Public Information Officer

State of Maryland•Allegany, MD

14h•Remote

About The Position

The Public Information Officer (PIO) oversees the planning, design and implementation of internal and external communications that support the AACO DSS mission in accordance with the Director's goals. The PIO reports to the Chief of Staff and serves as the Department's liaison to the DHS Office of Communication, county communications office and other agencies. The PIO is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with local news media, sister agency communication officers, community partner organizations, and legislators and their staff to ensure a wide array of audiences and outlets for AACO DSS's messages. This position is instrumental in leading media management, including multiple social media outlets, promotion and marketing efforts, and community outreach to advance the Director's priorities as it relates to promoting the programs and services offered by the Department. The PIO Department leadership by creating and implementing strategies to communicate the Department's mission and vision to employees, various external constituents and stakeholders. The position works to garner positive attention on the Department through clear, consistent messages about programs, services and service access. The PIO works in conjunction with DHS Office of Communications to develop and implement campaigns, graphic design projects, photography, video production, publication design and printing, speeches, media relations, issue management and event planning.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Five years of administrative staff or professional work.
Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working in communications, social media, or marketing for a government agency.
One year of experience with graphic design using software such as Canva, Adobe Acrobat, or Microsoft Office Suite.
One year of experience managing a business/professional social media account.
One year of experience handling confidential information.
One year of experience working with internal and external customers or community stakeholders.
One year of experience reviewing or evaluating or assisting in the development of agency policies and programs.

Responsibilities

Creates, develops, and implements an internal communications strategy covering all program areas of the Department and providing messaging and associated activities for all AACOD S staff.
Creates, develops, and manages an external communications plan.
Manages and implements a proactive communications program to enhance the reputation of the agency and increase visibility.
Maintains constant activity on social media including Facebook and Twitter.
Oversees the agency's digital communication, including the content for the Department's webpages, social media newsletters and print materials.
Develops and maintains working relationships with major print and TV outlets.
Provides coverage and service to the Anne Arundel County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) during and/or following a disaster affecting residents of Anne Arundel County and the State of Maryland, when necessary.
Develops and maintains relationships with news media, editors, reporters; communication officers, partner organizations, institutions, and government officials and their staff ensuring a wide variety of audiences and outlets for DHS 's messages.
Advises Department leadership on media relations strategies, including protocols for responding to the media, drafting press releases & statements, and serves as agency spokesperson.
Assists in the direction of the daily operations of a unit or division.
Evaluates efficiency of operations and develops, revises and recommends new policies, standards, and workflow procedures, using new technology where appropriate.
Interprets and applies or oversees the application of agency policies, rules and regulations to accomplish the work of the unit or division.
Implements new regulations and policies as directed by upper management.
Sets goals and deadlines and oversees the workflow of the unit.
Coordinates workflow with administrators of other units in areas of work spanning multiple units.
Coordinates leave and staff coverage of unit or division.
Researches and compiles information as directed by the executive and may recommend innovative ideas or methods of doing business.
Reviews, evaluates and assists in the development of agency policies and programs.
Promotes the work of the agency through frequent contact with interested groups and individuals.
Makes recommendations to upper management and executives concerning new or revised legislation affecting the agency.
Develops and recommends new standards, methods of operation and new technology to accomplish the mission of the agency.
May work on sensitive and confidential projects requiring discretion and judgment in the release of information.
May act as the representative of the executive in meetings and conferences.
May act as a liaison between the executive and agency units.
May act as team leader for special projects.