Public Information Officer Jobs

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Under general direction, plan, organize and coordinate a public relations and information dissemination program for the County of San Benito; perform related duties as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

This is a single position class characterized by its responsibility to develop and administer a program fostering public understanding of County goals through the reporting of policies, programs and services. The incumbent advises members of the Board of Supervisors, the staff of the County Administrative Office, and other County officials regarding strategies for the delivery of public information.

REPORTS TO

County Administrative Officer, Deputy County Administrative Officer, or designee.

CLASSIFICATIONS SUPERVISED

May supervise professional, technical, and support staff.

Typical Physical Requirements

Sit for extended periods; frequently stand and walk; normal manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; lift and move objects weighing up to 25 lbs.; corrected hearing and vision to normal range; verbal communication; use of office equipment, including computer, telephone, calculator, copiers, and FAX.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office environment; continuous contact with other staff, other agencies, and the public. May be required to work a varied schedule of hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

• Arrange media events such as press conferences, tours, and County dedications. Maintain a speakers bureau on County services.
• Serve as a resource to County Officials, executives and management in the preparation of information for public dissemination; provide advice on best practices in regards to media relations, procedures and processes.
• Facilitate the accurate and full coverage of County issues by the news media. Prepare, edit and supervise the preparation of communication materials on matters such as policy issues, special events and County services and programs in response to current events and news worthy issues.
• Stay abreast of issues affecting County operations and the various organizational programs, activities, services and objectives.
• Act as spokesperson for the County as directed.
• Prepare or direct the preparation of a variety of informational material such as pamphlets and brochures about County services and programs. Develop concepts for and produce such multi-media aids as films and tapes. Determine budgetary requirements for the media program and monitor expenditures.
• Develop a communications program for the County, evaluating needs and making recommendations as to how to increase public awareness of current issues and events affecting the County; evaluate the effectiveness and coverage of public information activities County response to issues and events.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of the media. Identify opportunities to strengthen and improve communications.
• Evening and weekend work is required.
• Provide vacation and temporary relief as required.

Required

A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be

Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public relations, journalism, English, communications, or a closely related field.

AND

Two (2) years of full-time experience in public relations, journalism, or the media which included the writing and placing of news and feature articles for the various communications media, and providing information to the public in the capacity of an organization's public relations spokesperson

Special Requirements

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.

All County employees can and will be called upon to act as Disaster Workers when needed.

In the event that an employee changes class, or if requirements are changed after initial appointment, employees may be required to submit to a background investigation

Knowledge Of

• Knowledge of advanced principles of public relations and communications.
• Knowledge of media relations principles and methods.
• Knowledge of principles of budgeting, project management, and organization.
• Knowledge of principles of organization and administration.
• Knowledge of methodology and techniques for basic research, surveys, analysis, and evaluation.
• Knowledge of marketing principles, techniques, and advertising.
• Knowledge of principles of graphic design, photography, video, web, social media, multimedia, and presentation production.

Ability To

• Ability to initiate, develop and maintain productive working relationships with a wide variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and vendors.
• Perform a wide scope of complex research, studies, and analytical work.
• Ability to plan and manage special events and promotions.
• Effectively organize and carry out multiple tasks simultaneously
• Formulate and accomplish strategic communication goals.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Read and interpret laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the operations, programs, and services of the County.
• Ability to use personal computers and related applications, and to learn new applications as required by changing technology and procedures.
• Provide a variety of advice and consultation for County management and elected officials.
• Effectively represent the CAO’s Office and the Board of Supervisors in responding to inquires, assisting, and dealing with public, community organizations, boards, commissions, and other government agencies
• Ability to write and edit effectively for a variety of purposes, formats, and audiences.
• Interact with elected and appointed officials, business leaders, regulatory agencies, community groups, employees, and the public.
• Present sensitive and/or complex issues, both orally and in writing, to large diverse groups in a persuasive fashion.

In accordance with California Government Code section 3100, et., seq., all County of San Benito employees are considered disaster service workers who may be required to report for duty, or remain on duty to address disaster service activities in the event of an emergency or disaster and are required to undertake an applicable loyalty oath.

San Benito County Benefits

Employees in regular, full-time positions will be eligible to participate in the following employee benefits:

Pay Day: Employees are bi-weekly. The insurance and benefits deductions will take place bi-monthly - normally the first two pay periods of the month. Bank/Credit union and 457 Retirement Deferrals deductions will take place bi-weekly.

