Public Information Officer

Riley County, KS•Manhattan, KS

About The Position

The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for coordinating and managing various public affairs programs across Riley County departments and services, including informational and educational communication for the County. This includes public relations, media relations, crisis communication, county-wide branding and education, and communication with County elected officials and employees. The PIO is responsible to lead a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent message in support of the mission, strategic goals and objectives of Riley County.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree with major course work in mass communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, business or related field. Public Information Officer training certification required within 1 year of hire. Required course completion within 2 years of hire: FEMA G290, G291 JIC; Advanced course 0388 beneficial. Media relations courses preferred.
At least 3 years of responsible experience in public relations, journalism, business or related field. Experience with content development for organizational web pages and social media accounts.
Considerable knowledge of computer information systems, desktop publishing software, Adobe Creative Suite, social media, email marketing software, Microsoft Office, web design and web maintenance software. Demonstrates excellent written and verbal communication skills working with the public, internal and external stakeholders and leadership.
Conforms to HIPAA privacy regulations specific to position held. Disclosures are only allowed as required by law. May need to interact with the following departments for allowable access to PII: All County Departments.

Nice To Haves

Actively participate/network in the Flint Hills PIO Group.
Provide data on system usage and evaluate effectiveness of communication strategies.
Develop community branding/engagement campaigns around special projects/ballot initiatives.
Exhibit creativity and sound judgment in all actions and when working with internal/external customers. Strive to consistently improve the quality of image and reputation of the County via various communication outlets.
Serve as a county liaison to emergency planning and response agencies. This includes working with emergency management personnel, city safety officers, and regional Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) to develop and improve employee preparedness and communication in advance of and during emergency situations
Must be fluent in English; Bilingual with English and Spanish helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

Initiate and oversee the establishment of county-wide strategies, plans and programs designed to ensure all communication and public relations efforts are cohesive, consistent and effective in support of the mission and goals of Riley County.
Provide and coordinate communication activities on a broad range of programs, services, issues, and policies, including the day-to-day operations of the county.
Provide direct and proactive advice, consultation and assistance to County Commissioners, officials, and employees. Interact with media representatives and the general public.
Maintain strong relationships with commissioners, elected officials, departments, media representatives, peer agencies and members of the community to ensure relevant and timely messages are being communicated.
Lead day-to-day communications activities, i.e., social media content, web site content management and training assistance, print and digital resources, newsletters, news releases, county event advertising, reports and other county promotional programs and materials.
Manage content, update information and provide communication regarding Riley County’s website, including specific departmental pages and employee recruiting, county branding and communication using the website.
Collaborate with Department Heads and county staff to create engaging, shareable content and build online engagement/presence.
Assure quality and appropriateness of county communication programs and initiatives.
Design and develop content and manage the County’s web and social media pages including statistical reporting and retention/disposition of electronic records.
Operate high end computer software, desktop publishing software, Microsoft Office Suites, Microsoft Office Suites, Adobe Creative Suite, web design and web maintenance software.
Develop communications strategies and craft community engagement for the County. Write, produce, and appropriately distribute communications materials. Fundamental knowledge of and documented past relevant training and work experience in media relations practices.
Serve as designated spokesperson for Riley County, responding to media inquiries, overseeing the development and issuance of media releases, and communication activities.
Work in residence within departments during emergency events or planned projects and events.
Manage multiple projects requiring a high level of initiative to meet deadlines and use independent judgment.
Film and edit video and participate in live video broadcasts.
Produce high-quality graphics and images for digital and print media.
Performs all other job-related duties as assigned.