Public Information Officer

Mayor Hires Public Information Officer and Webmaster for the City of Framingham November 8, 2018

Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor508-315-7176 Framingham Source

FRAMINGHAM - Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer announced this afternoon, November 8, she has hired Kelly L. McFalls as the City's new Public Information Officer and Webmaster.
McFalls, a long-time Framingham resident and 20-year public relations professional, was selected among a pool of 20 candidates, according to a media release from the City of Framingham.
She replaces Nichol Figueredo, who resigned at the end of July.. The City advertised for the position in August.
The full-time position has a salary range of $72,090 to $82,809.
City Human Resources Director Dolores Hamilton said the position will start at $82,809.48.
Set to start work Tuesday, November 13, "McFalls will provide information on behalf of the City through various communication outlets to diverse audiences and work with the Mayor on strategic communication initiatives," wrote the Mayor to City Councilors today.
As well, she will act as a spokesperson for the City and serve as the emergency information and communication officer, said the Mayor in a memo to City Councilors.
"For the role of Public Information Officer and Webmaster, we were searching for someone who is both a thinker and a doer to tell Framingham's story, and Ms. McFalls' skillset fit the City's needs," said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer. "Her experience is vast, varied and hands on, having helped to tell the stories and manage communications of organizations like Hewlett Packard, BJ's Wholesale Club and NASA."
McFalls possess a broad perspective and background in all aspects of branding, positioning, and public and media relations.
She understands how to leverage technology and messaging to build consensus, communicate and manage crises, and connect with businesses and communities, said the City in its announcement.
McFalls has a Bachelor's degree in Communications, specializing in Public Relations, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Mayor Hires Public Information Officer and Webmaster for the City of Framingham	November 8, 2018
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor508-315-7176	Framingham Source
FRAMINGHAM - Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer announced this afternoon, November 8, she has hired Kelly L. McFalls as the City's new Public Information Officer and Webmaster. McFalls, a long-time Framingham resident and 20-year public relations professional, was selected among a pool of 20 candidates, according to a media release from the City of Framingham. She replaces Nichol Figueredo, who resigned at the end of July.. The City advertised for the position in August. The full-time position has a salary range of $72,090 to $82,809. City Human Resources Director Dolores Hamilton said the position will start at $82,809.48. Set to start work Tuesday, November 13, "McFalls will provide information on behalf of the City through various communication outlets to diverse audiences and work with the Mayor on strategic communication initiatives," wrote the Mayor to City Councilors today. As well, she will act as a spokesperson for the City and serve as the emergency information and communication officer, said the Mayor in a memo to City Councilors. "For the role of Public Information Officer and Webmaster, we were searching for someone who is both a thinker and a doer to tell Framingham's story, and Ms. McFalls' skillset fit the City's needs," said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer. "Her experience is vast, varied and hands on, having helped to tell the stories and manage communications of organizations like Hewlett Packard, BJ's Wholesale Club and NASA." McFalls possess a broad perspective and background in all aspects of branding, positioning, and public and media relations. She understands how to leverage technology and messaging to build consensus, communicate and manage crises, and connect with businesses and communities, said the City in its announcement. McFalls has a Bachelor's degree in Communications, specializing in Public Relations, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Framingham Mayor Advertises For Public Information Officer/Webmaster, 'Spokesperson For The City' August 12, 2018

Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor508-315-7176 Framingham Source

FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is advertising for a Public Information Officer/Webmaster, who would report directly to the Mayor of Framingham.
The full-time position is Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The individual would replace Nichol Figueredo, who resigned at the end of July.
The salary range is $72,090 to $82,809.
The individual "performs responsible professional work providing information on behalf of the City through various communication outlets to diverse audiences. Works with the Mayor on strategic communication initiatives for the City. Performs all other related work as required," according to the job positing on the City's website on August 10.
One of the essential functions of the position, according to the City's website is to "act as a spokesperson for the City."
The individual also "serves as the City's Emergency Information/Communication Officer."
Other essential functions include:

