Public Information Officer

Benton County; Oregon; Hybrid; USD 74,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

11 Paid Holidays + 64 Personal Leave

2 Floating Holidays

Annual vacation accrual 8 hours/month

Wellness program

Free health insurance premium

Job summary

Oregon Counties is seeking a Public Information Officer to lead media relations and public outreach for Benton County. You will collaborate with the Chief of Staff and Communications staff to craft internal and external messaging, manage sensitive information, and drive communications initiatives across the organization.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in a related field, 2 years of PR/communications experience, and strong writing skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English, creative writing, history, political science, public or business administration, or related field.
• 2 years of professional work experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Communications.
• Bilingual in Spanish / English.
• 3+ years of directly related professional work experience in Public Relations, Marketing or Communications.
• AP style experience preferred.
• Experience in media relations as an organization, department or division spokesperson.
• Knowledge of ADA compliance for digital content.

Responsibilities

• The PIO is the primary media liaison and manager of public outreach for the Benton County organization.
• Collaborates with the Chief of Staff and Communications staff to deliver internal and external communications.
• Manages and disseminates sensitive information in compliance with legal and organizational standards.
• Provides portfolio examples when requested.

Skills

Public relations

Communications

Writing

AP style

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism / communications / public relations / marketing / English / creative writing

Tools

Hootsuite

Google Analytics

Constant Contact

WordPress

Microsoft Office

Job description

Annual Salary Range:$74,085.86 – $101,026.02

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. Click here (Download PDF reader) for a complete list of the duties, responsibilities and physical requirements of this position.

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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following minimum qualifications are required for this position:

• 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 using 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]

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.