Public Information Officer

POSITION OVERVIEW

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Reporting Location: 500 Jefferson, 17th Floor
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm* -Subject to change*

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Prepares and distributes responses to all media requests, information interviews, public inquiries, City Council request, etc. Fulfills, requests promptly, accurately and courteously. Represents the Department as a spokesperson and acts as liaison between the Department and community. Makes appearances or responses promptly in a professional, diplomatic manner. Monitors and responds to public feedback relative to departmental activities. Reads, watches, and listens to local and national media daily, regularly familiar with community reaction to department. Promotes departmental activities through appropriate media channels. Keeps in touch with department and media contacts regularly; is accurately informed about community and department activities.

The PIO engages with internal and external stakeholders during the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and/or mitigation of intentional and unintentional crisis, disasters, other humanitarian emergencies, or hazards, natural and man-made/technological (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, high explosives) events. This position implements the Office of Emergency Management’s communication and media program through online and traditional media outlets to promote safety programs and services by working to create a trusted source of information and public awareness and public education of the emergency management program throughout the City of Houston.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implements all aspects related to crisis communications, internal communications, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, and brand management
• Handles highly confidential information
• Negotiates solutions for problems of high complexity as needed
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the Deputy Director or designee and acts as liaison with external organizations and other department offices.
• Responsible to maintain website, social media accounts, media inquiries, interviews, press conferences, and other media related items for the department
• Conducts on camera media interviews and coordinates media relations.
• Familiar with National Incident Management System, Incident Command System.

This is a TIER 1 responsibility position with respect to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Most specifically, this means you are responsible for working and being available to work during a natural disaster or catastrophic event.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
Requires a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Five years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field are required.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
None.

PREFERENCES

Preference will be given to candidates who have:

• Preferred background with media platforms, superior writing, and inter-personal communications skills.
• Ability to work in an environment involving teamwork, multiple deadlines, rapid communications, and crisis response.
• Understanding of Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements
• Advanced knowledge of social media, print, electronic, radio/television and other media used to distribute public information. Familiarity with AP Writing Style.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, effective relationships with media outlets, internal management/ non-management employees, City, and other government officials.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and analytical skills to include but not limited to newsletters, fact sheets, news releases, and other forms of publicity.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Management or Supervisory experience of a team
• Valid driver's license.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED:
Department may administer skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: YES
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION:
Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade 26
APPLICATION PROCEDURES:
Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov.
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting:http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfmor call (832-393-0203).
If you need special services or accommodations, call (832-393-0203) . (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.