Public Information Officer

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or journalism, and three years of related experience working with the media, including writing press releases, organizing press conferences, and managing media relationships; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience. Applicants within six months of meeting the education/experience requirement may be considered for trainee status. 
 
Successful completion of all applicable background checks pre-hire and ongoing are required.

Pending BoCC Board Approval

Position Summary

This is highly responsible professional and supervisory work in the communications office serving Alachua County. An employee assigned to this classification is responsible for assisting in developing and implementing effective communication strategies to inform and engage the media, the public, and County staff, about county government initiatives, programs, and services. When the Communications Director is unavailable, the employee will act as the official spokesperson for the county as required, and plays a crucial role in maintaining transparency, building public trust, and managing the county's reputation. Work is performed under the general direction of a higher-level supervisor and is reviewed through conferences, reports, and observation of results obtained.Examples of Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
This is an emergency essential classification. Upon declaration of a disaster and/or emergency, all  employees in this classification are required to work. Exudes a positive customer service focus. Advocates building organizational culture through aligning decisions with core values including:  integrity, honesty, respect, diversity, innovation, accountability and communication.
Supervises and coordinates the activities of subordinate employees including determining work procedures and schedules; issuing instructions and assigning duties; reviewing work; recommending personnel actions; conducting performance reviews; and conducting departmental training and orientation. The PIO represents the department in the absence of the Director. Assists in developing and implementing a comprehensive communication plan to effectively communicate county government activities to the public. Serves as one of two primary contacts for media inquiries, response to information requests, and coordinating interviews with county officials. Writes and edits County stories, press releases, social media, and website posts. Monitors media coverage and public sentiment about the county and provide regular reports and recommendations to the Communications Director. Helps organize and coordinate public events, press conferences, and other outreach activities to promote county initiatives and engage with the community. Develops relationships with key stakeholders, community organizations, and local leaders to enhance collaboration and communication. Prepares county officials for media interviews and public appearances by providing talking points. Assists in writing and editing Op-Eds and position papers. Acts as Communications second in command during a declared emergency. 
Assists in developing crisis communication strategies to address emergencies, natural disasters, or other critical incidents involving the county. Stays up to date with emerging communication trends, tools, and technologies, and recommend innovative approaches to enhance public outreach efforts. Performs the duties listed, as well as those assigned, with professionalism and a sense of urgency. NOTE: These examples are intended only as illustrations of the various kinds of work performed in positions allocated to this class. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES Knowledge of public administration, government operations, and the political landscape at the county level.
Proficient skill in using digital communication tools, social media platforms, and content management systems.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
Ability to demonstrate high ethical standards and a commitment to transparency and accountability.
Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to effectively convey complex information to diverse audiences.
Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders and strong interpersonal skills. 
Ability to supervise and lead others.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to reach and be mobile. Specific vision abilities required to do this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus associated with the constant use of computer monitors. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

An organization is only as good as the people it employs. To attract and retain the best team possible, the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners offers a competitive benefit program. We believe that if we expect our employees to support the County, we must first support the health and financial well-being of our employees and their families, now and as they plan for their future.BoCC-Contributed Benefits

• Medical/Health Insurance  
• Employee Life Insurance  
• Florida Retirement System  
• Employee Assistance Program

Optional Benefits

• Dental Insurance  
• Vision Insurance
• Supplemental & Dependent Life Insurance
• Deferred Retirement Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Roth IRA
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Computer Purchase Program

NOTE: For detailed information regarding available benefits click here.

You may also view Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding benefits. 

• FLORIDA RETIREMENT SYSTEM (FRS) The Florida Retirement System is a retirement plan designed to provide an income to a vested employee and his/her family when the employee retires, becomes partially or totally disabled, or dies prior to retirement.  A defined benefit or defined contribution option may be chosen by the employee.
• TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM Permanent, full-time employees are eligible for educational assistance funds. Contact the Human Resources Office for program details.
• HOLIDAYS Holidays are as follows: 

1. New Years Day  
2. Martin Luther King Day  
3. Memorial Day  
4. Juneteenth
5. Independence Day  
6. Labor Day  
7. Veterans' Day  
8. Thanksgiving Day  
9. Friday following Thanksgiving  
10. Christmas Eve (IAFF*)  
11. Christmas Day  
12. Additional Christmas Holiday (All non-IAFF employees)  
13. 2 Floating Holidays  (All non- IAFF employees)

*IAFF – International Association of FirefightersPay periods are every two weeks, Monday through Sunday. Payday is Friday. International Association of Firefighters follow the General Contract 7k regarding holidays.

Vacation Leave – Generous vacation accrual rates with payout of unused accrued leave, with some restrictions. For more detailed information regarding vacation leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-2.

Sick leave is earned at a rate of 4 hours per pay period by all permanent, full-time employees*. At the end of each fiscal year, eligible employees can convert up to 10 days of accrued sick leave to vacation leave on a 2:1 basis. For more detailed information regarding sick leave refer to Employee Policy Manual, Section 7-3 *Accruals slightly different for IAFF employee.

$66,788.80 - $103,874.99 Annually