Public Information Officer (Pio)

Job Description

Summary: The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the primary liaison between the Police Department, the community, and the media. This role involves disseminating accurate and timely information regarding criminal investigations, public safety initiatives, and community engagement activites. The ideal candidate is skilled in media relations, social media management, and public communications, and works to enhance the department's public image and community relations.

Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the Administrative Captain and Administrative Lieutenant.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Essential Job Functions:

• Gather and distribute information of public interest.

• Serve as the department's spokesperson, preparing and distributing press releases, conducting media interviews, and managing press conferences.

• Provide media coaching to department staff as needed.

• Conduct intermediate photography and videography for the department.

• Manage the department's social media accounts, ensuring timely and appropriate content to engage and inform the public.

• Monitor social media channels for public sentiment and respond to inquiries.

• Establish and maintain relationships with community groups, other government agencies, businesses, and the media.

• Develop and implement programs and events that foster positive community relations and enhance the department's image.

• Develop and execute crisis communication plans during emergencies or significant incidents, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination.

• Represent the department at community meetings, public events, and other forums, delivering presentations and addressing public inquiries.

• Assist in the development and delivery of public information and media relations training for department personnel.

• Assist with regularly scheduled Alcohol Server Training and other departmental training programs as assigned.

• Prepare reports and maintain records according to departmental policy and procedure.

• Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with the Williston Police Department and the City of Williston policies and procedures.

• Perform other duties as assigned, with flexibility to take on tasks related to the position.

Note: The functions and duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of the specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of communication principles, media, and public relations techniques.

• Considerable knowledge of grammar, punctuation, editing, layout, and related skills.

• Experience with photography and/or videography.

• Ability to communicate effectively in conversations, public presentations, and written form.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, citizens, and all media.

• Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.

• Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively and to determine proper course of action.

• Ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing.

• Ability to communicate effectively with members of the community in a professional manner.

• Ability to follow and carry out oral and written directions; perform detail-oriented duties accurately.

• Knowledge of and ability to follow department policy, procedure, and technique.

• Ability to perform several tasks simultaneously and under pressure.

• Ability to work with all age groups and diverse populations within the community.

• Ability to work independently in the absence of supervision and with a team. Must possess excellent verbal, written, and telephone skills.

• Computer operating skills to perform daily tasks.

• Ability to learn and use various software systems.

Education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Experience: Communications, media relations, or marketing experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Associate's degree in a related field is preferred. Cannot be in a probationary status.

Other Special Requirements:Must be insurable under the city's motor vehicle policy. Must pass a background investigation conducted by the Williston Police Department.

Physical Demands: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in an office setting; walk, stand, or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; to travel to other locations using various modes or private and commercial transportation; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.

Work Environment: Work is performed primarily in a standard office environment with extensive public contact and frequent interruptions. Incumbents may be required to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and may be required to travel outside city boundaries