Public Information Officer (Communications Specialist)

($36.05-$40.61/hr. Starting Salary, Depending on Qualifications)

This position plans, coordinates, and implements a communication plan and public information program highlighting the activities and services available to the public through a variety of communication media. Serves as Lead Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergency events. Provides training, resources, and direction to other employees to fulfill public information needs. Coordinates social media programs and other avenues to disseminate public information. May serve as a spokesperson for the Borough and works to ensure the dissemination of information to the media and the public is accurate, timely, and of high quality. Provide a wide range of complex administrative assistance to elected and appointed officials and executive staff. Required to handle sensitive and confidential communications.

• In coordination with the Borough Clerk and Manager, develops communication strategy to keep citizens and media informed of emergent issues and Assembly priorities. 
• Develops and maintains Borough-wide communication plan, standards, policies, and content for website, social media, and other communication platforms.
• In times of emergency, serves as the PIO under Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and National Incident Management System (NIMS) guidelines, working with other local, state, and federal agencies. Provide training to Borough staff for the purpose of designating a backup PIO. Work with PIOs of other agencies to coordinate dissemination of information. 
• Prepares and disseminates press releases, public notices, reports, newsletters, presentations, fliers, posters, graphic materials, and other communications. 
• Provides radio and/or online audio or video public service announcements (PSAs) as appropriate. 
• Responds to citizen and media requests for information. Coordinates the timely response to public information requests by working with appropriate departments. Monitors community concerns and makes executive staff aware of issues that need to be addressed. 
• Arranges, organizes, coordinates meetings, conferences, press conferences, ceremonial matters, and special events hosted by the Mayor and Assembly. 
• Oversees the Borough Information Team by working with departmental staff to develop appropriate messaging strategy and priorities, edits content, and assures consistency of messaging. Provides communications support for all Borough departments, including:
  • Advises and facilitates the implementation of Borough branding and messaging efforts. 
  • Provides and coordinates media and information training.
  • Develops schedules and timelines for communicating information that best serve the needs of the Borough and the public.
  • Provides advice and guidance on social media effectiveness and best practices; ensures messages conform to and promote Borough policy, mission, vision, and values.
  • Serves as an administrator within Borough social media accounts with full access to edit all content including all Borough department websites.
  • Provides guidance and support for departmental webpage content, ensuring consistency across all media.
• Maintains confidentiality and security of all sensitive and privileged information across all Borough departments.
• Serves as notary public and voter registrar.
• Serves as absentee voting official, election receiving team, and other election duties.
• Prepares a variety of documents, spreadsheets, databases; and assist in the development of short term and long-range plans, reports, and studies.
• Perform other administrative and related duties as assigned by the Borough Clerk.

• Excellent communication and writing skills, political sensitivity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Working knowledge of communications platforms, databases and spreadsheet programs (Microsoft Office Suite preferred).
• Demonstrated ability to convey complex technical and programmatic information to the public and media in a tactful, courteous, and professional manner.
• Demonstrated understanding of current principles, techniques, and objectives of public information and public relations programs. 
• Demonstrated leadership ability and experience leading teams. 

• Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with elected officials and co-workers.
• Ability to work independently without close supervision, exercise good judgment in decision making, prioritize and handle stress effectively.
• This position requires a criminal background check. 

LICENSES

• Must have valid State of Alaska driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to the Borough’s insurance carrier.
• Must have or be able to obtain a Notary Public within six months of hire.
• Must be able to serve as voter registrar. 
• Ability to obtain NIMS certifications (Level 100, 200, 700, 800) within 12 months of hire.
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent.  Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, business, public administration, or related field is preferred. 
• Five (5) years of administrative experience providing public information in related setting.

Any combination of related education and/or related experience will be considered if the candidate possesses the demonstrated ability.

Salary : $74,984 - $84,469