***THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE DEPENDING ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. APPLICANTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY AS SOON AS POSSIBLE***

Job Summary

The Department of Corrections is now hiring for the role of Public Information Officer 2 in Carson City. The Public Information Officer will manage DOC's public relations and public information programs statewide. Responsibilities include drafting media releases, newsletters and informational brochures; producing multi-media presentations, and photography; maintaining web platforms; maintaining continuous working relationships and establishing new relationships with state and local government officials as well as media representatives; responding to queries and direct questions to the appropriate staff; arrange press conferences and notifying media representatives of newsworthy events. The Public Information Officer is also responsible for responding to Public Records Requests within the timeframe set for in Nevada Revised Statute. Other responsibilities include developing and maintaining public communications section of the departmental crisis disaster response plan and serving as the agencies' spokesperson during crisis or emergency situations among other related duties as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, English, public or community relations, communications or closely related field and three years of professional experience in administering or directing a public information program including writing media releases and newsletters, preparing and presenting speeches and multimedia presentations, independent media contact, development of public relations strategies and journalistic writing; OR one year of experience as a Public Information Officer I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience as described above.

Job Duties

Write news releases, create informational brochures, coordinate and script public service announcements, and research and author articles for publication and/or to inform the public of activities or items of interest; organize, draft and edit material for printing or publication and distribution; evaluate advertising and promotional materials for compatibility with public relations efforts.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and local government officials and media representatives; respond to queries and direct questions to appropriate staff; arrange press conferences and notify media representatives of newsworthy events.
Develop internal and community relations publicity campaigns designed to build agency morale, community support, and a positive agency image and identity; prepare agency newsletters or brochures; draft and edit articles; layout and design materials for printing; draft speeches for special audiences and attend meetings.
Collect articles, recordings of radio and television newscasts, and other informational releases pertaining to the agency; maintain informational files of background information; file information in order to monitor and maintain records of press coverage.
Determine the need for photos or receive photo requests; arrange for appointments or photo shoots; select site and equipment; determine aesthetics and lighting; select poses or angles; print quality photos and/or prepare for publication; write scripts; determine sequence for slide presentations; and create multimedia presentations.
Plan, organize, coordinate and publicize special events to provide information regarding agency services and activities.
Develop and maintain the public communications portion of the departmental crisis disaster response plan, serve as the agency spokesperson during crisis or emergency situations.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Under limited supervision, incumbents develop and manage a complex public relations program and serve as spokesperson for the department, including fielding media and public inquiries of a sensitive or controversial nature, and authorizing appearances or public statements from staff members when highly technical information is required; advise management on the public relations impact of proposed actions, and design an agency-wide public relations program, image and strategy. Positions at this level manage a budget and may supervise staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

This job specification lists the major knowledge, skills and abilities of the job and is not all inclusive. Incumbent(s) will be expected to have knowledge, skills and abilities from a previous level.
Working knowledge of: promotional and marketing strategies; coordination and allocation of resources; strategic planning and leadership techniques; web platform design and maintenance.
General knowledge of: principles and practices of supervision; budget planning and organizational management.
Ability to: respond effectively to questions from the media, State and local officials and the public regarding controversial or high profile department programs and activities and represent the agency in a positive light; develop and implement internal policies and controls relating to the agency’s public information program; design and lay out publications; make oral presentations to department employees/management and community groups; tailor long-and shortrange marketing strategies for promotion of programs and services; write scripts for multimedia use or for public service announcements; organize material, information and resources in a systematic way to optimize efficiency; understand when to arrange subject matter experts to act as spokespersons when highly technical information is required.

Recruiter Contact Information: Susan Ashley – q.ashley@admin.nv.gov

The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.

Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.