Public Information Coordinator

Pinellas County Government; Clearwater (FL); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive retirement benefits

Deferred compensation programs

Wellness centers

Job summary

A local government organization in Clearwater is looking for a Public Information Coordinator to manage media relations and communication projects. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in public relations, a relevant degree, and a valid Florida Driver's License. This hybrid role requires flexibility for diverse work schedules and includes managing campaigns that engage the community. Candidates with bilingual skills in Spanish or Vietnamese are preferred. The organization offers competitive benefits including retirement options.

Qualifications

• Eight years of professional experience in public relations or communications.
• One year of supervisory experience or training.
• Valid State of Florida Driver's License required upon hire.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Responsibilities

• Manage media relationships and serve as first point of contact.
• Coordinate content creation and support community engagement.
• Plan and execute communications campaigns and public outreach.
• Support community engagement and communication campaigns.
• Provide emergency communications, including after-hours work.

Skills

Public relations expertise

Communication project management

Media relations

Bilingual in Spanish or Vietnamese

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, or Communications

Master's degree in related field

Job description

Public Information Coordinator (Project Coordinator-Project Management)

Location: 333 Chestnut Street, Clearwater, FL 33756

Schedule: Hybrid role with work at 333 Chestnut, client sites, the Emergency Operations Center (as needed), and remote. Must be flexible for extended or non-traditional hours based on county needs.

Pinellas County Communications is seeking a dynamic communicator with a proven track record of public information and communication project management to strategically communicate with our residents and visitors.

Why Choose Us:

Join a dynamic team shaping county communications and public engagement. Make an impact through high-visibility projects, emergency response efforts, and strategic campaigns, while collaborating with media and internal partners in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment.

Duties Include:

• Manage media and departmental relationships.
• Serve as first point of contact for media inquiries.
• Coordinate content creation, including copy, scripts, and social media.
• Support community engagement and communication campaigns.
• Provide emergency communications, including after-hours work

What Would You Do?

• Plans, executes, monitors and reports on communications campaigns and assignments in consultation with departmental liaisons.
• Guides clients through community engagement process using best practices, planning, software, and live/virtual meetings.
• Sets project budgets, objectives, goals and performance measures.
• Analyzes results, monitors progress and evaluates outcomes of projects, recommending and implementing changes when necessary.
• Creates and delivers reports for organizational leadership.
• Strategically promotes county programs and issues to targeted demographics.
• Researches and stays abreast of industry trends, recommending methods for the organization to incorporate new communications techniques.
• Liaises with the media as an agency spokesperson, also preparing news releases, pitching stories and coordinating availabilities and events.
• Leads emergency communications during hazard events and serves during Emergency Operations Center activation.
• Plans and coordinates public outreach activities including speakers, presentations, events, surveys and public opinion polls, and Pinellas Citizen University.
• Creates deliverables for a variety of mediums and platforms in support of public outreach campaigns, including brochures, social media posts, web pages, photos and videos.
• Acts in a liaison capacity with community leaders, tour groups, other governmental agencies and community groups requesting information on government related activities.
• Performs related work as assigned or required.

What Do You Need To Have?

Experience – Eight (8) years of professional level experience in public relations, journalism, communications, public administration that includes 1 year of supervision, or supervisory training.

Education - major course work in public relations, journalism, communications, public administration, or related field.

• At least 8 years of experience as described above or;
• An associate degree as described above and at least 6 years of experience as described above or;
• A bachelor’s degree as described above and at least 4 years of experience as described above or;
• A master’s degree or higher as described above and at least 2 years of experience as described above.
• Possession and maintenance of a valid State of Florida Driver's License upon hire with eligibility based upon evaluation of a Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) driving report.
• Assignment to work a variety of work schedules including compulsory work periods in special, emergency, and/or disaster situations.

Highly Desirable

• Bilingual with demonstrated full fluency in written and spoken Spanish or Vietnamese.
• Accreditation in Public Relations or Certification as FEMA/NIMS ICS PIO is strongly preferred.

Our benefits rank among the top in the area!

Looking for a strong retirement? We have you covered as members of the Florida Retirement System (FRS) with investment and pension options.

We have deferred compensation programs and wellness centers to name a few perks. Check out these and more!

Please review the full classification description with the Physical/Mental Demands and Working Conditions at the below link.