Directs the implementation of an integrated communications strategy for the City incorporating media broadcasts, written materials, social media trends and applications.
Coordinates publicity for the Mayor by arranging press conferences, preparing, reviewing and evaluating press releases.
Assists the Mayor in overseeing development and completion of professional communication materials such as annual reports, professional image brochures and progressive communication materials.
Oversees the creation of in-depth multi-media productions to highlight the City's services, activities and special promotions through website development, television and social media.
Collaborates closely with the Director of Community and Economic Development on website content and design, social media outlets and other communication initiatives to enhance community and business relationships.
Participates and plays an active role in all neighborhood and community meetings hosted by the Mayor.
Cultivates relationships and maintains contacts with external public relations representatives to foster a collaborative effort in promoting the City as a premier location to work live and play.
Identifies City projects and programs for positive media coverage potential and facilitates deliberative strategies to promote these activities.
Works with Division/Department Heads to develop methods of communication to be most effective with stakeholders.
Build and foster long-term working relationships with various publics of importance including media, members of the community, public affairs offices and other organizations.
Oversee day-to-day operations of specific year-round communications programs.
Respond to media requests for information and facilitate media interviews with spokespeople, and other staff.
Oversees development of news releases, news materials, and fact sheets.
Develops talking points for Executive Speakers on behalf of City.
Monitors and reviews departmental communications to external audiences to ensure that all departments are sending a consistent message to the targeted public.
Works in partnership with the Human Resources Director on promoting the City as a leading employer through various outlets include website, social media, newsletters, employee testimonials, podcasts and special events
Creates/maintains web content for divisions/departments that do not have an individual available to enter web/social media updates.
Integrates City website and offsite content (City Facebook page, Twitter feed, Socrata Open Data Service) to create a unified "portal" for information access; creates and maintains Social Media Policy.
Serves as the focal point for implementing new channels of communication, which involve new technology (mobile apps, RSS feeds, and podcasts) to communicate with citizens and officials.
Maintains and creates content for subscriber list distribution
Participates in planning new web services developing standards and evaluating and implementing content management solutions.
Interfaces with internal and external users including residents regarding new web services, requests/complaints.
Works closely with the City Clerk, and other City Departments to streamline and automate posting materials.
Trains departments on Civic Plus content entry.
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.

Applicants should have a "Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field; minimum of five years' experience, including two years of experience in managing a website with end user support and web development; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid Class D Driver's License," according to the job posting.
Applicants should have:

Knowledge of modern principles and practices of media and public relations. Knowledge of marketing and communication techniques.
Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.
Working knowledge of website management systems, computer applications, graphics, and multi-media presentation techniques.
Knowledge of basic research methods.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and deadlines.
Ability to prioritize and work independently.
Ability to speak and write effectively.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, media and community.
Ability to research, write and edit publications, marketing materials and reports.
Ability to communicate through various means, such as oral, written, visual, etc.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple short and long-term projects at one time.
Excellent written and oral communication skills;
strong interpersonal, public relations and organizational skills.
Proficient in utilizing contemporary office applications for word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, and internet use.
Skill in website and content management, graphic design, word processing and spreadsheet, database formatting and design.

The individual would "work under the direction of the Mayor with considerable latitude for independent judgment and initiative."
The job description also noted:

Most work is performed in office conditions; regular schedule requires attendance for evening meetings.
Operates an automobile, computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
Performance of duties requires regular contact with the community including residents, business owners, public, community organizations, local and state agencies.
The employee has access to some confidential information.
Errors in judgment could result in delay or loss of service, or adverse public relations.

