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The Communications Department is seeking a skilled and motivated Public Information Officer to support the Stormwater Department through strategic communications, media relations, and community engagement efforts. This advanced professional role is responsible for developing and delivering timely, accurate, and effective public information that supports Stormwater operations, County initiatives, and Board and Administrative priorities. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted communications partner, helping inform and educate the public while building strong relationships with media outlets, community organizations, and stakeholders.

In this role, you will develop communication strategies, respond to media inquiries, create engaging digital and multimedia content, coordinate outreach initiatives, and support public information efforts during time-sensitive or emergency situations. This position requires strong writing and storytelling skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while ensuring consistent and accurate messaging. If you are passionate about public service, strategic communications, and community impact, apply today to join our team.

About the Position

In this role, you will...

Serve as a primary media and public information contact for the Stormwater Department, responding to media inquiries and coordinating interviews and public messaging.
Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, speeches, digital content, and other communications materials to inform and engage the public.
Develop and implement communication strategies and outreach campaigns that support Stormwater programs, County initiatives, and public education efforts.
Coordinate press conferences, public announcements, community outreach events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
Manage and contribute to digital communication platforms, including websites, social media, photography, video, and other multimedia content.
Collaborate with County leadership, staff, and partner agencies to ensure consistent, accurate, and timely messaging.
Monitor media coverage, public concerns, and communication trends to support proactive messaging and continuous improvement of outreach efforts.
Build and maintain positive relationships with media representatives, community organizations, civic groups, and stakeholders.
Ensure all communications materials align with County branding, communication standards, and public information objectives.
Provide after-hours and on-call support for emergency communications, public information needs, and time-sensitive Stormwater or public safety issues.

About the Schedule

Work Hours:

Full-time, 40 hours per week.
Typical Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

As a reminder, all county employees are considered essential and must be prepared to protect and support the community and its citizens. Each employee, without exception, will have a duty assignment and be required to work during a disaster or declared emergency.

About You

To be considered for this role, you must have the following:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Media Relations, or Mass Communications is required with 5+ years of experience.
OR: Master's degree in one of the above or related fields with 3+ years of related experience.
OR: 10+ years of related professional experience may substitute for the required education.
Valid Florida driver's license within 30 days of hire.

The ideal candidate has the following knowledge, skills, and/or abilities:

Please note that these are not requirements but bonuses for your consideration.

Experience in public sector communications, media relations, or Public Information Officer (PIO) roles within government, public safety, or large public-facing organizations.
Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans, public information campaigns, crisis communications, and community engagement initiatives.
Strong experience writing and editing press releases, speeches, digital content, and marketing materials in AP style for diverse audiences and multimedia platforms.
Knowledge of traditional and digital media strategies, media monitoring and analytics, public relations practices, and government communications processes, including public records and Sunshine Law requirements.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment while building collaborative relationships with leadership, stakeholders, and media partners.

Subject to Passing Substance Screening: This position is subject to passing a pre-employment substance screening. An applicant who fails to pass a required drug screening test shall be disqualified from employment for a period of 5 years.

Physical Demands: Employees in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 lbs.

About Everything Else

Starting Pay Range: $64,812.80 - $67,620.80, based on experience.

Our interview process could include phone interview(s), Microsoft Teams video interview(s), and/or in-person interview(s).

Community Relations & Public Info. jobs in Sarasota

Stormwater Public Information Officer - R20759