Assistant Public Information Officer

Department:	Administration
Reports to:	Public Information Officer
Pay Grade/Salary Range:	108 - $37,530.61 - $56,295.92

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

A professional position that assists in planning, developing and delivering the County public information program and all related services and activities.  

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following statements describe the principal functions of the job and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

• Supports development and implementation of public awareness programs that disseminate official information to the Highlands County residents and visitors.  
• Prepares and delivers oral, written, visual and digital presentations and products to councils, citizen groups, and government officials.  
• Assists coordinating special events, i.e. receptions, ground-breaking and ribbon-cutting ceremonies.  
• Helps coordinate staff response to specific issues or requests.  
• Interacts with members of the news media, as directed, to help establish and maintain effective communication.  
• Prepares various information on current and anticipated issues for publication. 
• Provides media requested information as needed.
• Assists in managing and updating all County social media accounts and website.
• Assists with internal communications.
• Performs complex clerical and stenographic work including administrative operations in support of County Administration. 
• Assumes on-call duties as requested.
• During Emergency Operations Center activation, may function as the Public Information Officer for either day or night shift.
• Upon approval, attends educational events to increase professional knowledge and benefit the County.
• Maintains a professional and safe unit and work area adhering to established safety policies and the image desired for the organization.
• Consistently follows Board policies and procedures.
• Responds productively to change and performs all other related tasks as directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to communicate effectively and with confidence, both orally and in writing.  
• Ability to create and prepare for publication, information on a broad range of issues for a diverse audience using all media sources.  
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and manage complex workloads.  
• Ability to analyze information quickly, use independent judgment, and make effective decisions.  
• Ability to handle multiple assignments and meet internal and/or statutorily imposed deadlines. 
• Ability to exercise initiative. 
• Ability to create and edit graphics, flyers and other digital products.
• Ability to manage social media pages and accounts.
• Strong organizational skills.  
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, managers, supervisors, directors, elected officials, vendors, and the general public.
• Videography, Audiovisual and Photography skills preferred, not required.
• Bilingual preferred, not required.

PHYSICAL SKILLS:

Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.  Must be able to frequently position self to reach files and other office items located on low shelves or the floor.  Must be able to inspect and assess daily email and postal mail correspondence. Frequently communicates with the public, businesses, vendors, employees, managers, directors, Administration, and the Board of County Commissioners.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.  Frequently operates various types of office equipment to include, but not limited to a computer and copy machine.  Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.  Rarely moves materials and office equipment weighing up to 25 lbs.  Constantly works in an indoor environment.  Rarely works in inclement outdoor weather conditions. Rarely operates motor vehicle for up to four (4) hours continuously or intermittently.  Periodic high stress situations, particularly during emergency activations.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

An Associates degree from an accredited college or university in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations or Advertising preferred.  A minimum of two (2) years of experience in public relations, media, social media management or graphic design preferred.  Completion of FEMA certificates IS-100, IS-200, IS-700 and IS-800 required within 60 days of hiring.  

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

  Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver License.  

OTHER JOB-RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

         Disaster Essential. Completion of FEMA certificates G-300, G-400, IS-29, EO-105 within 12 months of hiring.

THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Does not Discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability/handicap, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected group/class. We are proud to be a drug free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment