Public Relations Assistant-Senior Services

ERIE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF SENIOR SERVICES

VACANCY NOTICE

Department & Location: Erie County Senior Services, 95 Franklin Street, 13 Floor, Buffalo, NY 14202

Posting Dates: 7/15-8/2/2024

Title of Position: PUBLIC RELATIONS ASSISTANT- SENIOR SERVICES 1 full time provisional* 

Shift: Monday- Friday 9am- 5pm

Starting Annual Salary: $53,972 / $25.948 per hour

*Civil Service Competitive position, exam date to be determined*

Who we are looking for:

Erie County is looking for a resourceful, dependable and hard-working individual for the position of Public Relations Assistant within the department of Senior Services.  If you like a consistently changing work environment, creative projects, and engaging with the community, this position is for you! 

The work involves planning, coordinating and conducting educational, public relations and community information programs and social media campaigns for the Department of Senior Services. This is a technical public relations position responsible for developing, conducting and monitoring public information services for the department. The incumbent oversees public information including social media content and conducts research and information studies related to senior services activities. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner as well as administrative staff with leeway for the exercise of independent judgment. Does related work as required.

What qualities are we looking for?

• Thorough knowledge of the channels and techniques of public communications including graphic design and social media;

• Thorough knowledge of the field of public relations;

• Good knowledge of senior services programs and proposed legislation affecting such programs;

• Ability to address audiences effectively;

• Ability to write clearly and concisely, appropriate copy for various media;

• Ability to design social media graphics;

• Ability to develop and maintain harmonious relations with the press and the general public;

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse constituency;

• Resourcefulness; • Good judgment; • Tact; • Initiative; • Courtesy;

• Capable of performing the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

What are the typical work activities?

• Implements the community public information aspects of the Federal, State and locally funded senior services programs through social media and available public information channels
• Represents the Commissioner on public information matters involving governmental or private agencies or groups
• Maintains contacts with mass media social media accounts and other avenues of public communications such as service and community organizations;
•  Prepares or edits informational releases to be placed with mass media and on social media
•  Prepares speeches and briefings for the use of the Commissioner and staff
•  Plans and directs studies and research to measure public attitudes, knowledge and interest of senior services programs
•  Develops, creates and published relevant information using graphics, design and public relations knowledge on senior services social media accounts
• Plans and conducts educational campaigns involving all means of public communications, including the preparation of newsletters and other literature as well as social media campaigns
• Develops plans and procedures for recruiting and training personnel for senior services, including volunteers
• Coordinates special events and outreaches for the department and supervises their conduct
• Prepares reports, routine correspondence and maintains records regarding senior services programs.

Minimum qualifications:

A. Possession of a Bachelor's degree in journalism or public relations and two (2) years of experience in a position with public relations responsibilities; or:

B. Completion of a minimum of 60 college or university semester credit hours and four (4) years of experience in a position with public relations responsibility; or:

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of(A) and (B) above.

NOTE: Verifiable part-time and/or volunteer experience will be pro-rated toward meeting full-time experience requirements.

What we offer:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Pension
• Union membership
• Vacation, sick and personal leave- including cancer screening time
• Regular pay increases
• On-site gym
• Fun work environment with fantastic coworkers!

Interested applicants: 

Please forward a copy of your resume and cover letter to Aislyn McQueen, Administrative Clerk, Erie County Department of Senior Services, 95 Franklin Street, Room 1329, Buffalo, New York 14202 or Aislyn.mcqueen@erie.gov. 

Erie County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to workplace diversity.