Public Information Officer 2

State of Nevada • Las Vegas, NV

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is hiring for a Public Information Officer 2 in Las Vegas, NV. This position serves as the primary media contact for Southern Nevada and may require availability outside of regular hours. The incumbent must be knowledgeable about media needs and effectively represent NDOT's interests. Key responsibilities include developing relationships with reporters and internal NDOT staff, excelling in writing and copy editing, speaking on-camera, and assisting with the delivery and production of presentations for stakeholders. This is an on-site position with no remote work options. The role utilizes modern communications equipment and social media to manage public relations and information programs, including writing media releases, newsletters, and brochures, producing multimedia presentations, taking photographs, and designing/maintaining web platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, English, public or community relations, communications or closely related field and three years of professional experience in administering or directing a public information program including writing media releases and newsletters, preparing and presenting speeches and multimedia presentations, independent media contact, development of public relations strategies and journalistic writing; OR one year of experience as a Public Information Officer I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.
• Working knowledge of: promotional and marketing strategies; coordination and allocation of resources; strategic planning and leadership techniques; web platform design and maintenance.
• General knowledge of: principles and supervision; budget planning and organizational management.
• Ability to: respond effectively to questions from the media, State and local officials and the public regarding controversial or high profile department programs and activities and represent the agency in a positive light.
• Ability to: develop and implement internal policies and controls relating to the agency’s public information program.
• Ability to: design and lay out publications.
• Ability to: make oral presentations to department employees/management and community groups.
• Ability to: tailor long-and short-range marketing strategies for promotion of programs and services.
• Ability to: write scripts for multimedia use or for public service announcements.
• Ability to: organize material, information and resources in a systematic way to optimize efficiency.
• Ability to: understand when to arrange subject matter experts to act as spokespersons when highly technical information is required.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with the needs of media.
• Excellent writing and copy editing skills.
• Ability to speak on-camera.

Responsibilities

• Write news releases, create informational brochures, coordinate and script public service announcements, and research and author articles for publication and/or to inform the public of activities or items of interest.
• Organize, draft and edit material for printing or publication and distribution.
• Evaluate advertising and promotional materials for compatibility with public relations efforts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and local government officials and media representatives.
• Respond to queries and direct questions to appropriate staff.
• Arrange press conferences and notify media representatives of newsworthy events.
• Develop internal and community relations publicity campaigns designed to build agency morale, community support, and a positive agency image and identity.
• Prepare agency newsletters or brochures.
• Draft and edit articles.
• Layout and design materials for printing.
• Draft speeches for special audiences and attend meetings.
• Collect articles, recordings of radio and television newscasts, and other informational releases pertaining to the agency.
• Maintain informational files of background information.
• File information in order to monitor and maintain records of press coverage.
• Determine the need for photos or receive photo requests.
• Arrange for appointments or photo shoots.
• Select site and equipment.
• Determine aesthetics and lighting.
• Select poses or angles.
• Print quality photos and/or prepare for publication.
• Write scripts.
• Determine sequence for slide presentations.
• Create multimedia presentations.
• Plan, organize, coordinate and publicize special events to provide information regarding agency services and activities.
• Develop and maintain the public communications portion of the departmental crisis disaster response plan.
• Serve as the agency spokesperson during crisis or emergency situations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Develop and manage a complex public relations program.
• Serve as spokesperson for the department, including fielding media and public inquiries of a sensitive or controversial nature.
• Authorize appearances or public statements from staff members when highly technical information is required.
• Advise management on the public relations impact of proposed actions.
• Design an agency-wide public relations program, image and strategy.
• Manage a budget and may supervise staff.

Benefits

• The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level