, the employee may be required to work extended hours or remain available outside normal business hours.

Special Requirements

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings, weekends, holidays, public meetings, community events, media needs, and emergency or weather-related communication needs as assigned.

Valid driver’s license in the State of Tennessee.

Incident Command System, public information, crisis communication, or related emergency management training is preferred and may be required after hire.

Pre-Hire Required Screenings

Background Check

MVR Check

Drug Screen-Non DOT

Additional Benefits

Cell Phone Allowance/Company Issued Phone

The Town offers a competitive benefit package that includes:

• 88% Town paid health coverage for employee and up to family plan, including a wellness program and multiple EAP plans.
• 100% Town paid Dental, Vision, Life Insurance and LTD
• Optional STD, FSA, Additional Life for family, Hospital Insurance, Accident Insurance and Critical Illness Insurance
• 401k Retirement plan that includes a 6% Town contribution (no match required) and a matching program upon hire.
• Paid Time Off (Paid Holidays, Annual Leave and Sick Leave)
• Park and Recreation Discounts