Public Information Officer

Summary

Rockingham County is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with federal and state statutes regarding discrimination in employment.

• Paid Medical, Dental, Vision & Life Insurance

• Onsite wellness/medical clinic

• Onsite fitness center

• Retirement

• Flexible Spending

• Paid Vacation, Sick & Holidays

• Bereavement

• Community Service Leave

• Weekends Off (varies by position)

• Flexible Work Schedules & Telework Options (varies by position)

• Tuition Reimbursement

• 401-K & 457 Plans

General Definition of Work

Performs professional work developing internal and external communications, coordinating media and citizen relations, preparing news releases, media kits, speech materials, calendars, brochures and informational documents, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the County Manager.

Qualification Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Examples of Duties

Essential Functions

Writes, edits, photographs, prepares graphic design, and distributes information across multiple communication platforms including social media, the County website, public presentations, and print-ready press releases.

Acts as primary media spokesperson for the County, which includes on-air, print, and digital outlets.

Manages the County's digital presence across all social media and related websites.

Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with local media, elected officials, and County department heads.

Presents a professional and positive image of the County via proactive efforts, consistent messaging, and managing internal and external communications.

Develops and manages the County's comprehensive communications strategy, including overseeing County design standards and branding.

Oversees the County's website content, ensuring information is current, accurate, interactive, and user friendly. Makes recommendations on improvements to website functionality/design to management and Information Technology.

Creates and implements marketing campaigns promoting County services through the use of news releases, informational spots, citizen newsletters, targeted advertising, etc. in both print and digital formats.

Coordinates community outreach, involvement, and education efforts. Manages the County's Citizens' Academy program.

Hosts video projects to inform and educate internal/external audiences. These may include regular 411 shows, County Manager's Corner updates, and other similar productions.

Oversees the Public Information Office budget, including contracts with outside vendors for service when needed. Coordinates press conferences, events, tours, interviews, mailing lists, and other similar activities to connect with constituents, news outlets, and community leaders.

Works with Public Safety agencies to keep the public informed during times of disaster or crisis.

Responds to inquiries, public record requests, and complex issues from County management exhibiting extraordinary professionalism, communication, and customer service techniques.

Partners with the Information Technology Department to ensure the success of the County's PEG TV channel.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of public relations and communications methodologies for disseminating information and publicizing programs, projects, events, services and issues; thorough knowledge of digital communication strategies, laws, and best practices; considerable knowledge of the requirements of broadcast media and the ability to prepare material for their use; considerable knowledge of print and video production techniques and programs,; some knowledge of laws and policies governing the release of confidential and sensitive information; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to write and edit materials for publication and gather relevant information to resolve vaguely defined practical problems; ability to compose and edit articles, speeches and other informative and educational materials; ability to analyze and interpret complex documents; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the media, the public, County employees and other public and private agencies.

Physical Requirements

This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree with coursework in marketing, communications, public relations, or related field and considerable experience in public relation practices, digital communications, press communications, graphic design, website best practices, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

Valid driver's license in the State of North Carolina.

Supplemental Information

Supplemental Information

Note: In accordance with State mandates and the Rockingham County Emergency Operations Plan, Rockingham County Health and Human Services staff from the Divisions of Social Services, Public Health and Integrated Health are required to staff emergency shelters during times of disaster. Please be advised that every staff person is eligible to be assigned to an emergency shelter or Emergency Operations Center.