Public Information Officer

County-of-Frederick,-Va; Winchester (VA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick County, Virginia Government is seeking a strategic Public Information Officer to develop, implement, and evaluate public information, media relations, and digital communications strategies that support County operations and priorities.

The role advises County leadership on communications, coordinates initiatives to inform and engage the public, and requires sound judgment and discretion in high-pressure situations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public administration, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector communications, public relations, or media relations.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the County's primary media contact and advise leadership on communications strategies.
• Create and manage content across the County's website, social media, digital, print, and other channels.
• Represent the County at meetings, events, and outreach activities to engage residents and partners.
• Develop and evaluate communication strategies, and use analytics to support County priorities.
• Respond to media inquiries and provide communications support during evenings, weekends, emergencies, and high-profile situations.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Public information

Digital content

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

CMS platforms

Social media management tools

Job description

We are looking for a strategic Public Information Officer to develop, implement, and evaluate public information, media relations, and digital communications strategies that support County operations and strategic priorities. This role serves as a trusted advisor to County leadership on communications matters, planning and coordinating initiatives that inform and engage the public. The ideal candidate exercises sound judgment, political awareness, and discretion while communicating effectively in routine, sensitive, and rapidly evolving situations.

As a Public Information Officer, you will:

• Public Information and Media Relations
  • Serve as the County\'s primary media contact and advise leadership on communications strategies.
  • Develop press releases, public statements, and crisis communications while managing media inquiries and coverage.
• Communications and Digital Content
  • Create and manage content across the County\'s website, social media, digital, print, and other communication channels.
  • Ensure consistent messaging, branding, and public engagement through strategic communications.
• Community Engagement
  • Represent the County at meetings, events, and outreach activities while building relationships with residents, media, and community partners.
  • Maintain a visible and active presence in the community to support transparency and trust.
• Strategic Communications
  • Develop and evaluate communication strategies, recommend improvements, and leverage communication tools and analytics to support County priorities.
• Availability
  • Respond to media and public inquiries and provide communications support during evenings, weekends, emergencies, and other high-profile situations as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public administration, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Must possess a valid driver\'s license and have reliable transportation.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector communications, public relations, or media relations, including experience serving as an organizational spokesperson.
• Ability to develop and implement communications strategies; prepare clear, accurate, and accessible content for multiple audiences and platforms; and communicate effectively in high-pressure, sensitive, or rapidly evolving situations.

Working Conditions: Work is generally performed during normal business hours; however, evening and weekend meetings, community events, emergency activations, and after-hours communications support may be required. This position operates in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly, requiring flexibility and timely response to emerging issues.

Physical Demands: Work requires prolonged sitting with occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively, hear conversations and other sounds, and use visual acuity to review documents, operate office equipment, and perform assigned duties. Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with a moderate noise level.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment, with occasional work in public, outdoor, or emergency-response settings during meetings, events, and time-sensitive situations.

To learn more about Frederick County, Virginia employee benefits, please visit the following webpage: https://www.fcva.us/departments/human-resources/employee-benefits

All positions are subject to a criminal background check for any convictions that relate to the job duties and responsibilities. Frederick County Virginia Government is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The County’s EEO Utilization Report is available at https://www.fcva.us/jobs