Public Information Officer

State of Oklahoma•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is a state agency responsible for overseeing the complex mission of managing, monitoring, planning for, and financing the state's water resources and infrastructure towards reliable future supplies that support strong communities, commerce, and the environment. The agency is seeking a Public Information Officer employee to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans. Position Summary: The Public Information Officer supports the agency’s public relations and communications efforts, managing media relations, official messaging, and strategic outreach initiatives. This role develops digital and print content, coordinates major campaigns and special projects, and serves as Coordinator for the Governor’s Water Conference. The position works closely with technical staff to translate complex water resource information into clear, engaging communication for the public and stakeholders.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of English usage, including grammar and composition; of public relations principles and techniques; of accepted styles for materials released to various media; of media sources and their capabilities; of visual graphics and video techniques; of agency's objectives; of editing techniques and procedures; of graphic terminology and techniques; of training principles and practices; and of supervisory principles and practices.
Ability is required to write and edit; to gather and organize pertinent data; to uphold and practice public relations principles and codes of ethics; to deliver informational presentations; to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; and to supervise the work of others.
Level II: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, marketing, English or a related field plus one year of experience in writing and editing, radio and/or television, public relations or serving as a public information officer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience and one year of experience in writing and editing, radio and/or television, public relations or serving as a public information officer.
Level III: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, marketing, English or a related field plus two years of experience in writing and editing, radio and/or television, public relations or serving as a public information officer; or an equivalent combination of education and experience and two years of experience in writing and editing, radio and/or television, public relations or serving as a public information officer.

Nice To Haves

Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) knowledge to support mapping, visual storytelling, and data-driven communication materials (preferred).
Experience utilizing State branding guidelines and standards is preferred, including application of approved logos, templates, and accessibility requirements to ensure compliance across print and digital platforms.

Responsibilities

Prepares, edits, coordinates, and distributes news releases and official agency communications.
Serves as the lead on media inquiries, responding to requests, coordinating interviews, and ensuring timely and accurate information is provided to the public and press.
Develops and produces agency newsletters, brochures, website content, social media posts, graphics, and other informational materials.
Coordinates and manages major public relations, outreach, and advertising campaigns.
Serves as project leader for special public relations initiatives and cross-divisional communication projects.
Develop educational and promotional materials for exhibits, fairs, festivals, conferences, schools, and community events.
Represents the agency at public events and supports external engagement and stakeholder relations efforts.
Serves as Coordinator for the Governor’s Water Conference, including planning, logistics, marketing, sponsorship coordination, and stakeholder communication.
Collaborates with technical and program staff to translate complex water resource topics into clear, public-facing content.
Utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) knowledge to support mapping, visual storytelling, and data-driven communication materials (preferred).
Performs other duties as assigned.
Experience creating and publishing professional graphics is required, including digital and print materials.
Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and website content management systems is expected.
Experience utilizing State branding guidelines and standards is preferred, including application of approved logos, templates, and accessibility requirements to ensure compliance across print and digital platforms.

Benefits

Generous Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,942 annually to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families.
Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
Retirement Savings Plans: Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%).
OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015.
Paid Leave: 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service. 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service. 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service. 25 days annually for over 20 years of service.
Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.
Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually.
Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies.
Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure.
Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being.