PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER/PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

PAY PLAN: 127 - $ 82,246.00 minimum salary or as per Compensation Policy Promotional Method.

SUMMARY:

Serves as the County's official Public Information Officer, managing significant open records requests and ensuring compliance with applicable deadlines and fee requirements. Determines when requests for Attorney General opinions are necessary and prepares those requests. Notifies third parties as required and redacts confidential information and information identified by the Attorney General.

Serves as the County's Public Relations Officer and liaison between the County and the public. Acts as the official spokesperson or point of contact for media inquiries concerning legal disputes, open records, and active litigation. Coordinates official statements with elected officials, appointed department heads, and their designees.

Position reports to the Chief Legal Counsel.

SECTION 1: ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are representative of this position. Duties not specifically listed may be included when they are similar, related, or a logical assignment within this classification. The Chief Legal Counsel may assign additional duties as required.

Receives, tracks, and logs all formal public information and open records requests submitted to the County.

Collaborates with attorneys to identify, collect, and review requested records for legally permissible redactions, including those related to law enforcement exceptions, trade secrets, and HIPAA.

Drafts requests for open records rulings from the Texas Attorney General when the County seeks to withhold information exempt from disclosure.

Trains all elected officials and County staff across all departments on Texas transparency and compliance laws.

Serves as the designated spokesperson or point of contact for media inquiries concerning sensitive open records matters, active litigation, or legal disputes.

Translates complex legal briefs, County resolutions and orders, and Texas and federal compliance laws into clear, accessible press releases and public notifications for nonlegal audiences.

Monitors media coverage, public statements, and social media channels concerning ongoing high-profile County investigations or lawsuits to support the Chief Legal Counsel in assessing risks and identifying appropriate responses.

Develops and manages public-facing content for the County's dedicated webpage, public portal, and open data webpages.

SECTION 2: REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Considerable knowledge of the Texas Public Information Act and Texas Open Meetings Act.

Ability to interact tactfully and effectively with administrative officials, local government officials, employees, court officials, and the public.

Knowledge of social media and emerging communication platforms.

Knowledge of English grammar, the uses of various communication media, format requirements, and audience needs.

Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with employees, departments, media representatives, civic groups, and the public.

Skill in writing and editing.

Ability to perform effectively under pressure and in emergency situations.

Knowledge of ethical guidelines applicable to communications personnel, including professional standards and applicable laws, rules, regulations, and procedures.

Skill in desktop publishing, graphic production, and design.

Ability to compose and produce a variety of informational materials for release to the media or inclusion in publications.

Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to communicate fluently in English and Spanish.

SECTION 3: JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Requires graduation from an accredited four (4) year college or university with major coursework in business, public relations, journalism, communications, or a legal field. Related experience may be

substituted for the education requirement if the candidate has more than three (3) years of experience handling media relations, public information compliance, or legal administrative tasks within a governmental agency. Experience with a Texas governmental entity is preferred and candidates must possess a valid Texas driver's license.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Requires light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may include lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects and materials weighing 5-10 pounds. Tasks may require extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and distinguish sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks also require oral communication.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

BENEFITS: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER