Job Abstract

THIS IS A NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION

POSTING DATE: 05/14/2024

CLOSING DATE: 08/07/2024 AT 12:00 MIDNIGHT

SALARY: $83,165.00 - $132,947.00 Annually

CLASS DESCRIPTION

The Baltimore City Fire Department has over 1,700 public servants who proudly serve the 620,000 residents of Baltimore. We provide service in emergency medical services, fire suppression, rescue, emergency communications, fire prevention, community outreach and education, as well as other services.

The City of Baltimore is seeking a strong leader and knowledgeable Senior Communications professional to serve as its new Fire Press Officer. The Fire Press Officer will ensure that the Baltimore City Fire Department is well represented across all media platforms, including broadcast, print and online. This position requires you to be the main point of contact for all media.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• In the Fire Department, develops and implements comprehensive departmental-wide strategic communication plans and related policies to effectively coordinate media coverage, public relations, internal messaging, and community relations in the City of Baltimore.
• Develops and recommends new communication methods to better achieve the goals of the Fire Department.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with the media, City, County, State and Federal Government agencies for the purpose of exchanging pertinent data and information.
• Serves as the official spokesperson for the Fire Department by responding to requests for information from the media, making public appearances and speeches before interested groups and representing the Department at community functions and meetings.
• Serves as the official agency representative with the media, government agencies, community and business groups and schools to inform them of various agency programs and activities; ensures consistency in information released to the public.
• Manages the dissemination of prompt, accurate public emergency information during disasters by responding to major fires and other serious Fire Department incidents; answering questions and explaining situations to the television, radio and print media.
• Serves as a Fire Press Officer at the fire site.
• Writes press releases, speeches, information papers, brochures, and related materials for release to the media for the Fire Department and the Mayor; advises Fire officials and employees on responses to media inquiries.
• Designs, writes, reviews and edits Fire publications, posters, signs, exhibits and visual aids; produces materials, tapes and presentations for radio and television shows for the purpose of gaining positive visibility for the Fire Department and counteracting unfavorable publicity.
• Consults with other City agencies to gather information and coordinates information dissemination as it impacts on the operations of such agencies.
• Directs departmental communication projects such as the Annual Report by identifying central themes and issues, controlling the communication of the Fire Department’s vision to internal and external audiences, locating necessary resources and meeting deadlines.
• Conducts special research as directed by the Chief of the Fire Department, directs promotional and publicity campaigns for special projects.
• Plans, schedules, coordinates, and conducts tours of Fire facilities for educational and special interest groups.
• Supervises subordinate Fire and clerical support personnel.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Five years of experience in the performance of Fire Press and Public Relations work.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to develop and implement creative strategic communication plans.
• Ability to respond to sensitive, complex situations, analyze complex issues and develop creative solutions.
• Knowledge of techniques and methods of and media and public relations.
• Knowledge of modern firefighting, investigation, prevention, and training methods.
• Knowledge of the laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations governing the operations of the Baltimore City Fire Department.
• Knowledge of the preparation of materials for release to the mass media (television, radio, and press).
• Knowledge of the types and uses of graphic materials.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the mass media, City officials and the general public.
• Ability to gain cooperation of internal and external contacts.
• Ability to speak effectively and make professional presentations before large groups and the mass media.
• Ability to create, write and design public information brochures, posters, exhibits, media programs (television and radio), speeches and special reports.
• Supervisory ability

This career opportunity offers a comprehensive benefits package and a salary commensurate with education and experience.

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled.  For best consideration, please attach a cover letter and resume, which specifically addresses the expertise relevant to this position.

Successful completion of a thorough background investigation prior to employment is required. The City of Baltimore is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging workforce diversity. This information contained herein does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract, and these provisions are subject to change without notice.

NOTE: Those eligible candidates who are under final consideration for appointment to positions in this class will be required to authorize the release of criminal conviction information.

Financial Disclosure:

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law. 

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER