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  • ID
    #13528642
  • Job type
    Full-time
  • Salary
    Full benefits package $4856 to $5354 monthly DOE
  • Source
    Washington
  • Date
    2021-04-19
  • Deadline
    2021-06-18

Vacancy expired!

Public Information Officer

Non-union Affiliated

PW18 $4,856.98-$5,354.82 Longevity Steps $5,622.55-$6,508.81

Reports to County Administrator

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Public Information Officer (PIO) will lead the planning, development, and implementation of communication initiatives and public relations projects to effectively represent Chelan County. The PIO will lead all internal and external communications within Chelan County, including content development, media relations, advertising, and social media. This position will also develop, implement, and evaluate a strategic and comprehensive communications plan to advance the BOCC’s strategic goals, mission, and vision. The PIO position will also advise County Officials on the most effective way to inform internal and external audiences about events, programs, activities, achievements, and/or complex and sensitive topics/issues with the intent to increase community engagement and build trust. The PIO assumes a key role in enhancing the overall image and awareness of the BOCC and Chelan County. The PIO will be a candid and open communicator, who is politically astute but operates in an apolitical and objective fashion. The PIO will act with diplomacy and will be highly adaptable to rapidly changing priorities in a dynamic and complex environment. Upon request, the PIO may handle public information functions and perform related duties for Elected Officials. This position reports to the County Administrator and works closely with Clerk of the Board.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Depending upon assignment, the incumbent may perform a combination of some or all of the following essential functions, which are a representative sample of the level of work appropriate to this classification.

Serve as a liaison between the County and the public.

Serve as key advisor to the Board of County Commissioners on the planning, development, implementation and management of communications, marketing, and public relations.

Manage the Board of County Commissioner social media presence

Write press releases and prepare information for distribution by news media outlets.

Develop and maintains a positive public image for the organization through public-facing communication.

Draft speeches and arrange interviews for government officials.

Produce written, oral, and video material about the County for dissemination to the public. This may include brochures, newsletter, public presentations, PowerPoint presentations, and emails.

In collaboration with the Information Technology Department, manage published information on the County’s website.

Ensure quality, accuracy and appropriateness of communication strategies and incentives.

Develop appropriate procedures and guidelines for issuing press releases and public information.

Research and recommend new communication methods and enhancements

Respond to requests for information from media outlets

During emergency/disaster situations, manage the dissemination of prompt, accurate public information in coordination with other Offices or Departments.

Establish and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, consumers, government employees, and public interest groups.

Develop and/or executes social media and content strategies to release information on the organization in a manner that will promote a positive public image.

Effectively deescalate and work with individuals who may be emotionally charged by issues and information.

Maintain high degree of confidentiality and professionalism

Communicate effectively and respond/act with political astuteness while being objective.

Provide ongoing support, training, and education to Chelan County Departments/Offices

Maintain regular attendance and punctuality

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with highly sensitive matters.

Ability to successfully perform responsible and complex work involving the use of independent judgement and personal initiative without supervision.

Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and plan multiple tasks.

Ability to prepare comprehensive public information in a manner that the public can readily understand.

Knowledge of methods and techniques in the design and layout of promotional, educational, and informational materials using a variety of medias.

Proficient computer and desktop publishing skills, and ability to quickly learn technology specific to the department and/or County.

Ability to work effectively in a team environment, contribute openly and respectfully, listen well and work towards consensus.

Communicate in a clear and concise manner, with tact and diplomacy, in both verbal and written format, including public presentations to a diverse community.

Establish professional and cooperative working relationships with employees, other agencies, media sources, and the general public.

Ability to plan, organize, and monitor activities according to priorities, established schedules, and deadlines.

Position requires appropriate attire and image, projecting a professional attitude

Ability to maintain composure under pressure and respond quickly to unanticipated questions/requests.

Occasional evening meetings and out-of-town travel

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, English, Journalism, Marking, or related field.

Equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience may be considered.

At least (2) years of increasingly responsible work experience in public, community, or related field.

Experience writing and editing communications, press releases, social media platforms, and website content for public/private organizations.

Experience using desktop publishing software to create visually compelling reports and other media.

Valid Washington State Driver’s License; if licensed from another state, must obtain within 90 days of employment.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree in Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.

Previous experience working in Public Sector

Understanding of government functions, programs, organizational structure, and services.

Bilingual English/Spanish

Experience with photography and/or videography production

Graphic Design experience

Public speaking experience

Advance proficiency in MS Office Suite and Adobe Acrobat Professional

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with

disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is generally performed in an office environment; sitting, standing, walking, and computer use are frequent and can be for extended periods of time; must be able to move from sitting to standing quickly to assist customers; must be able to kneel, stoop, bend, twist, reach and grasp, use small ladders or stepstools, and operate standard office equipment; must have the ability to lift, pull, push and/or carry up to 25 pounds using proper lifting/carrying techniques; must have sufficient vision to read printed materials and computer screen, and adequate hearing and speech to communicate clearly in person or over the telephone.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the position. The PIO is exposed to physically confrontational situations and personal danger on a routine basis. Work is performed during periods of high stress and tension, and the ability to remain calm and make critical decisions during high stress periods is vital to the position success.

CLOSING STATEMENT-This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Must visit County website for instructions on how to apply https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/human-resources/jobs/public-information-officer NO INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED

Vacancy expired!

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