The Public Information Officer is responsible for developing and managing communications to customers, employees, commissioners, community leaders and legislators to keep them updated and informed on the services and issues that impact the District and our customers.

Essential Functions:

Assist in development of District policy with other management staff members
Contribute to setting the direction for the District as a member of the leadership team by participating and following the District's annual strategic plan
Provide marketing support to include content creation and writing for customer newsletters, website, advertising, bill stuffers, handouts, etc
Oversee the District's social media presence
Oversee production of the District's annual report. Develop management discussion points, productions graphics, and supplemental information; arrange for printing and distribution
Monitor various news publications and media for articles and coverage of energy and electrical issues relevant to the District. Assemble the information for District employees, management, and commission use
Represent the District at meetings, conferences, and other events, sponsored by members of the public power community and other entities as deemed appropriate
Serve as the District public affairs representative for community events, meetings, and major outage situations
Provide information to employees and the public during unscheduled power outages and other emergency events to ensure accuracy and consistency in our communications with the public
Be available for evening and weekend on-call duty to meet public information responsibilities regarding power outages and emergencies impacting utility services
Monitor/review emerging legislative and regulatory issues and their impact to the District; integrate related information into recommendations as appropriate or necessary
Assists in the development of written comments, testimony, legislative materials, and informational pieces that support the District's positions
Represent the District on speaking opportunities in both internal and community settings
Develop and maintain familiarity with issues of interest to the District's communities and units of government. Ensure the commissioners and District staff are aware of community and government interests
Oversee and contribute to a positive public image and goodwill for the District by developing public relations material, generating press coverage, overseeing the design, content and responses for the District website and producing customer communications and advertising including broadcast and print media
Coordinate District advertising (fact sheets, brochures, handouts and other printed materials), community relations and public relations with other departments and organizations
Ensure the District's desired messages are heard and understood internally and externally by coordinating input on business and legislative initiatives, developing communication tools and identifying the appropriate use of media
Respond to media requests for information and arrange media interviews with the appropriate utility representative(s)
Respond to public inquiries which are not specific to customer usage, customer engineering or power needs
Attend commission meetings, and provide media summaries for employees, media, and interested parties as deemed appropriate

Requirements

Travel locally and nationally is required
A bachelor's degree in the area of business, communications, public administration, journalism, or related field, preferred
5-7 years of work experience supporting upper management, or equivalent relevant experience
5-7 years of work experience working for or interacting with public organizations and/or lawmakers
Experience reviewing legislation
Experience with public speaking

Benefits

This is a Grade 13 with a salary range between $104,912 and $174,854 DOE. In addition the District offers a competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA for medical and dependent care, HRA VEBA, a variety of life insurance and ADD options, Deferred Compensation (401a & 457b), PERS, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and a generous personal leave bank.

Pend Oreille County Public Utility District

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Public Information Officer