Job Description

Salary Range: $87,373.00 - $139,674.00 Annually

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Welcome to the City of Baltimore! Experience the reward of a fulfilling career and enjoy the added element of excitement in a vibrant, diverse atmosphere. The City of Baltimore offers limitless opportunities to help drive social impact, both on the job and in the community, while serving its citizens. Join us in making Baltimore a great place to live and work. In the City of Baltimore, we hire great people and provide them with the skills and opportunities to grow toward their career aspirations. If you are looking for a career change or interested in learning more, explore our opportunities and benefits programs. We are excited to have you as a part of the City of Baltimore Team! The city offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. This office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits

A Fire Press Officer directs the Media and Public Relations of the Baltimore City Fire Department. Work of this class involves supervising fire, public information and clerical support personnel.

Incumbents receive general supervision from the Chief of the Fire Department. Employees in this class work a conventional workweek and are on 24-hour callback status. Work is performed in an office and at the scenes of fires where there is occasional exposure to heat, smoke and inclement weather. Work requires minimal physical activity.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF THE WORK

(The following examples illustrate the work performed in the positions in the class. Positions may require some or all of these examples depending on the organization of work within the agency. This list is not inclusive. A position may require related duties not listed, if necessary, to accomplish the work of the agency.)

• 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 Staff 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.
• Performs related work as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

On or before the date of filing the application, eligible classified City employees must:

Experience: Have five years of experience in the performance of Fire Press and Public Relations work.

Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: Not Applicable.

Knowledge, Skills, & 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 fire fighting, 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.

Additional Information

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a mandatory six-month probation.

Eligibility

Qualified candidates will be considered for vacancies as they arise, for a period of at least six months. The decision of the Director of Human Resources with respect to acceptable minimum qualifications is final.

Education Accreditation

Applicants’ education must be obtained from an accredited institution. Education credentials obtained out of the US must be evaluated for US equivalency. Evaluation agencies information may be obtained at www.naces.org.

Selection Process

Only classified City employees who indicate the minimum qualifications on their applications and have successfully completed a probationary period on or before the day of filing an application will be placed on the eligible list without further examination. The training and experience of each candidate will be evaluated for appropriateness and quantity. It is essential, therefore, that you give complete and accurate information on your application. Vagueness or omission may prevent you from being considered for the position. Qualified candidates will not be listed in rank order.

Examination Process

Applicants must provide sufficient information on their application to show that they meet the minimum qualifications for this recruitment. Successful applicants will be placed on the employment certified eligible list for at least six months.

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete supplemental questions to further examine specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities of the position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

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. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Your Recruiter: Dayvon Smith

If you have any questions, please contact Dayvon Smith , Recruitment & Talent Acquisition Specialist III via email at Dayvon.Smith@baltimorecity.gov

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact Human Resources directly. Do not attach your request for accommodation to the application.

BALTIMORE CITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER