Public Information Officer (Communication Specialist III)

The Public Information Department is an internal department of Mecklenburg County that provides the public, media, and County employees with up-to-the-minute County news and information. Public Information includes divisions in Social Media, Web Services, Marketing and Branding, and Production Services. We are looking for a self-starter who can thrive in a team environment.

About the role

The Communication Specialist III position is a lead position with the highest level of knowledge in planning, preparing, and deploying public information tactics, initiatives, or programs for the County and will serve as official point of contact and/or spokesperson for a department or function.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and execute specialized public information and/or education tactics to inform the public of the County’s programs and services.
• Plan, coordinate, and deploy emergency communications in partnership with Emergency Management teams with potentially immediate deadline needs.
• Establish, maintain, and collaborate regular contacts with the media, community groups, and government/private representatives to meet the organization's public information, awareness, and education needs.
• Perform public speaking engagements as needed; write scripts and use various forms of presentations; coordinate activities with audio and visual specialists, graphic artists, or other related staff.
• Provide writing support to the organization; coordinate and edit the organization's newsletter as needed.
• Research, analyze, and assist in the development of best practice communications and outreach plans and strategies including efforts dealing with complex, emergency, and/or sensitive issues; identify communication needs; research communication technologies and engagement tools; and recommend promotional campaigns and communications initiatives.
• Design, prepare, edit, and/or coordinate the distribution of news releases, scripts, bulletins, bill inserts, articles, publications, website/web content, video content, graphic material, creative concepts, and/or information to media channels; coordinate news or information-gathering interviews; may serve as official department spokesperson and representative.
• Receive public information requests, customer inquiries, and complaints; respond and/or determine appropriate resource and coordinate response; provide recommendations and implement solutions to customer concerns.
• Coordinate resources and logistics in support of event communications and special projects; attend events and coordinate project-related activities.
• Develop and determine effectiveness of distribution and outreach media plan; make recommendations for modifications as required.
• Serve in an on-camera role as needed to convey County messaging to the community and our media partners.
• Ability to speak Spanish and translate news releases and other tactics into Spanish is preferred.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum of six years of public relations, communications, or related experience.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or directly related field.
• Combination of relevant education and relevant experience accepted.

Licenses and Certifications

• Spanish-Language Certification preferred.
• Requires a valid North Carolina or South Carolina Driver's License.
• Requires County Driving Privileges.
• Annual Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) check required.

Skills

Knowledge

• Practices and guidelines of news writing and editing.
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research.
• Practices, concepts, and methods of graphic design and print production.
• Business math concepts and understanding of data and data trends.
• Best practices, trends, and emerging technologies in communications.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignment).
• Specialized equipment relevant to areas of assignment.

Skills

• Planning, preparing, designing, and editing communications materials.
• Gathering data, analyzing findings, and applying logic and reason.
• Coordinating deadlines and prioritizing competing demands.
• Monitoring schedules, status, and compliance.
• Researching industry trends, solutions, and best practices.
• Compiling and sorting data and articulating issues and recommendations.
• Authoring and preparing original reports, documents, and presentations.
• Organizing and maintaining records and files.
• Interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, regulations, and standards (based on assignment).
• Providing customer service.
• Utilizing a computer and relevant software applications.
• Utilizing communication and interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, and others to sufficiently exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.

Abilities

• Adaptability: Maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusting effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements, or cultures.
• Building Trust: Interacting with others in a way that instills confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization.
• Collaboration: Working effectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintaining good working relationships.
• Communication: Clearly conveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals or groups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand and retain the information provided.
• Formal Presentations: Presenting ideas effectively to individuals or groups; delivering presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience.
• Gaining Commitment: Using appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations, and individuals involved.
• Impact: Creating a good first impression; commanding attention and respect; displaying confidence.
• Technical/Professional Knowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical and professional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise.

Computer Skills

• Advanced in various computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite.

Pay

Salary Range: $83,960.00 - $125,939.00. This is an exempt (salaried) position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level, and internal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of the applicant’s salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rate and requirements for the job.