Public Information Officer

Under the general direction of the Fire and Paramedic Chief, the Public Information Officer is responsible for providing communications expertise that integrates sound communications principles, tools and activities into all aspects of the department and the City’s emergency management program’s internal and external service delivery

The Public Information Officer reports to the Deputy Chief of Safety, Emergency Management & Public Information and works collaboratively with Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service staff, the Customer Service & Communications Department, and various other internal and external stakeholders to develop timely, comprehensive, and strategic communications plans and materials for use in emergency situations and abroad range of departmental programs, projects, initiatives, and reports.

In consultation with Corporate Communications, the Public Information Officer coordinates responses to media inquiries pertaining to the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, and ensures that the City and department’s position and messaging is accurately delivered to the media and the public.

**As the** **_Public Information Officer_** **you will**:

- Develop and implement timely, comprehensive, and strategic communications plans and materials related to departmental services, programs and initiatives and supports communication needs for the City’s emergency management program.
- Work with the Customer Service & Communications Department, and departmental staff to anticipate and identify communications opportunities, announcements and issues related to the department and the emergency program’s strategic priorities, initiatives, projects and ongoing service delivery,
- Manage department and emergency program-based communication-related projects or initiatives, and provide communication-focused consultation, research, analytical and logístical support to departmental and cross-departmental projects.
- Represent the Department on a range of corporate and cross-departmental committees and teams as required.
- Coordinate and provide timely and strategic day-to-day media relations expertise.
- Act as designated spokesperson for the department, as required.
- Develop, implement, maintain and continuously improve content for departmental and emergency program webpages (Intranet and Internet), social media channels, and other communication technology solutions relative to projects and services.
- Manage and provide guidance to division members who support the delivery of effective communications.
- Function as an active member of the Chief’s Office.
- Perform any other duties consistent with the classification, as required.

**Your education and qualifications include**:

- Diploma in Communications/Journalism, Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism, or an equivalent amount of education and experience.
- Three (3) years’ related prior work experience in strategic communications and/or public relations.
- One (1) year experience or more in the development and ongoing maintenance of web content, based on a capacity to quickly understand technical information and effectively communicate its essential meaning in plain language.
- One (1) year experience or more in the development and implementation of innovative and successful communication and marketing strategies.
- Project management experience would be an asset.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Manitoba Class 5 Driver’s License.
- Knowledge of the City of Winnipeg Organization and the public sector would be an asset.
- Knowledge of social media tools, approaches and media relations theory/principles.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to be a positive, constructive team member with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Ability to write and speak French would be an asset.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and interact effectively with a variety of clients including elected officials, senior managers and department staff, as well as contacts outside the organization.
- Ability to deal with the media in dynamic situations.
- Ability to work independently while managing and prioritizing workload, and meeting deadlines.
- Ability to think critically and produce creative and innovative work outputs.
- Ability to render sound judgement and thoughtful advice within tight time frames.
- Ability to effectively coordinate and/or lead cross-functional work groups to accomplish set goals based on a working knowledge of project management theory and practice.
- Ability to use various computer software programs pertinent to this position’s responsibilities (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel).

**Conditions of employment**:

- The successful applicant must maintain legal eligibility to work in Canada. If the successful applicant possesses a work permit, it is their responsibility to ensure the permit remains valid.
- Prior to commencement of employm