Public Information Officer

Georgia Department of Public Health•Columbus, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Georgia Department of Public Health is the lead agency entrusted by the people of Georgia to protect lives and promote healthy lifestyles in diverse communities statewide. As a Media Relations Specialist within the West Central Health District at the Georgia Department of Public Health, you will join a dedicated group of public health professionals that help support the overall mission and vision of protecting lives of Georgian residents in a variety of ways. This position will be based in Columbus, GA and will travel throughout West Central Health District’s 16-county health departments and is responsible for maintaining and promoting a positive public image for West Central Health District. Duties include preparing media releases, speeches, print and web-based communications, website content, and social media messaging designed to increase public awareness of the agency’s programs, services, initiatives, accomplishments, and public health priorities. This is Not a Remote Position.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in communication, journalism, or other closely related field from an accredited college or university and two (2) years of media relations job-related experience; or Associate degree in communication and journalism or related field from an accredited college or university and one (1) year of experience at the lower-level Media Relations Specialist 1 (GSP150) or position equivalent.
Associate’s degree in communication, journalism, or other closely related field from an accredited college or university and three (3) years of job-related media relations experience; or one (1) year of experience at the lower-level Media Relations Specialist 2 (GSP151) or position equivalent.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, or other closely related field from an accredited college or university and at least 2 years of job-related experience.
Bilingual (English & Spanish speaking) preferred.
Experience in serving as a spokesperson for an organization to the media, partners, venders and/or stakeholders.
Excellent written, oral communication and presentation skills.
Proficient in all MS Office applications and the Adobe Creative Suite, Web design and social media management experience, a plus.

Responsibilities

Supervise office support staff.
Develop and oversee the implementation of a strategic marketing and communication plan to advance West Central Health District’s strategic business and operational program initiatives, services, and profile, through both web-based, social marketing and traditional communication mediums.
Write articles, news releases, briefs, and announcements on relevant West Central Health District’s program information, and publish through social media, the WCHD website, and via media outlets.
Manage the WCHD website and all social media channels.
Communicate with WCHD leadership team members and health department staff regarding the promotion of WCHD services and initiatives to devise and implement a branding strategy for West Central Health District and its programs and services.
Serve as the District’s Risk Communicator when emergencies or crisis situations arise.
Establish systems to track, monitor, and summarize progress of strategic and operational initiatives in marketing and communications.
Ensure external communication procedures and policies for agency-wide compliance are well documented and communicated to all staff and partners.
Provide high level marketing and communications technical assistance and consultation to WCHD Leadership Team and program supervisors.
Provide program-related information to the press and general public and respond to inquiries from the media.
Coordinate the development of marketing materials, informational brochures and publications.
Assist in the development of professional presentations and abstracts for conferences, workshops and training sessions.