Public Relations Specialist jobs in Yakima, WA

Public Relations Specialist

Fisheries Resource Management (FRM)

Department of Natural Resources

Hourly Wage: $31.19/Regular/Full-Time/Supervisory

The Public Relations (PR) Specialist is responsible for coordinating and managing the development and production of communication materials for Fisheries Resource Management Program initiatives. Works directly with highest levels of program management and with various project coordinators in developing communication materials, proposals, presentation materials, and timelines for specific project activities to generate effective constituent relations. Composes, edits and manages the production of a full range of materials to increase FRMP visibility and to convey project to key stakeholder audiences. Creates, implements, and oversees communications initiatives which engage tribal, local, state, federal government, and media on behalf of FRMP. The PR Specialist is a key participant in discussions and conferences to work out basic approaches and contributes to the final determination.

Examples of Work Performed:

Achieves FRMP objectives by contributing marketing information and recommendations to FRMP plans and reviews; prepares and completes actions plans; implements production; identifies trends; determines system improvements and works with Tribal Council Media Committee to advance FRMP mission and vision to showcase projects.

Plans and directs development of content for informational brochures; reviews and edits drafts of correspondence, reports, brochures for mass distribution; drafts articles and reports on the status of major initiatives for distribution to community, government, and media.

Facilitate meetings, working sessions and conference calls providing narrative summaries for documentation. Provides monthly and quarterly reports that effectively track the completion of project tasks and deliverables, while maintaining accurate records of work activities along with the Committee Actions or Resolutions associated with projects.

Generate positive media attention by actively engaging, cultivating, and managing press relationships to ensure coverage surrounding FRMP special events, public announcements and other projects. Proactively and reactively responds to reporter inquiries on a regular basis overseeing creation and dissemination of media relation and resource to key press contacts.

Exercises judgement to prioritize media opportunities, and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations, and other supporting material as needed for use at meetings, conferences, and workshops.

Manages project budgets, project expenses, develops RFP's, establishes contracts for consultant service and oversees consultant services and expenditures. Ensures necessary work products are completed on time and within budget, oversee and document day-to-day work activities.

Exercise professional judgement on a wide range of issues on written and verbal expression, selection of written materials, outlines of written materials and prepared text, design, and selection of mailing lists. Substantive editing required critical sense and intuitive evaluation of factual accuracy and consistency of information - chronology of events, overall consistency of subject matter, verification of facts, rearrangement or deletion of materials, analysis of data and evaluation of documentation as to accuracy and thoroughness. Arrange for the development of video scripts. Overview editing and voice-overs to assure quality production in line with parameters of project.

Assures that material developed is factually and technically accurate. Analyzes feedback from readers and recommends change in the information content and format to supervisor.

May be assigned new projects and tasks not included on the description, or to assist other fisheries staff as requested by supervisor ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of Yakama Nation's Treaty, tribal government, culture, traditions, and history.

Knowledge and proven experience in developing successful, results driven media pitches and public relations campaign.

Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of oral and written communications and interpersonal relations skills in order to determine the most effective proposals and presentation materials. Persuade stakeholders to accept suggestions and proposals, and to foster effective relationships among local, state, and federal departments.

Skills in Microsoft Office, Adobe, photo editing applications, and social media tools.

Skill in wiring of a variety of audiences (tribal and non-tribal public).

Ability to demonstrate strong editing and proofreading skills.

Ability to demonstrate excellent written, verbal, origination, planning and presentation, and analytical skill.

Ability to develop program-wide communication strategy.

Ability to conduct independent technical research and write concise, comprehensible reports.

Ability to attend community events, make public presentations and coordinate presentations by appropriate staff upon request of schools and organizations.

Ability to develop strong relationships with media.

Ability and proven record of accomplishment in managing multiple projects concurrently and meeting goals and deadlines.

Ability to participate in cross-functional and cross-departmental teams.

Ability to translate complex technical language and ideas into language easily comprehensible to non-specialists.

Ability to work under deadline pressures and meet deadlines with limited staff to support projects.

Ability to develop and coordinate multimedia packages: letters, brochures, and videos.

Ability to plan, organize and develop personal workloads independently based on project objectives, determining priorities, accomplishing deadlines with minimal supervision and only general direction.

Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's Degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or relevant field of study with five years' professional work experience.

Required to pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol test.

Must possess a Washington State Driver's License with the ability to obtain Yakama Nation Driving Permit.

Enrolled Yakama Preference, but all qualified applicants are encouraged to submit application.