Public Information Officer

Benton County (OR); Corvallis (OR); Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance premium coverage

Generous leave and holidays

PERS retirement contribution

Job summary

Benton County (OR) is seeking a Public Information Officer (PIO) to serve as the primary media liaison and lead public outreach efforts. The role collaborates with the Chief of Staff and Communications team to coordinate internal and external communications while ensuring sensitive information is handled in compliance with laws and standards.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement, with review of applications starting November 12, 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of professional work experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Communications.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted; at least 6 months of actual work experience required as equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary media liaison and manager of public outreach for the Benton County organization.
• Collaborate with the Chief of Staff and Communications staff to deliver internal and external communications.
• Manage and disseminate sensitive information in compliance with legal and organizational standards.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, creative writing, history, political science, public or business administration, or related field

Tools

Hootsuite

Google Analytics

Constant Contact

Microsoft Office Suite

WordPress

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

The PIO is the primary media liaison and manager of public outreach for the Benton County organization. This position works collaboratively with the Chief of Staff and other Communications staff to deliver internal and external communications. Interested parties include the Board of Commissioners (BOC), management, County employees, the general public, media representatives, community partners, stakeholders and other governmental agencies. The PIO manages and disseminates sensitive and confidential information in compliance with legal and organizational standards.

Hybrid work option available:

This position provides flexibility to work a combination of remote and on-site upon the incumbent's successful completion of the probationary period.

The first review of applications will be on November 12, 2026. Applications that are submitted after this date may or may not be considered for interviews. The posting may close without notice after the first review date when a sufficient number of qualified candidates are received.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, creative writing, history, political science, public or business administration, or related field; AND


• 2 years of professional work experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Communications.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted. Please note candidates must have at least 6 months of actual work experience to be considered as equivalent.

Special Requirements

• A cover letter is required to be submitted with your application. It should be no more than two pages in length and describe your experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Communications.


• Valid Oregon Driver's License. This position may require driving and use of a personal vehicle.


• Hiring is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.


• Selected candidates will be asked to provide portfolio examples.

The Ideal Candidate

• Bilingual in Spanish / English.


• 3+ years of directly related professional work experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Communications.


• Excellent writing and editing skills; AP style experience preferred.


• Experience in Hootsuite or equivalent, Google Analytics and communication platforms such as Constant Contact.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.


• Experience in WordPress or similar content management system.


• Experience in media relations as an organization, department or division spokesperson.


• Knowledge of principles of ADA compliance for digital content.

BENEFITS

Spend more time with your family, friends and get back to doing what you love!

• 11 Paid Holidays + 64 Personal Leave Hours + 2 Floating Holidays + 8 hours of vacation accrual every month + sick leave. Vacation accrual increases with years of service.

$0 Health Insurance Premium!

• Medical, Dental and Vision – cover your whole family without paying a dime.


• In addition, the county contributes up to $1,400 per year to your Health Savings or Retirement account!
  
  
  
  • Apart from your deductible you can use this money for things that aren`t traditionally paid by insurance – i.e. Ibuprofen, Tylenol and other preventative type medications.
  
  
  • You never lose your Health Savings Account funds as it rolls over from year to year.
  
  
  
  


• Dependents up to age 26 are covered

Get ready for retirement. Save money without putting in money!

• After 6 months of employment:
  
  
  
  • The County makes a retirement contribution of 6% of your salary towards Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (PERS)
  
  
  
  


• The County makes a deferred compensation 457b plan contribution of 3% of your salary. You can add more if you wish.


• Loan Forgiveness eligibility

A free award-winning wellness program

• Interactive and personalized approach focused on your whole health


• Onsite and virtual seminars, wellness challenges and fun activities


• Monetary incentives and cool prizes to engage everyone and meet your individual needs

100% employer-paid coverage for AD&D ($100,000), Life ($50,000), and Long-Term Disability coverage.

• Supplemental plans are available at reasonable rates!

Annual Salary Range:

• $74,085.86 - $101,026.02




• This position is eligible for up to two salary raises within your first year. An Increase may be given at the end of the 6-month probationary period, depending on starting salary, and at the 1-year anniversary, as long as your performance is in good standing! Annual performance-based increases are given until the maximum of the salary range is reached.

Salary Placement

Your application will be used to determine salary placement based on a pay equity assessment. Please ensure you have provided a thorough and updated application as it pertains to the position for which you are applying. For further information, please click on the link Oregon Pay Equity Law for more details.

Have benefits questions?

Reach out to us anytime: [e-mail] or by phone at 541-766-6081.

Working and Living in Benton County

Living and working in the heart of the Willamette Valley offers unparalleled access to the great outdoors. The courthouse is located less than a mile from the Willamette River with excellent fishing and recreational activities. The beautiful Oregon coast is just over an hour away and has plenty of options for fantastic day trips to the beach, surfing, and hiking. You will also have easy access to the Coastal and Cascade mountain ranges for hiking, backpacking, and famous mountain biking trails. In the winter, several ski resorts are available to enjoy your weekends year-round.

Additional information

• This is a FLSA exempt position.


• A cover letter is required to be submitted with your application.


• This position requires driving and may require use of a personal vehicle.


• Please save a copy of this job announcement for your reference, as it may not be available for you to view after the job closes.


• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veteran's Resources.
  
  
  
  • NOTE: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to attach your DD214 or Disability letter from the VA.
  
  
  
  


• Benton County does not offer VISA sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Benton County will review these documents to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.


• If you wish to identify yourself as an individual with a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and will be requesting accommodation, please contact the Benton County Human Resources Department by calling 541-766-6081.

Helpful links and contact information:

Learn more about Benton County
Understanding the County Application Process
JobInterest Cards webpage

For more information you may contact us by e-mail at [e-mail] or by phone at 541-766-6081.