City of Philadelphia, Office of Emergency Management
Public Relations and Ready Intern
General Overview: The Managing Director’s Office of Emergency Management (MDO-OEM) works to mitigate, plan, and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; and develop tools and identify resources to support the overall preparedness of the City of Philadelphia.
This position consists of public education, public information and promotional work coordinating various aspects of Ready Philadelphia, a public education campaign for emergency preparedness. The Ready Intern will assist with and annual roll out of the campaign, designed to influence the public to take responsibility for personal emergency preparedness.
The Ready Intern prepares drafts and disseminates the Ready materials. Work includes, but is not limited to, developing emergency preparedness messages; drafting press releases and media advisories; public service announcements, videos, PowerPoint presentations; updating emergency preparedness websites, assists with coordinating the materials for the Ready Philadelphia Speakers’ Bureau workshops and a variety of special events and exhibits; developing and maintaining working relationships with the media, corporate sponsors, and the general public; prepares press kits and pulling materials from inventory.
Overall goals are clear, concise communications and effective marketing to influence the public to take the necessary steps to prepare for emergencies, including how to shelter in place and how to evacuate.
This position reports to the External Affairs Manager/Public Information Officer.
The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) works to mitigate, plan and prepare for emergencies; educate the public about preparedness; coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts; and develop tools and identify resources to support the overall preparedness of the City of Philadelphia.
Typical Examples of Work:
Under the direction of the External Affairs Manager, the Ready Intern is responsible for a range of preparedness public information, education and promotional activities. Typical examples of work may include:
- Drafts letters to government officials and corporate sponsors.
- Prepares special event briefing documents and drafts talking points for city officials.
- Assists with the development of public information; researches and gathers information. Writes, edits, proofreads a variety of materials, such as fact sheets, pamphlets, brochures, press releases, ads, newspaper articles reports, websites, public service announcements and video products.
- Coordinates community outreach events. Works with advisory committees, civic associations, community, faith-based groups and special needs groups; and governmental officials. Attends community meetings, fairs, schools and other outreach events.
- Coordinates the Ready Philadelphia Speakers Bureau; develops PowerPoint presentations for various audiences.
- Monitors news coverage, prepares draft responses and follow-up when necessary.
- Maintains media and other essential contact lists.
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Minimum Acceptable Knowledge & Skills:
Knowledge Of:
- English usage, grammar, rhetoric, punctuation and spelling; AP style guidelines.
- Methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public, and the print and electronic media.
- Techniques and practices of news gathering, interview techniques, speech writing and copywriting.
- Public relations principles and practices, and effective advertising techniques and practices.
- Various types of multimedia production and graphic design.
- Publishing programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and InDesign. Basic photography.
Ability To:
- Prepare interesting and informative news releases, articles, talking points, bulletins, reports and other informational material.
- Evaluate various subject matter materials critically from the standpoint of listener, viewer or reader interest.
- Be sensitive to public perceptions.
- Organize special events or news conferences.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and to make sound decisions.
- Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
- Independently manage multiple projects, priorities and deadlines in a rapidly changing work environment;
- Exercise discretion and judgment in the handling of sensitive matters; and ability to maintain confidentiality.
Requirements: Class of 2010 or 2011
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or a related area.
- Previous work experience in an office setting is required.
- Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement.
- Must be willing to undergo a background investigation.
- Must be willing to participate in mandatory training.
To apply: Please submit cover letter, resume (which includes your current GPA) via Crusader Connections
Deadline: March 19, 2009 at 11:59 pm EDT
For more information, please visit http://oem.readyphiladelphia.org/RelId/606683/ISvars/default/Home.htm