Public Information Officer

Description

The Town of Queen Creek is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Information Officer (PIO) to join our Communications team. This key position will support the Town’s overall communication efforts while serving as the primary liaison for the Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Public Works and Utilities, with additional support to other departments as needed.

The advertised salary range covers the entire compensation spectrum for the position classification. The anticipated hiring range for this role is between $84,897.09 to $103,998.92 annually. It's essential to note that the actual salary offered will be determined based on several factors, including skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity considerations.

If you're passionate about public service and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting, we invite you to apply and make a meaningful impact in one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities.

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Recruitment Closing Date: September 21, 2025
• First round of interviews: Week of October 6, 2025
• Second round of interviews: Week of October 13, 2025

This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the Town of Queen Creek.

JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

Positions assigned to this class are responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining an effective public information program on either a Town-wide and/or departmental basis, serving as the Town’s spokesperson and primary media liaison, developing news releases, and providing support to the Town Council and management in the development of newspaper columns, speeches, speaking points, and fact sheets.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a senior level professional marketing and communications classification in the marketing and communications job family. Incumbent(s) perform the full range of advanced public information duties that demonstrates broad practical knowledge in a variety of processes, methods, techniques and best practices. Work involves planning and coordinating difficult assignments, the modification of established guidelines, and the initiation of new approaches. May be responsible for daily work assignments, conducting work reviews, training staff in work procedures, and providing recommendations to management.

Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification. While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Develops, implements, and maintains an effective public information program on either a Town-wide or departmental basis.
• Develops press releases, columns and other materials for the media for publication.
• Supports Town Council and executive management by providing information and guidance on issues of interest to the public and media.
• Develops communication plans for various Town campaigns, both internally and externally.
• Maintains Town press coverage and communicates news/issues to the employees.
• Coordinates with appropriate internal departments to develop speaking points, fact sheets and speeches in support of Town functions for the Town Council/Town management.
• Writes scripts for video projects and the Town’s on-hold phone system.
• Works with all departments on media and protocol training/advice.
• Responds to public records requests made by the news media.
• Acts as Town’s official spokesperson with the media to provide the Town’s response to issues.
• Attends Town Council meetings.
• Assists with organizing Town Council appearances at events and plans press conferences.
• Responds to after-hour emergencies.
• Administers digital strategy and content.
• Consults with staff on communications needs.
• Collaborates with executive management to implement communication vision and strategies.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, public relations, public administration, or a related field and three years of progressively responsible experience involving public information, public relations, media relations, marketing, communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Driver’s License;
• Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

This position has been identified as a safety-sensitive position by Human Resources, per State and/or Federal Law. Upon conditional offer of employment, the candidate selected will be required to undergo testing for alcohol and controlled substances within twenty-four (24) hours of the offer.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles, procedures and strategies of public information/public affairs in a municipal environment;
• Journalistic standards and principles and practices relating to professional writing and correspondence;
• Event organization and planning;
• Computer software and applications related photography and website development and maintenance;
• Social media outlets;
• Public relations principles;
• Crisis communication methods and techniques;
• Associated Press Style;
• Project administration;
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities;
• Customer service principles.

SKILLS

• Planning, organizing, preparing, presenting and defending reports and studies;
• Making complex decisions and interpretation in accordance with established rules, policies and procedures;
• Problem solving and decision making;
• Research, analysis, and the preparation of recommendations for management;
• Group facilitation;
• Implementing public relations initiatives;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

The following is a list of employment benefits offered by the Town of Queen Creek to full-time employees. The list is for informational purposes only. It does not create or connote any contractual rights or obligations. Additional details will be provided upon hire and are available in the Town of Queen Creek Employee Handbook.

Major Benefits for Full-Time Employees
(Employees choose the benefits that best meet their needs.)

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Pre-tax unreimbursed medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Arizona State Retirement System membership
• Short-term and Long-term disability insurance for the employee
• Town-paid basic life insurance
• Optional employee-paid employee and dependent supplemental life insurance
• Commuter life insurance for business travel and travel to and from work
• Deferred compensation plan (457) with employer match
• Retirement Health Savings Account
• Optional enrollment in Identity Protection Program
• Paid holidays, plus one floating holiday annually
• Vacation leave hours annually
• Four weeks of Paid Parental Leave
• Optional income replacement insurance
• Worker's compensation insurance
• Employee assistance program; offers confidential individual/family, marriage, legal and financial counseling
• Training opportunities and continuing education opportunities, including tuition reimbursement for pre-approved programs
• Direct deposit of paychecks
• Wellness Programs with incentives