PIO - Director of Public Information

General Job Description

Under little or no supervision, responsible for developing, maintaining and implementing effective public information program on countywide or departmental basis while serving as the County’s spokesperson and primary media liaison. This position also oversees county branding and messaging; provides council to County Administrator and department heads; manages County relationships with the media and ensures quality and accurate dissemination of information. In addition, this position is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the County’s communications initiatives.

Duties for this Position

1. Develops implements and maintains an effective public information program on county wide basis. Develops and implements policies, programs, practices and procedures for the department’s responsibilities including but not limited to: supervising staff to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations. Reviews work of subordinates for completeness and accuracy; evaluates and makes recommendations as appropriate.
2. Acts as County’s official spokesperson with the media to provide the County’s response to issues.
3. Proactive media and community relations through the writing, reviewing and editing of news releases, newsletters, emails, articles, postings, social media, etc.
4. Facilitates news conferences and prepare all necessary materials as needed.
5. Develops, implements, and maintains an effective public information program and coordinate public relations activities for County Council and County departments.
6. Proactively promotes County accomplishments and activities.
7. Develops and executes communication plans for various County campaigns.
8. Provides and coordinates media training to management and employees as requested or needed.
9. Speech writing and County position statement creation.
10. Oversees the County’s collection, responses, etc. of all Freedom of Information Act requests made by the public for County information.
11. Performs work during emergency/disaster situations. Be available 24/7 for emergency incidents and supports the County’s Emergency Operations Center and takes lead in the County’s Joint Information Center as needed.
12. Oversees the expense, revenue and budget accounts for the department and procuring all supplies for the office. Ensures effective cost allocation of equipment, materials and personnel for department activities.
13. Prepares annual operating and capital budgets; monitors fiscal records daily; reviews and approves requisitions; ensures that the department operates within approved budgets.
14. Performs related duties as may be required.

Position Minimum Requirements

Requires considerable knowledge of procedures, methods, materials and equipment used in the daily operations of the Public Information department and the ability to implement and enforce these procedures. Requires advanced knowledge of English usage, including grammar and composition; of public relations principles and techniques; of accepted styles for materials released to various media; of media sources and their capabilities; of visual graphics and video techniques; of County’s objectives; and of editing techniques and procedures. Ability is required to write and edit; to gather and organize pertinent data; to uphold and practice public relations principles and codes of ethics; to deliver informational presentations; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Requires skill in recognizing and mediating controversial and explosive issues. Ability to estimate and judge time, materials, supplies, costs and labor necessary in various aspects of maintenance procedures and to work within budgetary constraints. Ability to effectively compile, organize and utilize financial information to prepare and monitor financial budget.

Additional Information

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in public relations, journalism, and mass communications or related field; recent experience in responsible public relations positions. Minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years in professional level work or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Must maintain a valid driver’s license.