Public Information Officer

Definition of Class

• This position requires a high level of verbal and inter-personal communication skills as a key team member in a fast-paced environment. This position has a hand in all communications arising from county government, whether directly producing the communications or overseeing them. This position is responsible for maintaining content on the county’s website, which averages nearly 800,000 hits per month. This position is also the critical communications point to convey information to the public on behalf of administration departments in the event of an emergency. This advanced-level position, which performs under minimal supervision, requires independent work, collaboration with others, a team mentality, and an adaptable nature.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Digital Content:
• Manage all digital content for the county’s public platforms (i.e., homepage, social media, other related websites/blogs).
• Maintain content on county website.
• Coordinate programs/departments/initiatives to feature regularly on redesigned county homepage.
• Ensure content and links remain current and frequently updated, providing most useful information for residents and visitors.
• Monitor content on pages overseen by departments to ensure information remains current, relevant and useful to county residents and visitors alike.
• Serve as a liaison to other county departments outside the administration (i.e., County Council, courts) to promote programs or other news on county’s homepage and/or social media accounts.
• Oversee county-run social media platforms.
• Oversee at least 14 county social media accounts, monitoring/reviewing 10 departmental accounts and posting regularly to at least 4 accounts.
• Write, edit and design regular county newsletter for the public.
• Work to transition newsletter to a modern, digital format.
• Develop, create and maintain other digital projects, including videos, blogs and other special projects and presentations.
• Work to find new digital opportunities to communicate with public.
• Ensure administration departments are following county branding guidelines.
• Work with departments to ensure county has a seamless process for notifying public in emergencies. Work to improve process.
• Use opportunities to increase training from FEMA and other agencies for PIOs and other emergency communications.
• Media/Public Relations:
• Work with directors and department staff to create and coordinate promotional efforts, including newsletters, articles, op-eds, fliers and other materials. Proofread/approve all promotional efforts.
• Coordinate media releases for all departments.
• Write news releases for County Executive’s Office as well as for any countywide programs or for departments as needed.
• Edit/approve news releases for all administration departments, and send releases to media for departments.
• Maintain productive and respectful relationships with media organizations.
• Arrange media interviews for County Executive’s Office and for other administration officials/departments, as needed.
• Coordinate, plan and run news conferences/media interviews for County Executive’s Office and for other administration departments, as needed.
• Research and write op-eds, articles, speeches, letters, applications, and other materials as needed for the County Executive’s Office and other departments.
• Develop and implement strategies to improve communications procedures for all administrative departments.
• Advise County Executive, Director of Administration and departmental directors on best practices for communications.
• Coordinate strategies to maximize public awareness of county programs and services.
• Identify opportunities to ensure public has full, transparent access to county operations, including through website and other digital means.
• Ensure that residents seeking information from the County Executive’s Office or other administration departments have their queries answered in a timely, professional manner.
• Represent County Executive and/or Director of Administration in the community, including on boards or in meetings, as requested.
• Emergency Response and Communications:
• Coordinate public response to emergencies and those requiring timely media response; no matter when such situations arise (24/7).
• Work with County Executive, Director of Administration, and other relevant departments or agencies (such as Public Safety, Health) to ensure essential information is presented to the public and/or shared with the media for broader dissemination.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Considerable knowledge of county government, including its structure, function, services and departments.
• Knowledge of Erie County agencies, organizations and municipalities.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, translating government jargon into everyday language for the average citizen.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with a particular focus on strong writing and editing ability across all mediums and platforms.
• Strong understanding of the function and capabilities of social media platforms, including best practices and appropriate use for communication between a government entity and constituents.
• Strong personal communication skills, able to work easily and effectively with elected officials, departmental directors, county employees, members of the media, and the general public.
• Willingness to be “on call” to respond to emergency situations, including severe weather or other crises, that require response by county officials.
• Ability to use digital tools, including social media platforms, WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft products.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science or related field
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in professional communications
• Demonstrated accomplishments in communicating with the public through writing and/or social media
• Accessible 24/7

Conditions Of Employment