Public Information Officer

Nvcontractorsboard; Nevada (IA); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The Nevada State Contractors Board in Carson City is seeking a full-time Public Information Officer to lead the agency's communications, public information, education, and public relations efforts.

Responsibilities include preparing news releases, managing social media and website content, writing speeches, and organizing public events to inform the public and licensed contractors. This at-will position supports public protection and a positive public image under the Executive Officer.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations or related field.
• 1–2 years related experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and carry out the NSCB’s public information program including outreach and publications.
• Plan, write, edit and supervise the layout and production of all media material and determine dissemination.
• Serve as media spokesperson and coordinate broad outreach and responses to inquiries.

Skills

Media production

Communication

Public speaking

Editing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in journalism, communications, public relations or related-field

Job description

The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) is seeking a full-time Public Information Officer and requests all interested and qualified individuals to apply. The position reports to the Executive Officer of the NSCB.

Under the general supervision of the Executive Officer, the PIO leads the Nevada State Contractors Board’s communications, public information, education, and public relations efforts. This position develops and maintains messaging that promotes public protection and a positive public image; prepares news releases, fact sheets, and other materials; manages social media and website content; writes speeches; and organizes public events and outreach activities. The position represents the NSCB at community, social, and business events and directs a comprehensive communications program to keep the public and licensed contractors informed of the agency’s activities and objectives.

The NSCB is committed to ensuring the integrity and professionalism of the construction industry in Nevada, and has the responsibility to promote quality construction by Nevada licensed contractors through regulatory licensing system designed to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public. This is an At-Will position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, organize and carry out the NSCB’s public information program including outreach and publications.
• Plan, write, edit and supervise the layout and production of all media material, including press releases, media advisories, industry bulletins and determine appropriate dissemination of the information through media channels.
• Serve as media spokesperson, determine and coordinate public outreach programs, initiate proactive media outreach, conduct media interviews, coordinate responses to complex and sensitive media inquiries, conceptualize and write editorial and opinion stories as well as in-depth feature articles on NSCB activities and how consumers can protect themselves as spokesperson and media liaison to disseminate agency-related programs and accomplishments to inform and educate the public.
• Maintains uniform standards and procedures of dissemination of information and ensures public communications are clear, consistent, and accurate.
• Monitors media coverage and responds to media inquiries.
• Manages and maintains messaging on a variety of social media outlets and agency website. Oversee the content published ensuring information is accurate, appropriate, user-friendly, and ADA compliant.
• Prepare, review and edit reports and presentations for board meetings as well as community and industry outreach.
• Prepares talking points for the Executive Officer and other management staff for regular board meetings and special events.
• Prepares annual calendar for press releases and media activity.
• Consults with department officials and Board members in responding to media inquiries and promoting board programs and services.
• Prepares, reviews and edits news conferences, press releases, script, articles, brochures, etc.
• Maintains contact with local media in Southern and Northern Nevada by participating in video-tapes and telephone interviews.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with representatives of community, employee and public interest groups.
• Confers with agency personnel to identify trends and key group interests and public concerns.
• Collects data and reviews materials for media relations use.
• Conducts public appearances, lectures or exhibits in order to increase awareness and to promote goodwill for the agency.
• Speaks to various groups to provide information which may include delivering speeches and presentations.
• Provides training to employees on media and protocol.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) preferably in journalism, communications, public relations or related-field from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Departmental programs, policies and functions.
• Media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods, including alternative ways to inform via written, oral and visual media.
• Basic principles of communication.
• Structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.

Skill in:

• Prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Reviewing, proofreading, editing and verifying written materials for accuracy and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing to convey information appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Operating standard office equipment (e.g. computer, calculator, facsimile, copiers, etc.)

Ability to:

• Gather and verify news information through interview, observation and research.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, news media and others contacted in the course of the assignment.
• Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful and highly visible situations.
• Work within stringent deadlines to complete projects and assignments.
• Produce written documents in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation and grammar.
• Read, comprehend and interpret complex written materials.
• Make presentations to small and large audiences.
• Respond to citizen and media requests in a courteous and effective manner.
• Organize, prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
• Work any hours including weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, call-outs and overtime.
• Communicate orally and in writing with other employees, members of the media, other agencies and the public by telephone, in a one-on-one, face-to-face setting and in a group setting.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATION

• Must possess a valid Nevada Driver’s license with insurable driving record.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to travel as required throughout the state and successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Starting annual salary is between $72,187 to $108,275, to be determined based on experience. Benefit package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 and 457 pension plans. The NSCB is a quasi-State agency and employees are not participants in the Nevada P.E.R.S. retirement program. Additional benefits information will be provided during the interview process.