Public Information Officer

The Lawrence County Board of Commissioners is seeking a creative, highly organized, and experienced communications professional to serve as the County’s Public Information Officer.

The Public Information Officer will serve as a primary communications resource for the Board of Commissioners and will help improve how Lawrence County communicates with residents, the media, community organizations, local governments, and County employees.

The position will be responsible for developing clear and timely public information, strengthening the County’s digital and traditional communications, coordinating media relations, supporting public meetings and community events, and helping ensure residents understand County programs, projects, services, and decisions.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer and communicator who can take complicated governmental information and explain it clearly and accurately to the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

· Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries involving the Board of Commissioners and coordinate responses with County officials and departments.

· Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, public announcements, statements, newsletters, speeches, talking points, presentations, and other communications.

· Develop and maintain a consistent communications strategy for the Board of Commissioners.

· Manage and develop content for County social media accounts and other digital communication platforms.

· Assist with management and updating of public-facing content on the County website.

· Develop graphics, photographs, videos, infographics, and other digital content explaining County services, projects, programs, and initiatives.

· Attend Commissioners’ meetings and communicate significant County actions, projects, and decisions to the public.

· Coordinate the preparation and distribution of public notices and other required communications while ensuring statutory publication requirements are met.

· Develop relationships with local and regional newspapers, television stations, radio stations, digital media outlets, and other communications partners.

· Coordinate press conferences, public announcements, groundbreaking ceremonies, ribbon cuttings, community meetings, and other public events.

· Assist Commissioners and County leadership in preparing for interviews, public appearances, presentations, and community meetings.

· Develop communications plans for major County projects and initiatives.

· Coordinate emergency and crisis communications with appropriate County departments and public safety agencies.

· Assist in communicating road closures, weather-related operations, service interruptions, emergencies, and other time-sensitive public information.

· Monitor local media and social media for issues involving County government and identify matters requiring a timely response.

· Help County departments communicate important programs and services to the public.

· Work with townships, villages, municipalities, schools, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners to improve the distribution of important public information.

· Assist with the production and communication of County-sponsored community initiatives, programs, and special events.

· Maintain consistent County branding and professional standards across public-facing communications.

· Track communications performance, including website, social media, media coverage, and community engagement.

· Perform other communications and public-engagement duties assigned by the Board of Commissioners or County Administrator.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants should possess one of the following combinations of education and experience:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Public Administration, Political Science, English, or a closely related field;

OR

An equivalent combination of education, professional training, and relevant work experience demonstrating the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the position.

Relevant professional experience may include journalism, public relations, government communications, marketing, media production, public affairs, community engagement, or similar work.

A valid driver’s license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates possessing one or more of the following:

· Two or more years of professional communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or media experience.

· Experience working for or with local, state, or federal government.

· Experience working directly with elected officials or executive leadership.

· Professional journalism, television, radio, or newspaper experience.

· Experience serving as an organizational spokesperson or responding to media inquiries.

· Crisis or emergency communications experience.

· Strong photography and videography skills.

· Experience producing and editing short-form video content.

· Experience using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable graphic-design tools.

· Experience administering Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube, or other organizational social media accounts.

· Website content-management experience.

· Experience planning public events, press conferences, or community-engagement activities.

· Knowledge of Ohio public records, open meetings, and local-government operations.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

· Strong news judgment and the ability to identify information of public interest.

· Ability to communicate complicated issues in clear, understandable language.

· Sound judgment when handling sensitive, controversial, or time-critical information.

· Ability to work professionally with elected officials, department heads, employees, reporters, community organizations, and members of the public.

· Ability to independently manage multiple projects and deadlines.

· Strong attention to accuracy and detail.

· Understanding of social media and modern digital communications.

· Ability to take initiative and proactively identify opportunities to better communicate County activities.

· Ability to remain professional and responsive during emergency or high-pressure situations.

· Willingness to occasionally work outside normal business hours for emergencies, public meetings, events, or time-sensitive communications.

Pay: $45,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $45,000 - $60,000