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Job Description
| PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER, COMMUNICATIONS |
Job Code: 2703
Pay Grade: 019
FLSA Status: Exempt
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| General Functions |
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Serves as the lead Public Information Officer for Orange County. As Orange County’s primary contact for news media, coordinates with key departments, including planning and code enforcement, and others in Public Information roles throughout the County. Works closely with the Mayor’s leadership team on requests for interviews with the Mayor and the release of information. Proactively anticipates issues and is responsible for the coordination/dissemination of information to media outlets.
Reports to the Manager, Communications Division. Performance is reviewed through observations, conferences, reports and achievement of desired results.
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| Representative Duties /Assignments |
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- Coordinates with the County’s Communications Division, key County departments and the Mayor’s leadership team on the overall plan, coordination, organization and direction of communication strategies and public information activities.
- Proactively implements issues management tracking and prepares fact sheets and background information as needed. Tracks and prepares daily and weekly media logs.
- Provides information to media outlets by generating news releases and coordinating media interviews. Serves as a proactive media liaison between County Departments, the public and news media.
- Establishes and maintains relationships with representatives from the media, the community, department management, employees and public interest groups.
- Provides oversight and appropriate responses for internal and external communication efforts; prepares and distributes a variety of internal publications, notices and newsletters; provides writing and editing support for Orange Spiel articles as needed.
- Assists with editorial planning and engages in research, writing and other activities to provide analysis, recommendations and strategies on communication issues affecting the organization.
- Works collaboratively with Communications Division staff to plan editorial coverage of events and programs.
- Offers advice to the Senior Management team, management and supervisors on matters concerning the County’s public image.
- Provides media support during emergency activation; serves as the Communications Division’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 14 lead for Long-Term Community Recovery. Stays current on all ESF requirements and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training.
- In accordance with relevant Florida statutes, plans public information programs, projects, seminars and presentations. Prepares news releases, media tip sheets, media event fact sheets and video presentations.
- Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure efficient and responsive public communication.
- Monitors media reports and editorials pertaining to Orange County for accuracy and disseminates information to Senior Management.
- Provides general media and public relations training to County representatives.
- Assists with ensuring the content for the newsroom as well as breaking news for the web and media distribution.
- Organizes news conferences and media events, as assigned.
- Assists with capturing photographs for agency publications and special events, as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
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| Minimum Qualifications |
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Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Journalism, Communications, Public or Business Administration, Marketing or closely related field and four years of experience in media relations, managing information, journalism, communication activities or closely related experience. A Master’s degree in specified areas can substitute for two years of the required experience.
Must be able to work with a diversified range of clients; have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with the media, industry partners and internal and external clients.
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| Preferences |
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Knowledge of Florida Law regarding public records
Experience conducting on-camera television interviews
Public relations and communications experience in a government or agency environment.
Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License from date of hire; and have the ability to work nights and weekends
Bilingual in Spanish (ability to read, write and translate)
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3/15/2015
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