Framingham Mayor Advertises For Public Information Officer/Webmaster, 'Spokesperson For The City'	August 12, 2018
Susan Petroni, Framingham Source Editor508-315-7176	Framingham Source
FRAMINGHAM - The City of Framingham is advertising for a Public Information Officer/Webmaster, who would report directly to the Mayor of Framingham. The full-time position is Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The individual would replace Nichol Figueredo, who resigned at the end of July. The salary range is $72,090 to $82,809. The individual "performs responsible professional work providing information on behalf of the City through various communication outlets to diverse audiences. Works with the Mayor on strategic communication initiatives for the City. Performs all other related work as required," according to the job positing on the City's website on August 10. One of the essential functions of the position, according to the City's website is to "act as a spokesperson for the City." The individual also "serves as the City's Emergency Information/Communication Officer." Other essential functions include: Directs the implementation of an integrated communications strategy for the City incorporating media broadcasts, written materials, social media trends and applications. Coordinates publicity for the Mayor by arranging press conferences, preparing, reviewing and evaluating press releases. Assists the Mayor in overseeing development and completion of professional communication materials such as annual reports, professional image brochures and progressive communication materials. Oversees the creation of in-depth multi-media productions to highlight the City's services, activities and special promotions through website development, television and social media. Collaborates closely with the Director of Community and Economic Development on website content and design, social media outlets and other communication initiatives to enhance community and business relationships. Participates and plays an active role in all neighborhood and community meetings hosted by the Mayor. Cultivates relationships and maintains contacts with external public relations representatives to foster a collaborative effort in promoting the City as a premier location to work live and play. Identifies City projects and programs for positive media coverage potential and facilitates deliberative strategies to promote these activities. Works with Division/Department Heads to develop methods of communication to be most effective with stakeholders. Build and foster long-term working relationships with various publics of importance including media, members of the community, public affairs offices and other organizations. Oversee day-to-day operations of specific year-round communications programs. Respond to media requests for information and facilitate media interviews with spokespeople, and other staff. Oversees development of news releases, news materials, and fact sheets. Develops talking points for Executive Speakers on behalf of City. Monitors and reviews departmental communications to external audiences to ensure that all departments are sending a consistent message to the targeted public. Works in partnership with the Human Resources Director on promoting the City as a leading employer through various outlets include website, social media, newsletters, employee testimonials, podcasts and special events Creates/maintains web content for divisions/departments that do not have an individual available to enter web/social media updates. Integrates City website and offsite content (City Facebook page, Twitter feed, Socrata Open Data Service) to create a unified "portal" for information access; creates and maintains Social Media Policy. Serves as the focal point for implementing new channels of communication, which involve new technology (mobile apps, RSS feeds, and podcasts) to communicate with citizens and officials. Maintains and creates content for subscriber list distribution Participates in planning new web services developing standards and evaluating and implementing content management solutions. Interfaces with internal and external users including residents regarding new web services, requests/complaints. Works closely with the City Clerk, and other City Departments to streamline and automate posting materials. Trains departments on Civic Plus content entry. Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates. Applicants should have a "Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field; minimum of five years' experience, including two years of experience in managing a website with end user support and web development; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Must possess a valid Class D Driver's License," according to the job posting. Applicants should have: Knowledge of modern principles and practices of media and public relations. Knowledge of marketing and communication techniques. Knowledge of correct English usage, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary. Working knowledge of website management systems, computer applications, graphics, and multi-media presentation techniques. Knowledge of basic research methods. Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and deadlines. Ability to prioritize and work independently. Ability to speak and write effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, media and community. Ability to research, write and edit publications, marketing materials and reports. Ability to communicate through various means, such as oral, written, visual, etc. Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple short and long-term projects at one time. Excellent written and oral communication skills; strong interpersonal, public relations and organizational skills. Proficient in utilizing contemporary office applications for word processing, database, spreadsheet, presentation, and internet use. Skill in website and content management, graphic design, word processing and spreadsheet, database formatting and design. The individual would "work under the direction of the Mayor with considerable latitude for independent judgment and initiative." The job description also noted: Most work is performed in office conditions; regular schedule requires attendance for evening meetings. Operates an automobile, computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment. Performance of duties requires regular contact with the community including residents, business owners, public, community organizations, local and state agencies. The employee has access to some confidential information. Errors in judgment could result in delay or loss of service, or adverse public relations.

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