Public Information Officer

Prince George County, VA; Prince George (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Prince George County seeks a Public Information Officer to lead county messaging across print, web, social media and video, oversee brand standards, write and edit press releases, and coordinate press conferences.

Qualifications include a bachelor’s in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism, strong writing and presentation skills, MS Office proficiency, and experience in media relations; FEMA certifications are preferred and a VA driver’s license is required.

Qualifications

• Degree in communications, PR or journalism.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Experience with press releases and media relations.
• Knowledge of social media strategy and outreach.
• Ability to coordinate multiple PR activities and events.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate county public information messaging across print, web, social media and video.
• Oversee county brand and style in all public information materials.
• Write and edit press releases and news articles; coordinate press conferences; may serve as spokesperson.

Skills

Mass communications

Public relations

Social media

Written communication

Media relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism

FEMA IS-29, G290.A

Virginia driver’s license

Tools

MS Office

Web publishing tools

Content management systems

Job description

Prince George County is currently accepting applications from qualified candidates for the position of Public Information Officer. This position will be responsible for directing and coordinating county public information messaging as produced for print, web, social media and video, overseeing use of county brand and style in all public information materials, writing and editing press releases, news articles, as well as coordinating press conferences and may serve as spokesperson for the county.

Comprehensive working knowledge of principles, practices and procedures used in mass communications, marketing and public relations; of grammar, punctuation, word usage, sentence structure to ensure effective verbal and written communications. Mastery of the English language, professional speaking and presentation skills; excellent writing skills; experience with Microsoft Office products, knowledge and experience in news release writing and web site writing; knowledge of the disciplines involved in media relations and community relations with emphasis on the use of sound judgement in the release of information; must maintain confidentiality as necessary; must have the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects; must be able to plan and coordinate public relations activities to communicate programs or events to internal and external audiences; familiar with developing public relations plans; must have a strong understanding and knowledge of various social media platforms; media relations, public relations, and social media experience required; photography skills are preferred.

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation with a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college with major coursework in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism and considerable experience in marketing, public relations, and communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Basic certifications from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) preferred; IS-29, G290.A valid Virginia driver’s license.

EOE.