Town searching for public information officer
Town of Fort Myers Beach department heads have been reviewing the resumes of potential candidates for a public information officer opening.
The town began advertising for the position Oct. 22. The hiring of a public information officer is also part of the Bay Oaks Recreational Campus strategic plan.
Town of Fort Myers Beach Manager Roger Hernstadt said he wants department heads to have input on the hiring since the public information officer’s responsibilities will include the release of their information. “We want them to be involved in the process,” he said.
No salary has yet been set. It will depend on the person’s qualifications and experience, Hernstadt said.
Mayor Anita Cereceda said she expects the public information officer will help get word out about the upcoming referendums in March. Voters will be asked whether town council terms should be changed from three years to four years and if the date of future elections should be changed from March to November to coincide with state federal elections.
“I hope that the person is going to be able to help the town put out more information to the public,” Cereceda said. “Most of the time, people get upset and angry that they don’t know what’s happening.”
According to the job description provided by the town, the public information officer’s position is being advertised as a social media and communications coordinator. Their responsibilities would also include disseminating information as it relates to the Mound House Museum and Cultural Learning Center.
“The primary focus of this position is communicating and educating the designated audience using various media channels,” the job description reads.
The coordinator will handle all public relations, social media, website, advertising and promotions, presentations, special events and community outreach “in the interest of improving public awareness of Town of Fort Myers Beach services, programs, activities, plans and projects.”