Services Online

Orange County's primary contact for news media, coordinates with key departments, including planning and execution of various events 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.

Work is performed with independence under the direction of the Public Relations and Outreach Specialist and is reviewed on a regular basis through observation and achievement of desired results.

• Serves as on-duty PIO for operational support and media inquiries, subject to 24-hour call out for emergency events that have a significant public safety impact.
• Generates proactive media & social coverage for the department; interfaces with Community Risk Reduction Services to educate citizens and visitors about fire and life safety topics via media/social.
• Serves as lead point of contact for Emergency Management, assists in implementing communications strategies for the division, and serves as ESF-14 lead for Fire Rescue as required.
• 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 staff and external communication efforts; prepares and distributes a variety of internal publications, notices and newsletters; provides writing and editing support for Orange County related activities 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.
• Monitors media reports and editorials pertaining to Orange County for accuracy and disseminates information to Senior Management.
• Assists with ensuring the content for the newsroom as well as breaking news for the web and media distribution.
• Manage Agency’s social media presence and assists with capturing photographs for agency publications and special events, as needed.
• Assist with various events such as awards and town halls.
• Serve as backup media contact.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism or Public Relations and three (3) years of media relations, communications, public relations, or community outreach experience to include one year of project management experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Bilingual in Spanish.

Experience in Special Event Planning.

Must be NIMS Certified through the FEMA Emergency Management Institute.

Must have successfully completed FEMA's Advanced Public Information Officer training course (E/L0388).

Working knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, Wordpress, and social media platforms.