Public Information Manager

Position Number: 22179860

County: Pulaski

Posting End Date: 03/25/2024

Anticipated Starting Salary: GS09

[[Directorate ]]

The Department of Public Safety's mission is to enhance the safety and security of all Arkansans through ethical, character-driven behavior that promotes professionalism, clear communication, and accountability while serving as the state's premier public safety agency.

ADEM is committed to responding quickly to the needs of the citizens of Arkansas during times of disaster, whether it be natural or man-made. All ADEM staff, regardless of position title, serve a role in the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) to aide in response efforts.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Develop and implement communication strategies and plans to promote the agency's goals, activities, and initiatives.

Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and prepare press releases, statements, and other communication materials. Manage the organization's social media presence and online content, ensuring consistent messaging and branding. Monitor media coverage and public perception, and provide analysis and recommendations for addressing any issues or concerns.

Collaborate with various departments to gather information and ensure accurate and timely communication. Coordinate and facilitate press conferences, media briefings, and other public events. Develop and maintain relationships with key media contacts and industry influencers.

Assist in crisis communication planning and management, responding promptly and effectively to emergencies or sensitive situations. Represent the agency at public events, meetings, and community outreach activities as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Basic emergency management classes and a general understanding of a Joint Information Center.

Proven experience in public relations, media relations, or communications roles. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and prepare press releases, statements, and other communication materials.

Ability to work well under pressure and adapt to rapidly changing situations.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS: On call 24 X 7 X 365 for disaster response to the Emergency Operations Center.

Ability to work rotating, on call shift for PIO role. Strong working knowledge of all the Microsoft suite with a heavy emphasis on Word and Outlook. Current relationship with media.

Position Information

Class Code: P004C

Grade: GS09

FLSA Status: EXEMPT

Salary Range: $50,222.00 - $72,822.00

Summary

The Public Information Manager is responsible for receiving and disseminating information, drafting reports, researching legislative issues, and editing, writing, publicizing, and promoting the agency. This position is governed by state and federal laws and agency/institution policy.

Functions

Supervises a small professional and administrative supports staff by interviewing and recommending for hire, prioritizing work assignments, establishing deadlines, providing general instructions, reviewing work performed, and evaluating the performance of incumbents. Writes, designs, and publishes presentations which will include text, graphics, and charts that are provided to the Governor's Office, Legislature, Civic groups, professional groups and others.

Edits materials produced by the section or other department staff by reviewing weekly news/feature releases and department publications and newsletters, evaluating contents and impact, and ensuring that material are publishable. Writes and edits copy for the agency's newsletters, press releases, web pages, brochures, and scripts. Solicits and coordinates media coverage of departmental programs or emergency events to ensure accurate and complete information.

Trains co-workers on use of publication and other software. Performs other duties as assigned.

Dimensions

None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the principles and practices of journalism. Knowledge of publication design techniques.

Knowledge of computer applications for publication, distribution, and presentation. Knowledge of supervisory practices and techniques. Ability to write news releases, articles, and other materials.

Ability to prepare and present oral and written information and reports. Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of subordinates.

Minimum Qualifications

The formal education equivalent of a bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, public administration or a related field; plus five years of experience in public relations, including two years in a supervisory capacity. Additional requirements determined by the agency for recruiting purposes require review and approval by the Office of Personnel Management. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Licenses

None

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.

All ADEM positions could include travel in and out of state and are subject to 24 hour on-call duty in the event of an emergency/disaster.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Applications will be pre-screened for completion and also for the availability to travel. You may attach a resume, however, all the information requested in the Employment History section of the state application must be completed.

Incomplete applications will NOT be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Make sure to include any military service you may have. Applicants claiming Veterans Preference Points (Active Duty Veteran, Widow of Veteran, and Widow of Disabled Veteran) must attach proof of status to application in order to receive Veterans Preference Points.

The Department of Public Safety has implemented a drug, alcohol, and tobacco free workplace policy pursuant to A.C.A. § 11-14-101, et seq. All ADEM positions are designated as safety sensitive in which a person performing the duties of their positions while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or other controlled substances may constitute a threat to health, safety, or handling of confidential information.

As allowed by law, all prospective employees who receive a conditional offer of employment are required to submit to a drug test. Refusal to take the drug test or results that indicate a presence of illegal drugs or prescription drugs for which the individual has no prescription will be the basis for precluding the individual from employment. Additionally, employees are subject to random drug and alcohol tests as a condition of continued employment.

This position has a mandatory 6-month probationary period. This position also requires mandatory 5.50% contribution to the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System.

Benefits package may include health and life insurance, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, Credit Union availability, retirement, career bonuses and deferred compensation plans.

Nearest Major Market: Little Rock