Public Information Officer I

Heluna Health•Torrance, CA

14d•$31 - $46•Onsite

About The Position

As the Public Information Officer for Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (the “Facility”), initiates, plans, develops, maintains, evaluates, implements, and coordinates a public information and engagement program for a Level 1 Trauma Medical Center. Under general direction, this position reports to the Chief Equity & Engagement Officer and is responsible for initiating, planning, developing, maintaining, evaluating, implementing, and coordinating department-wide public information programs, services, and activities, disseminating information to the public through various media channels. Incumbents must possess strong verbal and written communication skills applying communication principles, methods, practices, and techniques to engage local media and to convey information to the public through various media channels. Incumbents must demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communicating with the County's diverse communities. Incumbents utilize their knowledge of various media outlets and social media platforms and must have working knowledge of the Public Records Act. This class serves as the highest-level public information representative in a large public hospital and medical center, and may provide technical guidance to lower-level public information staff and/or support staff assigned to public information activities. Incumbents must seek professional development opportunities and continually update their skills.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Communications, Journalism, Public Administration, Public Relations, English or related field -AND Three years of experience assisting in the development, maintenance, evaluation, implementation, and coordination of a public information program or professional experience as a journalist within a media organization.
A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Some positions may require a valid California Class C Driver License to perform job-related functions.
Successful clearing through the Live Scan and the Health Clearance process with the County of Los Angeles.

Responsibilities

Develops internal and community relations publicity campaigns designed to provide the public with accurate and timely information about the Facility, its programs and people.
Develops content for various communication channels, including websites and social media platforms; drafts newsletters, brochures, articles, speeches and talking points for Facility executives; oversees layout, design and translation of materials for printing.
Provides direct and proactive advice, consultation, and assistance to management regarding public information matters, including direct assistance in researching, providing information to the public and developing messages.
Writes social media posts and creates basic social media graphics and media releases regarding departmental activities, services, programs, and functions; prepares pamphlets and brochures for distribution.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with communications staff at other agencies, both public and private, and media representatives; responds promptly to media inquiries and directs questions to appropriate staff.
Arranges press conferences and notifies media representatives of newsworthy events, programs and initiatives.
Coordinates external communications channels, including social media and website, preparing written and visual contents such as web articles, brochures, newsletters, and reports for distribution to the various communication channels; coordinates videography and photography, as needed.
Researches departmental projects for proactive media outreach (story pitches).
Analyzes and evaluates data to make appropriate communications recommendations for management.
Coordinates and oversees a wide variety of information and communication activities for the Facility such as press conferences, media events, tours, outreach events, and related activities.
Handles intake and response to media requests for information under the California Public Records Act, in coordination with departmental management, County Counsel and the department's Public Records Act coordinator.
Evaluates effectiveness of communications programs and implements changes, as needed.
Serves as liaison between the Facility and media representatives and develops effective relationships with media outlets.
Monitors and tracks issues affecting the Facility; monitors media channels and informs management accordingly.
Works with Facility representatives to develop internal communications such as annual report, annual budget, mission and vision, and other critical documents.
Serves as an information conduit to Board staff and Board Deputies and alerts them of inquiries regarding controversial or high-profile issues involving the department; provides opportunities to generate accurate media coverage to highlight departmental activities to the public.
Participates in responding to newsworthy events and media inquiries, including emergency and crisis communications.
Develops and maintains internal communication projects.
Assesses effectiveness of digital content using online metrics.
Maintains Facility website's public information content.
May serve as a supervisor to public information staff engaged in public information and engagement program.
May manage a photo archive of key word-searchable photos.
May assist in creating public relations strategies.
May respond to emergencies, newsworthy events, and media inquiries.
May staff public information booth and make presentations to community groups.
May drive to different sites, as necessary.