Public Information Officer

South County Fire, Everett, WA is actively recruiting for Public Information Officer.

Core Values: All employees of South County Fire are expected to hold themselves accountable for upholding and demonstrating our core values at all times: Integrity, Humility, Compassion, Family and Trust.
 
Summary: The Public Information Officer creates and disseminates effective communications through video, pictures, social media, printed materials, website, media interviews and other means. This position relays timely information to the media and public, developing strategies to build and promote positive relationships between the organization and communities served. The Public Information Officer gathers information and coordinates with media at emergency scenes, rotating responsibilities for 24-hour on-call media response. Some evening and weekend work is required to attend special events and meetings.
 
This position receives general direction from the Communications Director. The work is performed with considerable independence and is evaluated by the Communications Director through review of reports, briefings, program effectiveness, degree of harmony with the public, coworkers and observation of daily activities.
 
Supervisor Responsibilities: None.

• Develops and implements social media platform content strategies, multimedia messaging and digital campaigns. 
• Analyzes engagement data and moderates social media interactions with the public.
• Produces and delivers multimedia content including photography, video production, writing news releases, writing for social media, setting up for media interviews, scouting and research. 
• Duties may also include script and speech writing, marketing assistance and other services.
• Works closely with the Community Outreach Manager and Fire & Life Safety Educators to support delivery of effective safety messages and Regional Fire Authority (RFA) participation at special events. 
• Updates South County Fire’s web site content and presentation to optimize user experience.
• Serves as news media liaison, providing information on emergency responses, programs and activities. 
• Builds strong working relationships with local media.
• Coordinates and responds to media at major emergencies.
• Available and responsive to incident commanders.
• Collaboratively establishes media area at an emergency incident and provides appropriate communications regarding incident.
• Develops and distributes news releases, public service announcements and emergency response details.
• Arranges media site visits, media interviews and appearances by personnel. Advises staff of media events and counsels staff in media relations techniques.
• Assists in developing and coordinating effective public information programs for the RFA (e.g., communication strategies, media relations, community events, etc.).
• Assists in developing and executing approved internal and external communication plans and strategies for various RFA strategic initiatives.
• Executes approved voter education communication plans for RFA ballot measures.
• Assists in editing annual or other periodic reports.
• Plans, develops and produces written materials including newsletters, fact sheets, displays, slide programs, brochures and other educational and promotional materials related to South County Fire programs.
• Supervises the production of graphic materials; explains desired typography, illustrations, layouts, and other requirements to printers and other consultants.
• Develops and maintains an effective, positive working relationship with interest groups, public agencies, the public and other partners.
• Develops and coordinates special events and special media events.
• Schedules and recruits personnel for various public information and education events and reviews communication strategy to ensure delivery of event messaging is consistent and accurate.

Required Skills:

• Extensive photography, video production and editing experience.
• Skilled in storytelling and an understanding of how to use content to educate while building positive public relations.
• Experience managing various social media platforms and creating impactful content for a government agency or business.
• Exceptional ability to write, edit and simplify messages, including complex technical information.
• Intermediate graphic design skills.
• Experience creating and managing website content.
• Ability to conceptualize and design effective publications and public information materials.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and multitask.

Knowledge Of:

• Knowledge of state laws applicable to voter education.
• Knowledge of public policy and decision-making processes.
• Public Disclosure Commission guidelines and rules on providing voter education and outreach related to elections and ballot measures.

 
Education and Experience:
A bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications, marketing, or closely related field AND three years professional experience in communications, public relations, marketing, journalism, or related field required OR, any combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.Special Requirements:

• Must have and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
• Must pass a formal criminal background check as required by RCW 43.43.830.
• Some night and weekend work required
• Rotating 24-hour on-call media response

 
Physical Demands:
Office activities require ability to sit for long periods of time and move throughout the office; ability to stand for long periods of time; ability to perform manipulative skills required for word processing; ability to lift, carry, and maneuver various educational supplies and equipment up to 20 pounds; ability to stoop, kneel and bend; ability to read computer screen, various documents and forms; hearing and speech abilities to effectively communicate and perform duties.
 
Working Conditions: 
Work takes place in a variety of environments including office settings, meetings, public events, and emergency incident scenes. Outdoor work will take place in various weather conditions. The employee is on a rotating on-call requirement of 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with a contact (cell phone etc.) number accessible to personnel and the media; work also includes some evenings and weekends to attend various events and meetings. Travel required in performing job duties and attending training and seminars. Employee must be able to effectively utilize computers and related software, computer printers, photocopiers, various audio-visual equipment, calculator, multi-line telephone system, pager, cell phone and fax.
 
The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise to balance the workload. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.