Public Information Officer

City of Houston; Houston (TX); Sur place; USD 70 000 - 100 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

The City of Houston is seeking a seasoned Public Information Officer to lead media relations, crisis communications and public information programs for the department. You will serve as a spokesperson, monitor public feedback, and coordinate communications during emergencies and routine inquiries.

Requirements include a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or related field and at least five years in media or public relations.

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or closely related field.
• Five years of progressive professional experience in media or public relations.
• Knowledge of Public Information Act and compliance requirements.
• Strong writing and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsabilités

• Implements crisis communications, internal communications, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development.
• Handles highly confidential information.
• Negotiates solutions for problems of high complexity as needed.
• Participates in special projects and liaises with external organizations.
• Maintains website, social media accounts, media inquiries, interviews, press conferences and other media items for the department.
• Conducts on camera media interviews and coordinates media relations.
• Familiar with National Incident Management System, Incident Command System.

Connaissances

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public Information Act

AP writing style

Social media

Verbal/written communication

Formation

Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or related field

Outils

Microsoft Office

Description du poste

Position Overview

Applications accepted from: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

Reporting Location:

500 Jefferson, 17th Floor

Workdays & Hours :

Monday - Friday 7:00 am - 4:00 pm* - Subject to change

THIS POSITION WILL REQUIRE YOU TO BE AVAILBLE TO SERVICE A 24/7 DEPARTMENT.

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

Prepares and distributes responses to all media requests, information interviews, public inquiries, City Council request, etc. Fulfills, requests promptly, accurately and courteously. Represents the Department as a spokesperson and acts as liaison between the Department and community. Makes appearances or responses promptly in a professional, diplomatic manner. Monitors and responds to public feedback relative to departmental activities. Reads, watches, and listens to local and national media daily, regularly familiar with community reaction to department. Promotes departmental activities through appropriate media channels. Keeps in touch with department and media contacts regularly; is accurately informed about community and department activities.

The PIO engages with internal and external stakeholders during the prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and/or mitigation of intentional and unintentional crisis, disasters, other humanitarian emergencies, or hazards, natural and man‑made/technological (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, high explosives) events. This position implements the Office of Emergency Management’s communication and media program through online and traditional media outlets to promote safety programs and services by working to create a trusted source of information and public awareness and public education of the emergency management program throughout the City of Houston.

Responsibilities

• Implements all aspects related to crisis communications, internal communications, programmatic communications strategy and narrative development, and brand management
• Handles highly confidential information
• Negotiates solutions for problems of high complexity as needed
• Participates in special projects as assigned by the Deputy Director or designee and acts as liaison with external organizations and other department offices.
• Responsible to maintain website, social media accounts, media inquiries, interviews, press conferences, and other media related items for the department
• Conducts on camera media interviews and coordinates media relations.
• Familiar with National Incident Management System, Incident Command System.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.

Must be able to pass a criminal background check, obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearance where required.

This is a TIER 1 responsibility position with respect to disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Most specifically, this means you are responsible for working and being available to work during a natural disaster or catastrophic event.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Requires a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Public Administration or a closely related field.

Experience Requirements

Five years of progressive professional experience in media, public relations or a closely related field are required.

License Requirements

None.

PREFERENCES

Preference Will Be Given To Candidates Who Have

• Preferred background with media platforms, superior writing, and inter-personal communications skills.
• Ability to work in an environment involving teamwork, multiple deadlines, rapid communications, and crisis response.
• Understanding of Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements
• Advanced knowledge of social media, print, electronic, radio/television and other media used to distribute public information. Familiarity with AP Writing Style.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional, effective relationships with media outlets, internal management/ non-management employees, City, and other government officials.
• Excellent verbal/written communication and analytical skills to include but not limited to newsletters, fact sheets, news releases, and other forms of publicity.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office products, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Management or Supervisory experience of a team
• Valid driver's license.

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Selection/Skills Tests Required

Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION:

YES If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

Salary Information

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate’s qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

Pay Grade

26

EOE – Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.