Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation

Position Summary:

The Public Relations Officer works under the supervision of the Director of Parks and Recreation and is responsible for managing the communicative operations to the residents of St. Charles and others, handling the dissemination of information among employees, and releasing managed announcements on various media platforms. The position regularly communicates with the Parks and Recreation Director, staff, booster clubs and other stakeholders, and parish residents. 

Essential duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. The omission of specific statements or duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this job.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Performs the day-to-day operations of the Parks and Recreation Public Relations Office to meet departmental and parish needs.
• Drafts project techniques and strategies, as well as monitors social media content and press releases.
• Manages all social media platforms to ensure updated and appropriate content is
• Manages and oversees all external communications to the public.
• Defines communication strategies for organizational initiatives and oversees media relations in order to ensure consistency of messages and materials.
• Aids with the organization’s communications and media relations practices, including promotional communications.
• Drafts, updates, and edits various communication products for the Parks and Recreation Dept., including press releases, newsletters, reports, and website content.
• Maintains relationships with members of the media including print, broadcast, online/social media, and trade.
• Maintains knowledge of current news, trends, and topics that are relevant to the Department and the Recreational communications landscape.
• Participates in the filming and creation of SCP-TV content with voiceover, on-camera, scriptwriting, etc.
• Assists in the planning of various events and event management, including but not limited to, 4th of July Fireworks Show, Veterans Luncheon, ground breakings, and ribbon cutting ceremonies.
• Responsible for marketing programs and events for residents through distribution of flyers, website updates, social media and email distribution.
• Assist with creating a public communication plan and developing production support materials
• Plans, organizes, and oversees activity programs for multiple age ranges
• Plans, organizes, coordinates, and supervises special events, recreation activities, and youth sports events.
• Plans, promotes and teaches physical fitness classes for the community as needed
• Responsible for setting up for programs with activity equipment such as tables, chairs, and stages.
• Maintains positive working relationships with all staff, contracted businesses/organizations, and volunteers. Must keep direct lines of customer friendly communication open with the public.
• Establish relationships with local industry, school, and professional sports team partners
• Performs additional duties as needed.

Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills through email, phone, in-person, and virtually with both internal and external customers.
• Strong computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Lightroom, Illustrator, Photoshop), Loomly,
• Knowledge of public communication plan development and the production of support materials.
• Knowledge and understanding of the role of participants, coaches, booster clubs, and P&R department.
• Photography and videography experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other staff and external partners.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and work within tight deadlines, while maintaining disciplined focus on program goals and measurable objectives.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to solve complex problems.
• Ability to deal appropriately with sensitive and/or confidential information.
• Ability to supervise interns in work tasks and functional duties.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to make effective public presentations with small and large groups.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, business, journalism, or related field required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in communications and media relations or master’s degree required.
• Some supervisory experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in working with print, broadcast and internet-based media is required.

Licenses and Certifications:

-Valid Driver’s License

Work Environment:

The duties of this position are performed both indoors and outdoors to help in the coordination of events. Must be able to travel to external locations as required via various modes of transportation.

Physical Requirements:

The position will spend time indoors in an office setting, operating office equipment and requiring eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity. This position requires lifting and carrying of objects up to 25 pounds

with extended periods of standing, walking, and/or sitting. The position will work outdoors as needed.