Public Information Officer (PIO)

North Metro Fire Rescue District is now recruiting for the exciting position of Public Information Officer (PIO). This position has been posted to both internal and external candidates.  To be considered for this position, an application must be submitted online by 5 p.m. (MST) on March 16, 2025.

Under the supervision of the Fire Chief, this position enhances public safety and the district’s community relations by disseminating information  internally and externally  through various communication channels.  The PIO oversees and / or supports the district’s media relations, community outreach, safety education initiatives, marketing and recruitment, website management, executive communications, social media, graphic design, video production, photography, crisis and incident communications, event planning, and strategic communications.

As a member of the executive team, the PIO has a shared responsibility to advance the  fire d istrict’s mission, enhance  organization al  transparency, and  help build a  shared vision.

REPORTS TO :   Fire Chief

DIRECT REPORTS :   Life Safety Education Officer

FLSA STATUS :   This position is exempt from the requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act.

REQUISITION # :   2025-00004

2025 SALARY :  $95,741 to $129,292 annually.  Pay is commensurate with applicable experience and qualifications. North Metro Fire offers a generous benefits package that includes health, dental, life, RHS contribution, 457 employer match, LTD / STD disability benefits, FPPA pension, onsite fitness center, paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave. Refer to the benefits summary for further details.

PIO Hiring Process - Important Testing Dates :   (dates are tentative and may change based on district needs).

• Virtual video screening - week of March 24 - April 1, 2025
• In-person practical assessment and panel interview - week of April 7, 2025
• In-person chiefs' interviews – week of April 7, 2025

The Equal Pay Act of 2021 requires North Metro Fire Rescue to notify all current employees of a new or vacant position that is a promotional opportunity. A “promotional opportunity” exists when North Metro Fire Rescue has or anticipates a vacancy in an existing or new position that could be considered a promotion for one or more of its current employees in terms of compensation, benefits, status, duties, or access to further advancement. This position  is not  covered by the North Metro Fire Rescue District Civil Service Committee.

The following duties and responsibilities are all essential functions of the position of Public Information Officer .  They are not in order of importance or priority.  An individual  hired in this position must be able to perform all the essential tasks required by the position. The following statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job . They are not all-inclusive of the role  and do not include other nonessential or peripheral duties that may be  required . North Metro Fire  retains  the right to modify or change the duties or essential tasks and  additional  functions of the job at any time.

General Duties and Responsibilities :

C risis Communications and Incident Response :

1. Responds to emergency scenes  and handles all media inquiries, media  staging,  interviews,  public information releases , social media,  and capturing of incident via photo / video .  Oversees delegation of assignments ,  as needed ,  when unable to respond  personally .  Works with emergency personnel to gather facts and  determine  what information can be provided to the media .  Coordinates communication with other PIOs and essential personnel during situations that involve multiple agencies or departments .  Informs  internal audience and leadership  of situations as  warranted .

2. Serves as  a  fire district liaison to city and county agencies, which includes  participating  in city emergency planning sessions and serving in the field or Joint Information Center / System  as a PIO during large-scale emergencies. Works  with the  district ’s  emergency manager and  alongside city ,  county,  and police PIOs to ensure all emergency planning documents are up to date. Collaborates  on various multi-agency  trainings  throughout the year.

3. Serves as the on-call PIO 24 hours, seven days a week ,  to respond to  emergencies,  when necessary, except when on vacation or when covered by  backup  on-call PIOs  during  pre-arranged times.  Responsible for  overseeing and  training  backup  on-call PIOs.

4. Develops and continuously assesses crisis communication plan s for a variety of threats, including cybersecurity attacks, large-scale incidents, and per sonnel-related events.

Media Relations :

1. Establishes working relationships with local news media and proactively pitches stories to enhance the reputation of North Metro Fire and educate the public  regarding  safety and relevant issues.

2. Serves as primary spokesperson for the fire district, which includes handling media calls and  c risis communications a s  previously outlined.

3. Maintains  online  newsroom and archives incidents and events through photographs,  video,  and media clips.

Community Relations :

1. Produces information  and  content on the districts' activities, events and emergency incidents  to enhance public awareness and promote positive community relations.

2. Serves as primary liaison for partnerships with other organizations and local governments, which includes, but is not limited  to  planning and overseeing community events with area groups to foster a safer community, fulfilling community requests for North Metro Fire’s participation / presence at events, managing community volunteers as part of event coordination, and coordinating various community drives benefiting local residents in need.  The tasks are overs een by the PIO but may be delegated to and  coordinated by other personnel .

