Public Information Officer / Public Relations Officer

Cameron County•Brownsville, TX

About The Position

Serves as Cameron County’s official Public Information Officer, managing significant open records requests and ensuring compliance with applicable deadlines and fee requirements. Determines when requests for Attorney General opinions are necessary and prepares those requests. Notifies third parties as required and redacts confidential information and information identified by the Attorney General. Also serves as the County’s Public Relations Officer and liaison between the County and the public, acting as the official spokesperson or point of contact for media inquiries concerning legal disputes, open records, and active litigation. Coordinates official statements with elected officials, appointed department heads, and their designees. The position reports to the Chief Legal Counsel. The role receives, tracks, and logs formal public information and open records requests; collaborates with attorneys to identify, collect, and review records for legally permissible redactions; drafts requests for open records rulings from the Texas Attorney General; and trains elected officials and County staff on Texas transparency and compliance laws. It translates complex legal and governmental materials into accessible public communications, monitors media and social media coverage of high-profile County investigations or lawsuits, and develops public-facing content for the County webpage, public portal, and open data webpages. The Chief Legal Counsel may assign additional duties that are similar, related, or a logical assignment within the classification.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in business, public relations, journalism, communications, or a legal field; related experience may substitute if the candidate has more than three years of experience handling media relations, public information compliance, or legal administrative tasks within a governmental agency.
Considerable knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act.
Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with administrative officials, local government officials, employees, court officials, and the public.
Knowledge of social media and emerging communication platforms.
Knowledge of English grammar, communication media, format requirements, and audience needs.
Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, departments, media representatives, civic groups, and the public.
Skill in writing and editing.
Ability to perform effectively under pressure and in emergency situations.
Knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to communications personnel, including relevant professional standards, laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.
Skill in desktop publishing, graphic production, and design.
Ability to compose and produce informational materials for media release or publication.
Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.
Valid Texas driver's license.
Ability to meet the position’s physical requirements, including light physical effort, occasional handling of objects weighing 5–10 pounds, and extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.
Ability to perceive and distinguish sounds and visual cues or signals; some tasks require oral communication.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a Texas governmental entity is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive, track, and log formal public information and open records requests submitted to the County.
Collaborate with attorneys to identify, collect, and review requested records for legally permissible redactions, including law enforcement exceptions, trade secrets, and HIPAA-related information.
Draft requests for open records rulings from the Texas Attorney General when the County seeks to withhold exempt information.
Train elected officials and County staff across departments on Texas transparency and compliance laws.
Serve as spokesperson or point of contact for media inquiries concerning sensitive open records matters, active litigation, or legal disputes.
Coordinate official statements with elected officials, appointed department heads, and their designees.
Translate legal briefs, County resolutions and orders, and Texas and federal compliance laws into accessible press releases and public notifications.
Monitor media coverage, public statements, and social media concerning high-profile County investigations or lawsuits to support risk assessment and response planning.
Develop and manage public-facing content for the County webpage, public portal, and open data webpages.
Manage significant open records requests and ensure compliance with applicable deadlines and fee requirements.
Determine when requests for Attorney General opinions are necessary and prepare those requests.
Notify third parties as required and redact confidential information and information identified by the Attorney General.
Serve as liaison between the County and the public.