Public Information / Educator Officer

About the role

Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue is seeking a Public Information & Education Officer (PIEO) to help shape how the District communicates, educates, and connects with the community it serves. This dynamic role combines emergency public information, media relations, public education, community engagement, digital communications, and multimedia storytelling to promote fire and life safety, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure the District’s message is timely, accurate, and engaging.

The position reports to the Deputy Chief or designee and works as part of the Community Relations team with an assigned focus in either public information or public education. Under the direction of the Deputy Chief, the PIEO provides internal and external marketing and communications support to District sections, divisions, and groups; manages District branding and messaging; supports the Fire Chief, Board of Commissioners, and senior/executive staff; and maintains media relationships to ensure quality, accurate information dissemination. The role manages day-to-day operations of District communications initiatives and the Public Education Program, serving as the District’s Public Information Officer and/or Public Education Officer while coordinating and organizing District communications and public events.

Responsibilities

• Act as the District’s Public Information Officer for all external and emergency communications.
• Collaboratively establish media communications during emergency incidents and provide appropriate incident communications.
• Develop, coordinate, and administer effective, proactive public information and public education programs (e.g., communication strategies, media relations, community safety events, fire and life safety, first aid & CPR classes).
• Recommend and execute approved internal and external communication plans and strategies for District campaigns and key legislative issues.
• Provide proactive media and community relations through writing, reviewing, and editing communications (news releases, media advisories, newsletters, emails, articles, postings, publications, scripts, etc.).
• Coordinate the District’s use of third-party communication websites and social media sites.
• Develop policy and procedure pertaining to communications, social media, crisis communications, etc.
• Build and foster long-term working relationships with external organizations, businesses, and agencies to further District goals (media, citizens, schools, community organizations, fire and life safety partnerships, other municipal/county/regional/state public information offices).
• Coordinate preparation and review of all District marketing materials (brochures, pamphlets, fliers), including writing, editing, copy development, proofreading, image coordination, and printing proof approvals.
• Research, write, and participate in development and approval of content for multimedia productions (video projects, slide shows, website, social media, etc.).
• Develop and coordinate special events and media events (news briefings, press tours, open houses, employee recognition, festivals, etc.).
• Develop and implement program curriculum specific and age-appropriate for applicable audiences, supporting the District’s vision/mission and current community risk assessment.
• Schedule and recruit personnel for public information and education events; review curriculum/communication strategy to ensure consistent, accurate messaging.
• Identify, select, and maintain inventory of marketing supplies/swag for special events.
• Act as point of contact for all special events for internal personnel and external vendors/participants.
• Identify sources and create collaborative partnerships to provide proactive fire and life safety education.
• Coordinate public relations activities for District commissioners and personnel as required.

Requirements

• Operations, services, and activities of a public information or communications program.
• Techniques and practices of creating, organizing, and coordinating programs, activities, and special events.
• Thorough knowledge of contemporary public education methods, media relations procedures, dealing with all levels of society, and fire service operations and services.
• Demonstrated leadership capability and promotion of respect and loyalty within the chain of command.
• Promote co-worker and public trust.
• Quick and sound decision-making skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication to varying audiences.
• Ability to interpret organizational culture, climate, and/or politics.
• Promote District accomplishments and activities positively and proactively.
• Develop and administer public information and education programs.
• Create, deliver, and support District curriculum specific to audience age/level.
• Recommend and implement goals and objectives of assigned programs.
• Present materials promoting District activities to diverse communities and groups.
• Serve as public information liaison with news media, public, and other government agencies.
• Work without direct supervision, exercising independent judgment and personal initiative.
• Retain presence of mind, maintain and project a calm, informational, and persuasive demeanor in stressful or emergent situations.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public.
• Write, edit, and format newsletters and articles.
• Work in a team-based environment to achieve common goals.
• Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Remain flexible and make sudden scheduling changes based on urgent needs.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public relations, journalism, communication, education, or a related field.
• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in marketing, public relations, journalism, communications, education, or a related field.
• Any combination of education and experience that provides the desired knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Preferred / Required After Hire:

• Emergency Vehicle Incident Prevention Program.
• NIMS / ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, 800.
• IFSAC or ProBoard Fire & Life Safety Educator.
• Other related certifications/qualifications as needed to successfully fulfill the requirements of the position and fire and life safety programs offered by the District.

Preferred Qualification:

• Multi-media experience, including experience both in front of and behind the camera, with the ability to develop, produce, and/or present multimedia content for fire and life safety education, public outreach, or organizational communications.