3. Produces  annual  reports to the community for distribution through various outlets to keep the community informed of the  d istrict’s progress and priorities.

4. Promotes North Metro Fire’s services and programs to residents, such as the Ambulance Membership Program, CPR classes, and car seat installations .  Maintains and distributes up-to-date informational material (brochures, flyers, etc.) on services and programs offered  through  the  d istrict.

5. Manages and produces content for the  d istrict’s website and social media channels to keep residents, media, and employees  informed .

6. Handles requests for  d istrict speakers and presentations and delegates to  appropriate  personnel  as necessary.

7. Oversees aspects of citizens’ lifesaving award program that recognizes citizens who have shown bravery in  assistance  to fellow citizens during an emergency.

8. Assists  fire and life safety educator with safety events in the community and the delivery of public safety messages.

Internal Relations :

1. Disseminates  timely  information to employees through  SharePoint ,  newsletters,  emails,  and other modes of communication to keep them  apprised  of important  d istrict news and to recognize employees for outstanding work.

2. Provides updates and presentations to the board of directors  regarding  the  d istrict’s community outreach programs, public education efforts, and newsworthy incidents.

3. Serves on various  d istrict committees that focus on employee / organizational development and customer service .  Takes  on leadership roles when  appropriate .

4. Manages employee volunteer opportunities  to  fulfill community requests.

5. Produces multimedia presentations and other presentation materials for internal events such as the annual awards ceremony, retirement functions, promotions, etc.

6. Documents and archives North Metro Fire’s history via photos, videos, news clips, etc.

General  Communications  and Support :

1. Serves as s ocial  m edia  e xpert, developing and executing innovative social media strategies across multiple platforms (e.g., Instagram,  Facebook , ,  X ,  YouTube,  NextDoor ) to drive engagement, brand awareness, and audience growth. Must have deep knowledge of platform algorithms, trends, analytics, and content optimization.

2. Writes and p roduces publications, speeches, grant applications,  reports,  presentations,  and other materials for the  d istrict.

3. Develops  strategies that  utilize  all modes of communication to engage the public and enhance internal and external communications .

4. Ensures all communications  comply with  the Americans with Disabilities Act  and oversee the Accessibility Plan for the district .

5. Manages North Metro Fire brand, editorial, and style guidelines, and continues program development that promotes the fire district’s services and aligns with its mission.

6. Accurately analyzes data, and customer service research, and identifies public  relations  trends  to enhance communications .

7. Assists  with internal communication training, special  academies,  and other programs.

Leadership :

1. Supervises the Community Outreach Team consisting of the Life Safety Education Officer.

2. Develops and  manages annual  budget for public information and community outreach.

3. Plays a key role in the development, implementation, and management of the  d istrict’s strategic goals,  priorities,  and organization development plans.

4. Creates a healthy and inclusive work environment in which people feel valued and want to do their best; can motivate and empower many kinds of direct reports and team or project members; invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility.

5. Interprets and enforces district procedures,  rules,  and policies.  Assists  with formulating  additional  policies, procedures, and practices.

6. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of work methods, technology use; and resource allocations to continually  identify  and implement process changes to improve  the delivery  of district services.

7. Coordinates special projects and programs with the Executive Management Team, internal divisions, committees, and other agencies; coordinates,  prepares,  and oversees the development and issuance of special reports, plans, and studies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

Minimum  requirements  at  entry :

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in communication, journalism, public  relations,  or  a directly related  field from a nationally accredited college or university .   Bachelor’s degree in other fields (education, etc.) may be accepted with professional experience, as noted below.

Minimum of five years experience in professional public relations, public information, mass communications field, and / or any equivalent combination of education, training, and knowledge that demonstrates the ability to meet the necessary essential functions of the position.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS :

Minimum  requirements  at  entry :

Valid unrestricted Driver’s License

Valid unrestricted  Colorado  Driver’s License  within  90 days  of  employment

Within three months of hire :

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ICS 100 and 200

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NIMS 700 and 800

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IS-29 : Public Information Officer Awareness

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IS-42 : Social Media in Emergency Management

Within a year of hire :

E0105 : Public Information Basics

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS : – Must be at least 21 years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and safe driving record for continued employment. New hires must, as a condition of employment, pass the following applicable pre-offer and post-offer / hire processes : oral board / s, reference checks, background checks including criminal background check, illegal drug screening, sex-offender registry, and driving record check.

Compensation details : 46.03-62.16 Hourly Wage

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Salary : $95,741 - $129,292