at Riley County in Manhattan, Kansas, United States
Job Description
Description
Job Title: PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER – RILEY COUNTY
Department: County Clerk Division: Admin
Reports To: County Clerk
Pay Range: AA Status: Full Time
FLSA Status: Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY: The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for coordinating and managing various public affairs programs across Riley County departments and services, including informational and educational communication for the County. This includes public relations, media relations, crisis communication, county-wide branding and education, and communication with County elected officials and employees. The PIO is responsible to lead a cohesive effort that conveys a consistent message in support of the mission, strategic goals and objectives of Riley County.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Initiate and oversee the establishment of county-wide strategies, plans and programs designed to ensure all communication and public relations efforts are cohesive, consistent and effective in support of the mission and goals of Riley County.
- Provide and coordinate communication activities on a broad range of programs, services, issues, and policies, including the day-to-day operations of the county.
- Provide direct and proactive advice, consultation and assistance to County Commissioners, officials, and employees. Interact with media representatives and the general public.
- Maintain strong relationships with commissioners, elected officials, departments, media representatives, peer agencies and members of the community to ensure relevant and timely messages are being communicated.
- Lead day-to-day communications activities, i.e., social media content, web site content management and training assistance, print and digital resources, newsletters, news releases, county event advertising, reports and other county promotional programs and materials.
- Manage content, update information and provide communication regarding Riley County’s website, including specific departmental pages and employee recruiting, county branding and communication using the website.
- Collaborate with Department Heads and county staff to create engaging, shareable content and build online engagement/presence.
- Assure quality and appropriateness of county communication programs and initiatives.
- Design and develop content and manage the County’s web and social media pages including statistical reporting and retention/disposition of electronic records.
- Operate high end computer software, desktop publishing software, Microsoft Office Suites, Microsoft Office Suites, Adobe Creative Suite, web design and web maintenance software.
- Develop communications strategies and craft community engagement for the County. Write, produce, and appropriately distribute communications materials. Fundamental knowledge of and documented past relevant training and work experience in media relations practices.
- Serve as designated spokesperson for Riley County, responding to media inquiries, overseeing the development and issuance of media releases, and communication activities.
- Work in residence within departments during emergency events or planned projects and events.
- Manage multiple projects requiring a high level of initiative to meet deadlines and use independent judgment.
- Film and edit video and participate in live video broadcasts.
- Produce high-quality graphics and images for digital and print media.
- Performs all other job-related duties as assigned.
SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:
- Actively participate/network in the Flint Hills PIO Group.
- Provide data on system usage and evaluate effectiveness of communication strategies.
- Develop community branding/engagement campaigns around special projects/ballot initiatives.
- Exhibit creativity and sound judgment in all actions and when working with internal/external customers. Strive to consistently improve the quality of image and reputation of the County via various communication outlets.
- Serve as a county liaison to emergency planning and response agencies. This includes working with emergency management personnel, city safety officers, and regional Emergency Operation Centers (EOCs) to develop and improve employee preparedness and communication in advance of and during emergency situations
