Public Information Officer

Prince George's County Government•FIRE - Largo, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This is senior level professional and supervisory journalistic and media relations work involving the preparation and dissemination of information to inform the internal/external communities of the services, project status and operations of assigned agencies via prepared and presented reports and publications. This class is expected to identify and oversee agency informational initiatives, develop the most efficient and effective strategies to address identified agency needs, and ensure project plan enactment through agency coordination and supervision of subordinates. Work has an impact on the internal/external communities' knowledge and understanding of the organization, operation, and services of the assigned County government agency. Personal contacts occur on a regular and frequent basis with co-workers to exchange information, coordinate assignments, and resolve reporting problems. Other regular contacts include representatives at all levels of departments and agencies to obtain information and facilitate procedures for information dissemination and media relations, graphics designers concerning the design and content of materials, and representatives of print and broadcast media to exchange information concerning a variety of issues. While this class of work occasionally requires employees to meet with or speak before the general public and citizen groups, it does not typically require employees to provide direct public assistance on a one-to-one basis.

Requirements

Master's degree in business or public administration or related field
Five (5) years of related work experience with three (3) years in a managerial capacity
Any equivalent combination of relevant training, education and experience may also be considered, however, there is no equivalency for managerial experience.
EACH APPLICATION MUST INCLUDE INFORMATION THAT CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE ABOVE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION.

Responsibilities

Serves as information and media relations point of contact for assigned departments and agencies.
Works with department and agency representatives to plan dissemination programs, communication services, and presentation events.
Exercises the full range of supervisory duties and responsibilities over subordinate positions as defined in the Personnel Law Section (16-102(59).
Oversees agency informational initiatives.
Recommends personnel actions to the Office of the Director; establishes programmatic goals and objectives and develops and implements working guidelines and standard operating procedures; allocates administrative and financial resources.
Supervises the work of subordinates engaged in public information and other communication activities.
Represents the assigned County agency to external departments and regional/federal intergovernmental groups.
Develop the most efficient and effective strategies to address agency information dissemination needs.
Leads strategic informational and communication planning for agency services and initiatives.
Researches and develops information and communication policy to support agency strategic communication programs.
Ensure information dissemination project plan enactment through agency coordination and supervision of subordinates.
Produces County agency newsletters including planning and selection of materials to be covered: researching, writing, and editing articles, coordinating with contributing departments and with graphics designers, reviewing and proofreading, and adherence to deadlines.
Maintains liaison with department/agency program directors to assess and fulfill their publicity needs.
Monitors and edits agency's County website and related digital communication platforms content for style, accuracy, and timeliness.
Plans and executes dissemination programs to inform the public about agency initiatives.
Conducts agency informational presentations to County agencies and executives.
Prepares communications and responds to inquiries for international, national, and local dignitaries, senior management, and others who desire information about the agency and its initiatives.
Coordinates arrangements necessary to enact assigned agency information dissemination activity and press conferences.
Manages agency website and related digital communication platforms.
Willingly and cooperatively performs tasks and duties which may not be specifically listed in the class specification or position description, but which are within the general occupational category and responsibility level typically associated with the employee's class of work.