Public Information Officer

cityoffredericksburg; Fredericksburg (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

The City of Fredericksburg, Virginia is hiring a Public Information Officer to support comprehensive communications across City departments under the Communications Manager. You will handle public safety messaging, media relations, digital content, and community outreach, shaping the City's story and public image.

The role emphasizes editorial decision-making, media interactions, and engaging with residents and City staff.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience in communications, journalism, media, public relations, public safety or closely related field.
• Or equivalent education, and/or experience.

Responsibilities

• Serve as City spokesperson; issue press releases and coordinate news conferences.
• Manage the City’s social media accounts and website; ensure consistent branding.
• Create brochures, press releases, graphics; serve as a photographer and speechwriter.

Skills

Media relations

Digital & social media

Content creation

Community engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, PR or related field

Job description

Public Information Officer
CITY OF FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA

Shape the City's Story: Be Our Voice and Vision in Media and Community Engagement!

Hiring Range: $64,957 - $70,000 DOQ
Full-Time | Benefits | Professional Development

Built on a strong foundation. Ready for its next chapter.

What You’ll Do

The Public Information Officer for the City of Fredericksburg, under the Communications Manager, supports comprehensive communications across City departments. Responsibilities include creating public safety messaging, advising leadership, managing media relations, and contributing to communication operations. The ideal candidate should excel in editorial decision‑making, media interactions, and engage tactfully with the community and City employees.

Job duties may consist of:

• Media and Public Relations Acting as the City’s spokesperson, distributing press releases, organizing news conferences, and identifying potential public relations issues. Building relationships with media professionals and monitoring media coverage are also key responsibilities to enhance the City’s image.
• Digital and Social Media Management Manage the City’s social media accounts and website, ensuring consistent branding, and executing digital marketing campaigns. This includes creating engaging content and serving as the main social media contact for all City departments.
• Content Creation and Communication Design and edit various materials such as brochures and press releases, creating graphics and advertisements, and serving as a photographer. The role also includes preparing speeches and offering guidance on public communication strategies.
• Community Engagement and Event Coordination Present information to the public, organize community events, and support emergency and public safety operations. The role also involves implementing the City’s brand communication strategy and maintaining its public image.

Why Join the Fredericksburg Team?

A Career with Purpose This is not just a public relations role. It is an opportunity to influence how a full‑service local government communicates with its citizens, manages public information, and builds trust within the community.

Comprehensive Benefits The City offers a competitive total rewards package designed to support your health, financial security, and professional growth, including medical, dental and vision coverage; paid leave; professional development and training opportunities; and participation in the Virginia Retirement System (VRS).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations or a related field;
• Three (3) years of experience in communications, journalism, media, public relations, public safety or closely related field;
• Or equivalent education, and/or experience.

Special Requirements

• Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver’s license
• FEMA ISC-100, IS 200, IS 300,IS-700, IS-800,IS-29 Public Information Officer Awareness and FEMA E0105 Public Information Basics or equivalent (Must be able to obtain within 6 months of employment.)

BRING YOUR LEADERSHIP TO FREDERICKSBURG

This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to build a stable, rewarding career while serving the residents and businesses of Fredericksburg. Join a knowledgeable, dedicated team that values accuracy, fairness, collaboration, public service, and committed to the City’s Core Values.

Apply online: www.fredericksburgva.gov/careers

While the position is open until filled, completed City Applications should be submitted to Human Resources before the close of business on October 1, 2026.

Questions? [e-mail]

The City of Fredericksburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.