Public Information Officer for county communications focusing on media relations, social/digital campaigns, and crisis/event communications.

• Own media relations, press releases, events, and social media campaigns for County communications.
• Must have five years in media/communications and a related degree; valid driver’s license required.
• Leads crisis and emergency communications, including EOC support and ADA-compliant website updates.

Responsibilities

• Essential Duties/Responsibilities - Responsible for proactively researching and developing timely, relevant, and credible information releases and marketing materials in coordination with leadership to ensure vital information is provided to the media and public; promotes related activities and events. Develops and distributes information via digital platforms using evidence-based and industry best practices. - Develops and maintains accurate communication and promotion materials, including printed materials, website content, and other electronic and visual media. Coordinates public relations activities, including responding to media inquiries, coordinating with media, and facilitating media requests as directed. Collaborates with leadership to identify appropriate spokespersons, research inquiries, and advise staff; attends and assists with conducting media interviews. - Serves as the Public Information Officer for assigned clients/departments, developing and deploying comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns to promote County events in accordance with the strategic plan. - Manages social media outreach as a proactive advocate for the County's strategic goals to ensure transparency and foster greater trust and engagement in county government; creates, designs, and coordinates social media outreach campaigns through video, graphics, and other digital content. - Attends Board of County Commissioner Meetings and works with County offices, departments, and affiliated agencies to monitor and find promotional opportunities for public knowledge. - Monitors traditional news and social media outlets daily to stay well informed of local issues and community concerns that may have an impact on County programs and functions. - Monitors county websites, mobile applications, and social media platforms to identify and correct any errors. - Responsible for a variety of public information functions, including scriptwriting, producing, designing, shooting, and editing original County related content for both social media and the County Television Channels. - Provides general media relations services, including answering media inquiries, writing and disseminating press releases, event organizing, and facilitating (webinars, press conferences, etc.). - Produces and disseminates media relations press kits and provides details and background information for media reports. - Plans and assists with news conferences and special events, including ribbon cuttings, dedications, retirement and ceremonial proclamations, holiday activities, and openings. - Serves as a representative of the County at public functions, including hosting/announcing events and delivering speeches. - Responsible for media coverage of County officials and events, including photographing, videotaping, editing, and disseminating materials. - Provides social media training to departments across the County to ensure communication with residents is consistent and aligned with the County’s mission and values. - Assists in the coordination and completion of television and radio interviews; provides administration and elected officials with talking points and relevant information prior to each interview. - Works closely with others to develop, update, and maintain appropriate portions of the El Paso County website. In conjunction with County Information Technology, helps train departmental representatives to update their respective portions of the website. Participates in ensuring the County website and social media platforms are ADA-compliant and accessible. - Updates website in emergency situations, such as during winter storms, fires, or during other events that disrupt the normal operations of the County. - Responds to and disseminates information on social media platforms and County Television Channel, as well as news releases and advisories in times of natural or other disasters. - Participates in crisis communication efforts, supporting the Emergency Operations Center and other emergency messaging situations. - Performs other duties as required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Five years of experience in media, communications, or related field.
• An associate’s degree in a related field may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public administration, or closely related field.
• Experience with Office 365, Adobe Creative Suite (In Design), and Canva.
• Experience in WordPress or similar application.