What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Information Officer position at Knox Public Health?
Job Title: Public Relations Coordinator 1 (PIO)
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Knox Public Health- Main
This position is full-time (40 hours) with normal hours M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm.
(Hours may vary) and include occasional evenings and weekends.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Public Health Education and Nursing Director (or designee), the Public Information Officer (PIO) develops and delivers clear, accurate, and timely communication to the public, media, and internal stakeholders. This position serves as the primary spokesperson for the health department and supports emergency preparedness by ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.
The PIO also manages public relations, media and digital communications, and community outreach to promote public health programs and services while supporting transparency and community trust.
Essential Functions
The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the primary communication lead for the health department, responsible for sharing accurate and timely information with the public, media, and staff. This position manages media relations, social media, website content, and public messaging, while supporting community outreach and promoting agency programs and services. The PIO also plays a key role in emergency response by coordinating clear and consistent communication during public health events.
Minimum Qualifications
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Knox Public Health- Main
This position is full-time (40 hours) with normal hours M-F 8:00am - 4:30pm.
(Hours may vary) and include occasional evenings and weekends.
Position Summary
Under the direction of the Public Health Education and Nursing Director (or designee), the Public Information Officer (PIO) develops and delivers clear, accurate, and timely communication to the public, media, and internal stakeholders. This position serves as the primary spokesperson for the health department and supports emergency preparedness by ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.
The PIO also manages public relations, media and digital communications, and community outreach to promote public health programs and services while supporting transparency and community trust.
Essential Functions
The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the primary communication lead for the health department, responsible for sharing accurate and timely information with the public, media, and staff. This position manages media relations, social media, website content, and public messaging, while supporting community outreach and promoting agency programs and services. The PIO also plays a key role in emergency response by coordinating clear and consistent communication during public health events.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Minimum of (2) years of experience in various social media platforms, desktop design, and media relations, preferred
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with social media, website updates, or digital content
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Health insurance, dental benefits, and retirement savings plan
- Paid time off and holidays
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing education
- Positive and collaborative work environment