Salary : $53,393.00 AnnuallyLocation : ColumbusJob Type: Full-Time RegularJob Number: 202300158Department: Administration (County)Opening Date: 11/06/2024Closing Date: 12/21/2024 11:59 PM EasternDescription General Statement of DutiesAs directed by the County Manager, the Public Information Officer (PIO) administers a wide range of professional public relations activities for Polk County Government. The PIO researches, recommends, and implements a comprehensive public information program, including media relations, public relations, marketing, internal and external communications. PIO work involves creative strategies for developing and maintaining multi-media content, web content and general communication oversight. They work with the IT staff in maintaining an online presence. They work collaboratively with County leadership and its departments to convey organizational unit marketing and media strategies for implementing community engagement programs. The PIO provides leadership in the development and maintenance of crisis management communication plans regarding complex local government issues. Examples of Duties Essential Duties and Tasks
- Builds and maintains public support for local government.
- Evaluates public relations, communications strategy, marketing efforts, and effective communications to the public.
- Serves as primary point of contact for County-wide public information functions including written communications (print ads, flyers, annual reports, etc), media relations, and social media and helps develop these functions within the departments.
- Assists with editorial content writing, speech writing and press releases.
- Researches and writes media releases, feature articles, scripts, pitches, videos and other material for newspapers, magazines, radio, television programs, websites and social media and responds to public information requests in a variety of formats.
- Produces and arranges radio and television broadcasts on events and programs in the County; arranges for photo opportunities.
- Plans, develops, and directs programs to ensure dissemination of information designed to keep County departments and the community informed of County programs, services, activities, features, accomplishments, or position; may conduct surveys to determine public opinion of County government and/or programs.
- Acts proactively regarding media relations; provides background information and additional materials as requested by reporters, directs media inquiries to appropriate town contacts and coordinates media conferences, as requested.
- Advises County management, elected officials, and other department directors of the public relations effects of proposed policies and actions.
Serves as point of contact for the media curing emergency situations (activation of Emergency Operations Plan)- Develop, coordinate, and monitor the crisis communication plan and implementation.
- Serves as a spokesperson for the County or County departments as directed.
Develop and implement marketing projects and public information programs as assigned.- Manage and serve as oversight for County social media and web presence, including editing, website content, marketing, social networking sites, streaming presence, and media relations.
- Oversees and provides primary operation of content generation for County Website.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with community leaders, organizations, and members of the media.
- Coordinates special events, projects and activities, sponsored by the County.
Work in conjunction with County information technology staff on audio and visual broadcasting for all Board of Commissioner meetings and any other approved County broadcasting event.Attends Board of Commissioner meetings as assigned.Additional Job Duties
- Performs related duties as required and other duties as assigned by the County Manager.
Supplemental Information
- Knowledge of the issues concerning Polk County government and its citizens.
- Knowledge of governmental organization and administration.
- Knowledge of planning and communicating emergency operations plans,
- Knowledge of current technology and best practices in public relations, marketing, communications, community relations, and public affairs.
- Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
- Knowledge of Multi-media software, Windows, MS Suite, is required.
- Knowledge of social media, and website content management systems.
- Knowledge of photography, graphics, design, and printing.
- Strong organizational skills, as well as superb communication, both oral and written, as required to interact with a variety of customers including coworkers, general public, elected officials, and other organizations.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the public, state and local government officials, and the media.
- Ability to resolve problem situations on independently and be resourceful in gather and giving program information in a diplomatic manner.
- Ability to work productively and independently.
- Ability to coordinate multiple diverse projects simultaneously.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions in conformance with County policies and state and federal laws related to the release of public information.
- Ability handle confidential information.
Typical Qualifications Minimum Requirements and Experience
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration or related field,
- Three years-experience of related job experience in local government, public policy, or public relations work; or
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Successful pre-employment drug screen.
- Successful criminal Background check.
Physical DemandsThe ability to perform all duties associated with the position including, but not limited to lifting, prolonged standing, driving, sitting, bending, stooping, and operating or performing work with associated tools and machines.This position is not eligible for benefits.