Public Information Officer

The Town of Queen Creek is seeking a dynamic and experienced Public Information Officer (PIO) to join our Communications team. This key position will support the Town’s overall communication efforts while serving as the primary liaison for the Queen Creek Fire & Medical Department.

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator with a strong background in public relations, media relations, and crisis communication—especially in a public safety environment. This role is responsible for creating and managing content for a variety of departments, coordinating with local media, and serving as the voice of the Fire Department during emergency and routine communications.

If you're passionate about public service and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative setting, we invite you to apply and make a meaningful impact in one of Arizona’s fastest-growing communities.

*Queen Creek’s Town Council approved a 3.5% range adjustment effective 7/1/2025; the pay range for this position will be adjusted following this effective date.*

IMPORTANT DATES:

• Recruitment Closing Date: June 22, 2025
• First round of interviews: Week of July 7, 2025
• Second round of interviews: Week of July 14, 2025

This job classification description is intended to be generic in nature and not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.  The specific tasks/duties may vary based on position assignment and as determined by the Town of Queen Creek.

JOB CLASSIFICATION SUMMARY

Positions assigned to this class are responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining an effective public information program on either a Town-wide and/or departmental basis, serving as the Town’s spokesperson and primary media liaison, developing positive news releases to the media, and providing support to the Town Council and management in the development of newspaper columns, speeches, speaking points, and fact sheets. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a senior level professional marketing and communications classification in the marketing and communications job family.   Incumbent(s) perform the full range of advanced public information duties that demonstrates broad practical knowledge in a variety of processes, methods, techniques and best practices. Work involves planning and coordinating difficult assignments, the modification of established guidelines, and the initiation of new approaches.  May be responsible for daily work assignments, conducting work reviews, training staff in work procedures, and providing recommendations to management.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

The following are intended to describe core work functions of this classification.  While the level and broad nature of essential duties may not change, specific work tasks will vary over time depending on the Town’s needs.

• Develops, implements, and maintains an effective public information program on either a Town-wide or departmental basis.
• Develops press releases, columns and other materials for the media for publication.
• Supports Town Council and executive management by providing information and guidance on issues of interest to the public and media.
• Develops communication plans for various Town campaigns, both internally and externally.
• Maintains Town press clippings and communicates news/issues to the employees.
• Coordinates with appropriate internal departments to develop speaking points, fact sheets and speeches in support of Town functions for the Town Council/Town management.
• Writes scripts for video projects and the Town’s on-hold phone system.
• Works with all departments on media and protocol training/advice.
• Responds to public records requests made by the news media.
• Acts as Town’s official spokesperson with the media to provide the Town’s response to issues.
• Attends Town Council meetings.
• Assists with organizing Town Council appearances at events and plans press conferences;
• Responds to after-hour emergencies. 
• Administers digital strategy and content.
• Consults with staff on communications needs.
• Collaborates with executive management to implement communication vision and strategies.
• Performs related work as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (at job entry)

Education and Experience:  

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, public relations, public administration, or a related field and three years of progressively responsible experience involving public information, public relations, media relations, marketing, communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of directly related education and experience.

LICENSING/CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS 

• Driver’s License;
• Maintain all certifications/licenses required at job entry.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles, procedures and strategies of public information/public affairs in a municipal environment;
• Journalistic standards and principles and practices relating to professional writing and correspondence;
• Event organization and planning;
• Computer software and applications related photography and website development and maintenance;
• Social media outlets;
• Public relations principles;
• Crisis communication methods and techniques;
• Associated Press Style;
• Project administration;
• Standard office equipment including the computer and programs relevant to the performance of applicable duties and responsibilities;
• Customer service principles.

SKILLS

• Planning, organizing, preparing, presenting and defending reports and studies;
• Making complex decisions and interpretation in accordance with established rules, policies and procedures;
• Problem solving and decision making;
• Research, analysis, and the preparation of recommendations for management;
• Group facilitation;
• Implementing public relations initiatives;
• Using a computer and related software applications;
• Communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, and other interested parties sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

OVERALL PHYSICAL STRENGTH DEMANDS:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Note: This is intended as a description of the way the job is currently performed. It does not address the potential for accommodation.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE:

Standard office equipment; vehicle

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:

None

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

PRIMARY WORK LOCATION: