General Definition of Work
The Public Information Officer plays a crucial role in managing communication between Hertford County and both our residents and guests. This position is responsible for ensuring that all public and media communications represent the organization's brand, vision, and mission accurately and positively. The Public Information Officer responsibilities include developing and implementing effective communication strategies, managing public relationships events, handling crisis and emergency communications, and disseminating information via various channels, including social media and press releases.
- Manages all county social media platforms; Develops strategies for engaging the public, and advising on social media trends and best practices. Responds to comments and questions posted on the city's social media sites, developing regular and consistent content, and thinking proactively about the county’s and brand and community partners
- Oversees and participates in the full range of public relations and communication activities; determines the need for informational and promotional materials and the most effective way to disseminate information to target audiences.
- Provide technical information and forms to staff; create department/county directory and implement intranet system for in-house communication with departments via intranet.
- Organize and maintain the flow of communication through the assigned offices in an efficient and effective manner with staff, the general public and others.
- Oversees and participates in a full range of public relations and communication activities; determines the need for informational and promotional materials and the most effective way to disseminate information to target audiences.
- Serves as webmaster for the county; coordinates development of website with vendors. Keeps website current. All in coordination with IT
- Assists the County manager in setting media relations policy and strategy. Trains department staff and other employees in media relations best practices.
- Serves as a spokesperson and representative for the County Manager, answering inquiries from the community, media, organizations, etc.
- Administers and participates in the design, development, composition, production and distribution of a variety of public information and/or marketing materials and other documents such as news releases, public service announcements, promotional flyers, electronic newsletters, brochures, information guides, fact sheets, pamphlets, flyers, and social media publications and campaigns.
- Maintains regular media contacts and keeps them informed of issues and events of importance to the County.
- Advises Board Members and County management on appropriate and effective ways to convey County messages and provides information on programs and activities.
- Creatively designs, writes, and prepares layouts for the County, marketing materials, marketing campaigns, and County website.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings including commissioners meetings and auxiliary board meetings as necessary; represents the County in professional organizations and regional networks.
- Stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of community relations, including operations and technology; evaluates the impact of new developments and recommends improvements to existing programs and procedures.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Considerable experience in public relations, excellent oral and written communication skills, professionalism and diplomacy; outstanding interpersonal and telephone mannerisms proficiency in computer skills; strong organizational skills and proven ability to exercise good judgment on a consistent basis; ability to perform work during emergency or disaster situations upon request and as assigned by management; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, elected officials, media, organizations, industry professionals, and the general public exercising tact and courtesy; thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations and related tools and techniques for building positive image; thorough knowledge of technical process, procedures, and methods used in producing, publications, and other printed materials; thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods; skill in the use of social media; skill in the use of related software applications; ability to operate standard office and computer equipment including ability to operate cameras; ability to express ideas effectively and professionally both orally and in writing; ability to work within strict deadlines and re-prioritize responsibilities as needed.
Associate’s degree in communications or graphic design and four to five years of experience in media relations; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
