Public Information Officer

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.

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

For Full Time employees in a regular position, insurance is available and effective the first day of the following month after having worked for an entire month. The County currently pays 100% of the cost for regular employees working at least 30 hours per week. Dependent coverage is also available.

This benefit is available to regular employees working at least 20 hours per week. Time off includes:

Paid Holidays.

Local Government Retirement System

All employees in regular full or part time position are required to contribute to the retirement system. Contributions are taken on a pre-tax basis. The current contribution amount is 6%.

NC 401(k)- Employees have the option of making contributions on a pre or post tax basis to a 401(k) and on a pre tax basis to a a 457(b) plan.

Insurance such as life, short term disability, and cancer care are available to regular employees and can be paid through payroll deduction.

All employees are required to have direct deposit.

Credit Union: Employees of the County are eligible to open accounts at the Local Government Federal Credit Union.

Annual longevity payment beginning with the 6th full year of full or part time regular employment