Communications and Public Information Officer

This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.

This position serves as the County's Communication and Public Information Officer (CPIO) and is responsible for developing and disseminating accurate, timely, and consistent information regarding County programs, policies, initiatives, and events. Prepares and distributes press releases, public statements, media advisories, and other communications. Serves as the County's primary media liaison by responding to inquiries from journalists, coordinating press conferences, facilitating interviews, and fostering positive relationships with media representatives to ensure effective public communication and accurate media coverage.


FLSA: Exempt 

DEFINITION
Under direction, develops, organizes, and manages a comprehensive public information and community relations programs for the County; assists with the development of countywide communication policies and guidelines; informs and engages the public regarding activities and services of County departments by developing and disseminating information through various communications media; advises and assists department heads, elected officials, and management on public information and community relations activities; develops content for websites and social media platforms; researches issues, makes recommendations, and produces reports and informational materials on a variety of topics; and performs related duties as assigned.
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
 
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a single-position classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating countywide public information and community relations programs. The incumbent is responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include comprehensive knowledge of public information and community relations programs. The incumbent serves as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.  The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
 

• Plans, develops, and directs a comprehensive communication strategy for internal and external communications, in cooperation with formal or informal work teams, including developing policies, procedures, and action plans for public information, marketing, and communications programs and materials.
• Recommends, assists in developing, and implements countywide policies, guidelines, and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information, internally and externally. 
• Provides technical guidance and consultation to management and staff on cross-departmental and departmental communications projects and programs; provides training on media-related processes and procedures. 
• Advises Board of Supervisors, County Administrator, department heads, management, and staff on media relations; provides guidance on preparing, presenting, and distributing informational materials and communications; prepares materials and scripts for use.
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the news media, community groups, elected officials, and other governmental agencies to meet communication and outreach needs; provides information on County services, events, and newsworthy incidents.
• Oversees and implements the County’s social media program and policies; maintains countywide social media platforms and presence; creates digital content by applying graphic design principles and using video editing applications.
• Provides creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.
• Serves as public information officer in emergency operations center during disasters and emergencies.
• Creates and updates content and information on the County’s websites. 
• Researches, compiles, and summarizes data from various sources; writes and edits presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, reports, and educational materials.
• Organizes and maintains accurate and detailed databases, electronic and physical files, and records; verifies accuracy of information, researches discrepancies, and records information; ensures compliance with established records retention schedules including archiving, scanning, and destructing files. 
• Receives, processes, and responds to public records requests, complaints, and other requests for information; researches and organizes information; coordinates resolution to problems and issues.
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, and new developments in the field of public information and community relations.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of strategic communication, public information, media relations, graphic design, and community relations programs.
• Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism including expository writing and editing.
• Methods to prepare, design, layout, produce, and disseminate educational, informational, and promotional materials.
• Best practices for social media and digital content.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and ordinances and County policies and procedures relevant to public information and community relations programs. 
• Principles, practices, and procedures related to public agency public information function.
• Practices of researching issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing effective reports and related materials. 
• Methods and techniques of preparing reports and general business correspondence. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

 
Ability To:

• Plan, develop, and implement public information, media relations, and community relations programs.
• Assist in developing and implement countywide policies, guidelines, and procedures for communications and dissemination of public information.
• Write and edit presentations, speeches, scripts, news releases, public relations articles, factsheets, brochures, bulletins, graphic materials, and educational materials.
• Oversee and implement the County’s social media program and policies.
• Provide creative direction for visual communications including design, layout, and content.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and implement recommendations in support of goals. 
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed. 
• Organize and maintain accurate recordkeeping systems. 
• Effectively represent the County in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals. 
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments. 
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

 
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
 
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, political science, or a related field; and
 
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in public communications, public relations, marketing, or program management.
 
Certifications and Licenses:

• Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
• Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen. 
• Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. 
• Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. 

 
WORKING CONDITIONS

• Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. 
• Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.  

 
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED

• Equipment utilized includes personal computer and standard office equipment.

 
Disaster Service Worker
All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.