Public Information Officer

State of Oklahoma • Oklahoma City, OK

11h • $75,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is seeking a full-time Public Information Officer. This is a state position governed by the Civil Service Rules, in state government located in Oklahoma City, OK. OMMA offers a comprehensive benefits packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The annual salary for this position is up to $75,000 based on education and experience. Every position at OMMA brings an opportunity to build out new policies and procedures using innovative and creative problem-solving. With any opportunity, challenges rear their heads. Candidates must be willing to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to tackle challenges in order to succeed at OMMA. We are an agency that will not settle for status quo or complacency. Candidates must be willing to work hard to help OMMA be the best at what we are entrusted to do. If this sounds like a challenge you are willing to take on, we look forward to reviewing your application!

Position Summary
The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for promoting and protecting the mission of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), and to liaise between the agency and the public. This includes researching, writing and editing various materials for local, state and national media outlets, answering inquiries from the media and arranging interviews in a timely manner. This position also oversees the agency’s social media function as part of OMMA’s external messaging strategy.

Requirements

• Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, marketing, English or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in writing and editing, radio and/or television, public relations or serving as a public information officer.
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include 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; and of editing techniques and procedures.
• 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; and to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Cultivates and enhances collaborative working relationships within the press and publicity community.
• Prepares press releases and articles for the media.
• Manages the flow of news about the organization to the media.
• Proactively pitches stories to the media.
• Plans and manages media briefings as needed.
• Gathers and disseminates timely information to the media and staff.
• Works with program areas and the Communications Director to identify proper spokespersons to address questions and complaints.
• Develops relationships with media contacts to ensure the organization’s reputation is positively promoted and to deflect criticism.
• Detects public relations issues as they emerge and address them directly, working with the Communications Director.
• Speaks directly to the public or media to address questions and represent the organization.
• Oversees OMMA’s social media function as part of a cohesive external messaging strategy, ensuring adherence to the agency’s social media policies and procedures, tracking engagement and publishing content aligned with the organization’s objectives.
• Stays informed of social media best practices with an emphasis on government use of platforms and make recommendations regarding changes in strategy and policies or procedures.
• Oversees the agency’s public awareness campaigns under the direction of the Communications Director.
• Serves on committees or task forces representing OMMA as requested by the Communications Director or Executive Director.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in a team environment, participating and assisting their peers.
• Participates in the development and evaluation of program objectives and procedures.
• Provide training and technical assistance to internal staff.

Benefits

• OMMA offers a comprehensive benefits packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level