Public Information Officer (Exempt)

Government of the Virgin Islands

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Public Information Officer identifies communication needs and develops informational materials designed to inform the general public of the agencies' policies, programs, services, and activities of a sensitive and confidential nature. This role serves as the public information/community relations officer for the department and may serve as a spokesperson when designated by the Commissioner. This vital role involves research and responding to media, citizen, and customer inquiries by preparing reports and updates as necessary; maintaining the department's website content and social media accounts while ensuring accuracy, consistency, quality, and interactivity. Serves as an internal consultant by recommending appropriate internal/external communication channels to meet communication needs, including newsletters, news releases, brochures, fact sheets, and audio/video scripts, presentations, and other methods to better inform and engage residents and clients. The incumbent will be responsible for marketing the department's outreach and educational programs, including participation in community events, to create public awareness of the department's mission. Supervise selected clerical support staff, community liaisons, and the program activity director. Incumbent reports to the Commissioner.

Requirements

Degree in Communication, Public Information, Journalism, Marketing, Political Science, Business, or similar.
2 years communications experience
Knowledge of agency's programs, policies, procedures, rules and regulations
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information.
Knowledge of basic principles and materials related to editorial programming, journalism, and Public Information.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Publisher.
Skilled in various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Possess a strong command of grammar spelling and both business and AP style writing.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities.
Accountable for meeting tight deadlines and possess a sense of urgency.
Able to think strategically and incorporate multiple, sometimes differing inputs to achieve best messaging/positioning.
Ability to use sound judgment in gathering, evaluating and interpreting information and drawing valid conclusion.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all persons contacted during the course of work.
Ability to convey information to audiences on agency programs, policies and activities through presentations.
Ability to draft and deliver speeches to address time sensitive issues for both large and small audiences in various forums.

Nice To Haves

Management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Support the internal and external communications through writing, editing, and proofreading content such as: announcements, company-wide communications, talking points, frequently asked questions (FAQs), postings, templates, presentations, plans and campaigns for special projects.
Develops and disseminates a wide range of information and translates data concerning the nature and objectives of agency programs, employing various forms of media, including, but not limited to, radio, television, newspapers, magazines, professional journals, posters, exhibits, and advertisements.
Maximize/leverage the power of marketing, communications, and Public Information to attain the Department's objectives and oversee the Department's brand while enhancing the brand's identity and reputation with key stakeholder audiences.
Manage the use of the organizational email system to produce and distribute emails to various internal and external audiences.
Provide Public Information support for internal and external events, including town halls, and other conferences/occurrences.
Develop and manage the distribution of organizational publications such as brochures, newsletters and internal/external marketing correspondence to employees and clients.
Continually developing and improving communication approaches to advance the Department's mission, program strategies, and values; and effectively utilizing the entire suite of communications tools, including traditional, electronic, video, and social media, to ensure information about the organization is accurate, consistent, and accessible to external audiences.
Maintain crisis communication plans and templates to ensure the company is ready to respond to issues as they may arise.
Provide support in the creation of crisis communications as needed.
Arrange and conduct workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various organizations encouraging participation in agency activities, identifying their concerns, and motivating these groups to conduct similar programs.
Advises on handling topical and reputation-sensitive issues, including media relations work.
Collects and summarizes data from specialized groups or individuals through surveys, public opinion studies, or group meetings, and prepares informational reports to submit to management relaying the public's perception of agency programs.
Arranges and conducts tours of agency's facility, briefing visitors and officials on the function and operation of the organization.
Performs other related duties as may be required.