Public Information Officer – Rockingham County, NC

Essential Functions
Writes, edits, photographs, prepares graphic design, and distributes information across multiple communication platforms including social media, the County website, public presentations, and print-ready press releases.
Acts as primary media spokesperson for the County, which includes on-air, print, and digital outlets.
Manages the County’s digital presence across all social media and related websites.
Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with local media, elected officials, and County department heads.
Presents a professional and positive image of the County via proactive efforts, consistent messaging, and managing internal and external communications.
Develops and manages the County’s comprehensive communications strategy, including overseeing County design standards and branding.
Oversees the County’s website content, ensuring information is current, accurate, interactive, and user friendly. Makes recommendations on improvements to website functionality/design to management and Information Technology.
Creates and implements marketing campaigns promoting County services through the use of news releases, informational spots, citizen newsletters, targeted advertising, etc. in both print and digital formats.
Coordinates community outreach, involvement, and education efforts. Manages the County’s Citizens’ Academy program.
Hosts video projects to inform and educate internal/external audiences. These may include regular 411 shows, County Manager’s Corner updates, and other similar productions.
Oversees the Public Information Office budget, including contracts with outside vendors for service when needed. Coordinates press conferences, events, tours, interviews, mailing lists, and other similar activities to connect with constituents, news outlets, and community leaders.
Works with Public Safety agencies to keep the public informed during times of disaster or crisis.
Responds to inquiries, public record requests, and complex issues from County management exhibiting extraordinary professionalism, communication, and customer service techniques.
Partners with the Information Technology Department to ensure the success of the County’s PEG TV channel.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of public relations and communications methodologies for disseminating information and publicizing programs, projects, events, services and issues; thorough knowledge of digital communication strategies, laws, and best practices; considerable knowledge of the requirements of broadcast media and the ability to prepare material for their use; considerable knowledge of print and video production techniques and programs,; some knowledge of laws and policies governing the release of confidential and sensitive information; ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing; ability to write and edit materials for publication and gather relevant information to resolve vaguely defined practical problems; ability to compose and edit articles, speeches and other informative and educational materials; ability to analyze and interpret complex documents; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the media, the public, County employees and other public and private agencies.

Physical Requirements
This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 10 pounds of force; work regularly requires speaking or hearing and using hands to finger, handle or feel, frequently requires reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and occasionally requires standing, walking, sitting, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating motor vehicles or equipment and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements
Valid driver’s license in the State of North Carolina.