What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Information Officer position at County of Albemarle?

Public Information Officer

County Executive's Office

Pay Grade 34

Exempt, Pay Grade 34

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Job Summary / Objective :

Executes media relations, communications, social media, content creation, and projects for various Albemarle County departments. The role primarily focuses on developing and delivering communications for broad County services. A significant part of this position involves creating a wide range of multimedia and written content to enhance public engagement, including videos, graphics, and articles. The role also includes developing and implementing communication activities such as content strategy, storytelling, public education, community engagement event planning, drafting press releases, responding to media inquiries, developing talking points, and coordinating on-site media for county-wide projects and incidents. Acts as an official spokesperson for assigned departments and may serve as a Public Information Officer for regional emergency responses.

Essential Functions :

Coordinates and implements marketing campaigns, press conferences, media announcements, social media posts, and news releases for County departments.
Collaborates with County departments to coordinate media interviews, providing personnel with necessary background information, statistics, and messaging.
Responds to media inquiries and disseminates information to news outlets for a variety of County activities and incidents.
Releases statements and conducts interviews for emergency situations, significant incidents, or projects affecting the community in a timely and professional manner.
Develops and maintains positive working relationships with local, state, and national media organizations.
Responds to media inquiries during normal working hours as well as after hours during emergent scenarios and while acting as the on-call PIO.
Researches and determines appropriate communication strategies for various County initiatives, writing and developing materials, publications, and presentations.
Tracks and analyzes communication metrics, staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices for inclusive and equitable public engagement.
Supports internal and external public relations and strategic marketing efforts across all County departments.
Participates in County Emergency Operations communications during local and regional emergency operations activations.
Implements communication plans across social, web, and print platforms. Creates multimedia content, including in-house video, audio, and graphic design elements.
Collaborates with Public Engagement team to develop communications plans for community events and engagement opportunities.
Supports the operation of the County's communications platforms, including but not limited to social media, website, and newsletter platforms.
Provides support for the core functions of the Communications & Public Engagement Office.
This role participates in the on-call PIO rotation, which includes nights, weekends, and holidays.

Competency : Knowledge / Skills / Abilities :

Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including knowledge of public relations, media relations, public information and education, and social media;

Outstanding ability to work well with people;

Exceptional ability to work and perform under pressure;

Demonstrated experience in the principles of public information, and graphic design principles, including proficiency with Adobe suite and Canva;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County leadership team and other staff;

Ability to lead staff teams in analyzing and improving external communication efforts;

Exhibits strong leadership attitude in support of project, Department, and County goals;

Ability to make effective presentations to civic / business organizations;

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, other employees, and community organizations;

Ability to develop and present community based programs;

Being a mediator and consensus builder, and motivating others to participate or cooperate;

Interpersonal sensitivity to the concerns and emotions of people;

Team building and coalition formation;

Coordinating groups, projects, programs, and initiatives of various scopes;

Working comfortably with all types of people;

Maintaining a strong client-service orientation;

Operating effectively and graciously in stressful situations;

Handling multiple priorities, yet remaining focused and completing projects in a timely manner;

Maintaining confidentiality of information and security of records as appropriate;

Ability to work with staff and / or staff / community teams in analyzing and improving county programs and services;

Substantial knowledge of word processing and graphic design and marketing content creation;

Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision, independently, and self-motivated.

Required Education and Experience :

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or related field from an accredited college or university and at least two years of professional experience or related work, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Must be familiar with marketing communications; editing and writing publications; public relations / advertising functions.

Possession of a valid appropriate driver's permit issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Must successfully complete background investigation, criminal history check, pre-employment drug screening and random drug screening.

Must live within a 45-minute drive to the County Office Building at 5th Street.

Preferred Qualifications / Certifications :

Photo and / or video editing skills preferred.

Physical and Mental Requirements :

Regular lifting and movement of audio-visual equipment weighing up to 40 pounds is necessary.

Work is typically performed in meeting rooms, conference rooms, homes, schools, and public buildings.

Frequent operation of a motor vehicle throughout Albemarle County in occasional inclement weather is required.

Regular contact with media, internal staff at all levels, community organizations, local citizens and citizen groups is required.

Contacts may be non-cooperative and require considerable tact and diplomacy. Usually there is a need to motivate, gain support, or influence individuals or groups.

The position may be required to work during the evening hours and on weekends and participates in a 24-hour on-call rotation.

Position is telework eligible for ad-hoc flexibility.

Remote Work :

This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule that is in compliance with the County's Remote Work Policy and meets the operational and service needs for the position. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Salary Range :

The hiring range for this position is $36.70 - $40.56 per hour (approx. $76,336 - $84,372 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education / training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS : Position open Thursday, October 31.

Virginia Values Veterans :

Albemarle County is a certified V3 organization.

EOE / EEO :

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice : recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.

Salary : $76,336 - $84,372

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