Public Information Officer

City of Englewood Career•Englewood, CO

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as a primary media relations and public information professional for the City of Englewood, working 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 closely with the Communications Director on sensitive, high-profile or emerging issues to ensure media responses and public information align with the city’s communications strategy. The PIO also develops communications content across multiple platforms, including press releases, talking points, website and social media content, and written and on-camera video communications.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, Marketing, Digital Media or a closely related field.
Minimum of 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.
Demonstrated professional experience writing for public audiences and producing video content is required.
Valid Colorado driver's license and a clear or acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR).
Must be available to respond to media inquiries and public information needs outside normal business hours, including evenings and weekends, during emergencies, breaking news events or other significant incidents.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact for routine media inquiries and coordinate timely, accurate responses with department directors, subject matter experts and Communications leadership.
Develop and maintain professional working relationships with local, regional and national news media; respond to reporter questions, coordinate interviews and facilitate access to appropriate 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 that highlight City programs, services, projects, employees and community initiatives; pitch stories and coordinate media coverage as appropriate.
Monitor news coverage and emerging issues, identify potential communications risks or opportunities, and brief Communications leadership on significant developments.
Support crisis and emergency communications, including 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 for news media and City communication channels.
Prepare city staff and subject matter experts for media interviews, including 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 other 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, with an emphasis on timely public information and newsworthy content.
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.
Other duties as assigned.