Public Information Officer

Los Alamos County, NM (19,675) seeks a dynamic and experienced Public Information Officer (PIO) to lead its countywide communications strategy and operations due to the retirement of a long-term employee. The PIO will serve as the chief architect of internal and external communications, community branding and media relations for the city. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker and partner who is committed to community education, engagement, and inclusion. With slightly over 60 years as a local government, Los Alamos County is relatively young in its role as an incorporated county. Los Alamos is a place of spectacular scenery, diverse wildlife, uncommon high-altitude recreational opportunities, small-town friendliness, numerous and diverse cultural activities, fascinating history, and world-changing science and technological development.

There are two communities in Los Alamos County: Los Alamos and White Rock. Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is the largest employer (11,000) in the County with an annual budget of 2 billion dollars. Approximately 7,000 people commute to the Laboratory from the surrounding area each day. LANL supports high levels of job stability, income and education, with the highest number of PhDs per capita in the nation and a median household income of over $80,000 per year. The public school district is in the top 4% in the nation, the University of New Mexico has a local branch, and the community has a large, home-schooled population.

The PIO, reporting to the County Manager, is tasked with planning, directing, and organizing the communications and public relations staff and operations. This role develops and guides internal and external communications, crisis messaging, manages and monitors digital platforms and media relations. involves coordinating assigned functions with other county departments and external agencies, as well as providing comprehensive and high-level administrative support to the county's leadership.

The PIO regularly interacts with local media and provides guidance and direction to elected and appointed leadership in responding to media inquiries. The Officer will produce the County’s electronic weekly newsletter, “The County Line”. The PIO collaborates with all county departments in developing messaging and communications plans for key initiatives and on-going communications. The Division has four full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and operating budget of $845,000.

In seeking to fill this position, the County is emphasizing an extensive background and experience in graphic design, communication and media relations. The following list provides the required attributes a candidate must have to be successful in working for Los Alamos County:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Public or Business Administration, or related field. or equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Six years of experience in public relations, communication, marketing, or related field, including three years supervisory experience.
• Provides the ability to bring fresh ideas and vision to the organization, has a high-level of energy, with a versatile approach to interacting with the community, county officials, staff, and other stakeholders.

The salary range for this position is $100,699 to $163,973. A generous benefit and retirement package is also offered by the county, details are available at Los Alamos County Employee Benefits.

Candidates must apply by October 24, 2025, with resume, cover letter and contact information for five work-related references to www.GovHRjobs.com. Questions may be directed to the attention of Sarah McKee, MGT Senior Consultant, (847)380-3240 ext. 120.

Los Alamos County is committed to compliance with the American Disabilities Act and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Diversity and inclusion are critical to their success. They seek to recruit the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and strongly encourage all qualified candidates to apply.