Description
The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the primary spokesperson for the City of Caldwell, delivering clear and consistent messaging on a broad range of public policy issues. This role is responsible for developing, managing, and disseminating information through various communication channels to ensure transparency and community engagement. Acting as a liaison between the City, media outlets, and members of the community, the PIO shares stories that highlight city initiatives and informs the public about key activities and policy decisions. Additionally, the PIO provides leadership and supervisory support to the Community Outreach department. This is an exempt position.
Responsibilities
- Manages and coordinates public and media relation activities on behalf of the City of Caldwell.
- Supervises, supports, conducts employee evaluations, and reviews timecards for the Community Outreach Department.
- Serves as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with media outlets and representatives both locally and nationally.
- Writes media advisories, news releases, opinion editorials, and prepares materials and press kits for distribution on behalf of the city.
- Schedules, facilitates, and plans news conferences and interviews with news media organizations.
- Compiles, provides background information, and prepares talking points for media interviews and presentations.
- Advises departments on effective communication practices, including information dissemination; and provides media training sessions for department heads and staff.
- Develops and enhances existing internal systems of communication to support public and community relations and information dissemination.
- Manages database and maintains system of news release distribution and contact lists for distribution.
- Responds to community information requests and distributes information, photographs, and press releases to media representatives and the public.
- Prepares and distributes materials to keep employees informed about city programs and activities.
- Conceptualizes, produces and/or assists with the production of brochures, flyers, slide shows, videos, displays, graphics, multimedia presentations and other informational material.
- Manages promotional activities such as press releases, brochures, public service announcements, etc.
- Administers and oversees special projects and event functions on behalf of the city.
- Consistently keeps supervisor and relevant team members informed about work progress, current, and potential issues, and proactively suggests new or improved solutions to address challenges.
- Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
- Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.
- Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and remains current on the principles, practices, and development in assigned work areas.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education, Training, and Experience Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, public administration, marketing, English or a related field providing education in writing and public policy; or
- A minimum of four (4) years of experience working in the field of public/media relations in a political office, government entity, major corporation, or nonprofit agency.
- Supervisory experience.
Licenses, Certifications, and Other Requirements:
- Possession of a current and valid driver’s license.
- Subject to a pre-employment background check and drug screen (including prescription medications).
- Must be able to work evenings and weekends