Vacation: Based on continued years of service. Maximum accruals may apply depending on the bargaining unit.

< 4 years of service = 10 days per year
5 to 9 years of service = 15 days per year
10 to 14 years of service = 18 days per year
15 + years of service = 20 days per year
Administrative Leave: Management employees receive 80 hours of administrative leave per calendar year. Forty (40) unused hours can be paid out at the end of the calendar year. Administrative leave is pro-rated.
Holidays: 13.5 holidays (including 3 floating) for most employees. Safety officers and dispatchers receive approximately 5% holiday pay in addition to their base pay in lieu of paid holidays off.
Sick Leave: 15 days per year. Maximum accruals apply.
Health Plan: Comprehensive medical and dental plans available for full-time employees. Employees appointed to a regular position at a time base of 50% or higher are also eligible to participate.
Vision Plan: MES Vision Plan offered which offers exams, frames and lenses on a 12-24-24 basis. The County pays for employee coverage and the employee can pay for dependent coverage. This benefit is available to FULL-TIME employees only.
Employee Assistance Program: The County provides confidential short-term counseling services to employees and dependents.. Any regular employee is eligible for up to a total of three (3) hours of counseling sessions within any six (6) month period per County employee. Up to a maximum of six (6) sessions per calendar year are allowed per family
Life Insurance/AD&D: County pays for a $20,000 BASIC life insurance policy for each employee. Two other VOLUNTARY life insurance plans available, including AD&D.
Disability Insurance: General, Confidential and Management groups participate in the State Disability Insurance.
Credit Union: Membership available to San Benito County employees at the Santa Clara County Federal Credit Union.
Deferred Compensation: Employees may participate in tax-deferred retirement savings. Two 457 plans available. Employees may rollover funds from prior 401k or 457 accounts. IRS limits apply.
Retirement: PLEASE NOTE THAT CHANGES ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FOR JANUARY 1, 2013 DUE TO PENSION REFORM LAW AND OTHER DATES DUE TO CONTRACT MODIFICATIONS. Regular employees will be enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system in accordance with the Public Employees' Retirement Law. Employee contributions vary according to bargaining unit.

• New Safety employees are covered by the safety full formula 2.7% at 57. Safety employees contribute 9% of the employee contribution. Safety employees do not participate in Social Security.
• All New Miscellaneous (non-Safety) employees enrolled into the CalPERS retirement system participate in the full formula of 2% at 62. Miscellaneous employees participate in Social Security in addition to CalPERS.

Extra Insurance: Employees may participate in various AFLAC plans such as accident, disability, and cancer insurances. AFLAC can enroll employees into a pre-tax cafeteria plan and flexible spending accounts including Unreimbursed Medical ($2500) and Dependent Care ($5000).
Administrative Leave
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement Formula Local MISC 2% @62 for New PERS Members
Social Security
Vacation Based on Continued Years of Service
Sick Leave 15 Days Annually
Floating Holiday
457 Deferred Compensation
Credit Union
Unreimbursed Medical
Flexible Spending Account
Employee Assistance Program
Group Life Insurance
Additional Optional Life Insurances & AD&D
Automatic Deposit
Bi-Weekly Pay Periods
Tuition Reimbursement
01
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Your responses to the questions must be supported by both the work experience listed on your application as well as your resume. The rating of the supplemental questions may determine your application status and/or rank on the eligible list. Answers such as "see resume" or "see above" will remove you from consideration. I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental questionnaire responses.

• Yes
• No

02
I understand all County employees will be required to take an Oath of Office and will be called upon to act as Disaster Service Workers, when needed.

• Yes

03
Do you possess a valid State driver's license?

• No
• Yes

04
Please describe your experience as it relates to the position of Public Information Officer of San Benito County in a local State or Government Agency.
05
Please describe your experience using digital communications and/or social media to promote programs, services, or initiatives. How have you used social media to support an overall communications strategy?
06
Please provide concrete examples of communications strategies you developed to address an issue or support a program, project, or initiative. Describe the element of the strategy.
07
What is the most challenging public relations crisis you've managed? What did you learn, and is there anything you would do differently?
Required Question
Closing Date/Time: 8/28/2023 5:00 PM Pacific