Public Information Officer

Benton County • Corvallis, OR

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Information Officer (PIO) is Benton County’s primary media liaison and manages public outreach for the organization. Working collaboratively with the Chief of Staff and other Communications staff, the PIO delivers internal and external communications for the Board of Commissioners, management, County employees, the public, media representatives, community partners, stakeholders, and other governmental agencies. The position manages and disseminates sensitive and confidential information in compliance with legal and organizational standards.

A hybrid work option is available after successful completion of the probationary period, allowing a combination of remote and on-site work. The position may require driving and using a personal vehicle. A cover letter of no more than two pages describing relevant experience is required, and selected candidates will be asked to provide portfolio examples. Hiring is contingent on successfully completing a background check.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, creative writing, history, political science, public or business administration, or a related field, and two years of professional work experience in Public Relations, Marketing, or Communications; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted, with at least six months of actual work experience required for equivalency.
• Submit a cover letter of no more than two pages describing experience in Public Relations, Marketing, or Communications.
• Valid Oregon Driver’s License.
• Successful completion of a background check.
• Selected candidates must provide portfolio examples.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Three or more years of directly related professional work experience in Public Relations, Marketing, or Communications.
• Excellent writing and editing skills; AP style experience preferred.
• Experience with Hootsuite or equivalent, Google Analytics, and communication platforms such as Constant Contact.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with WordPress or a similar content management system.
• Experience in media relations as an organization, department, or division spokesperson.
• Knowledge of principles of ADA compliance for digital content.

Benefits

• 11 paid holidays, 64 personal leave hours, two floating holidays, vacation accrual of eight hours per month, and sick leave; vacation accrual increases with years of service.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with a $0 health insurance premium; coverage includes dependents up to age 26.
• County contribution of up to $1,400 per year to a Health Savings or Retirement account.
• After six months of employment, County retirement contribution of 6% of salary to Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS).
• After six months of employment, County deferred compensation 457b plan contribution of 3% of salary.
• Loan forgiveness eligibility.
• Free wellness program with seminars, challenges, activities, monetary incentives, and prizes.
• Employer-paid AD&D coverage ($100,000), life insurance ($50,000), and long-term disability coverage; supplemental plans are available.
• Eligible for up to two salary raises within the first year, subject to stated probationary-period and performance conditions; annual performance-based increases until the salary range maximum is reached.

What This Job Offers

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