Public Information Officer

City of Englewood Career•Englewood, CO

About The Position

The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as a primary media relations and public information professional for the City of Englewood, under the direction of the Communications Director. The position manages routine media inquiries, coordinates responses with city departments and subject matter experts, and develops proactive media opportunities. The PIO works with the Communications Director on sensitive, high-profile, or emerging issues to align media responses and public information with the city’s communications strategy. The role also develops communications content across multiple platforms, including press releases, talking points, website and social media content, and written and on-camera video communications. The PIO serves as a point of contact for reporters, prepares public information materials, supports crisis and emergency communications, and may serve as a City spokesperson when assigned. The position plans, produces, and publishes video content and develops content for the City’s digital and print channels. It also supports internal communications, community engagement, public meetings, special events, website updates, and digital accessibility reviews as needed. The position reports to the Communications Director and has no direct reports. Work takes place in office, field, and community settings, requires regular local travel, and may involve active incident scenes and public events. The role requires availability outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, for media inquiries, emergencies, breaking news, City Council meetings, and other significant City activities. Salary range: $75,671–$113,506 annually.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing, Digital Media, or a closely related field; an equivalent combination of education, specialized training, and relevant professional experience may be substituted.
At least five years of progressively responsible professional experience in media relations, public information, journalism, public relations, communications, or a closely related field.
Experience must include direct responsibility for responding to media inquiries, developing public information materials, and working with reporters under deadline.
Professional experience writing for public audiences and producing video content.
Valid Colorado driver’s license and a clear or acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR).
Knowledge of media relations principles, practices, and ethics, including newsroom operations, deadlines, and reporter needs.
Knowledge of AP style, professional news writing and editing, public information practices, message development, issues management, and crisis and emergency communications.
Knowledge of interview preparation, spokesperson support, on-camera communication techniques, and video production, including scripting, interviewing, field production, audio, lighting, and editing.
Knowledge of social media platforms, digital communications, website content management systems, digital accessibility best practices, photography, basic graphic design, and Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud or comparable tools.
Ability to write clear, accurate, compelling news and public information content under tight deadlines and exercise strong news judgment.
Ability to communicate professionally with reporters, elected officials, executive leadership, employees, and the public; translate complex, technical, or sensitive information into clear language for broad audiences.
Ability to prepare subject matter experts and City leaders for interviews and high-visibility communications; manage multiple inquiries and projects simultaneously; and meet deadlines.
Ability to remain composed, responsive, and accurate during emergencies, breaking news, and high-pressure situations.
Ability to build relationships with news media and internal partners, work independently, exercise sound judgment, handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately, and use video, photography, and digital communications tools to produce professional content.
Must be available outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, during emergencies, breaking news events, or other significant incidents.
Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting or participating in on-camera interviews, serving as a spokesperson, or presenting information on camera.
Experience in local government, public-sector communications, a newsroom, or another organization with significant public and media visibility.
Experience supporting crisis or emergency communications.
FEMA Public Information Officer training, including IS-29 and/or G290; International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) training or certification; or another relevant professional communications certification.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary contact for routine media inquiries and coordinate timely, accurate responses with department directors, subject matter experts, and Communications leadership.
Develop and maintain professional relationships with local, regional, and national news media; respond to reporter questions, coordinate interviews, and facilitate access to City representatives.
Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, statements, talking points, key messages, FAQs, and other public information materials.
Identify and develop proactive story opportunities about City programs, services, projects, employees, and community initiatives; pitch stories and coordinate coverage.
Monitor news coverage and emerging issues, identify communications risks and opportunities, and brief Communications leadership on significant developments.
Support crisis and emergency communications by preparing public information, coordinating with emergency response partners, and assisting with Joint Information System/Joint Information Center activities as assigned.
Serve as a City spokesperson when assigned and provide on-camera interviews or recorded public information updates.
Prepare City staff and subject matter experts for interviews by developing talking points, anticipated questions, and key messages.
Write, produce, and appear on camera in City videos, including news updates, explainers, interviews, event coverage, and informational content.
Plan video projects from concept through completion, including research, scripting, interviewing, field production, basic lighting and audio, editing, and publishing.
Develop content for the City’s website, newsletters, social media channels, email communications, and printed publications.
Assist with social media publishing, monitoring, and response during significant news events, emergencies, and other high-interest situations.
Maintain media contact lists, inquiry logs, interview records, coverage files, and other communications records.
Maintain City brand, editorial, and communications standards across assigned materials and projects.
Support internal communications and department communications projects as workload and priorities require.
Support community engagement activities, public meetings, and special events when communications or media support is needed.
Assist with website updates and digital accessibility reviews to help ensure public information is timely, accurate, and accessible.
Perform other duties as assigned.