Public Information Officer, Nevada State Contractors Board

About the role

The Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB) is seeking a full-time Public Information Officer. The position reports to the Executive Officer of the NSCB. Under the general supervision of the Executive Officer, the PIO leads the NSCB's communications, public information, education, and public relations efforts. This position develops and maintains messaging that promotes public protection and a positive public image; prepares news releases, fact sheets, and other materials; manages social media and website content; writes speeches; and organizes public events and outreach activities. The position represents the NSCB at community, social, and business events and directs a comprehensive communications program to keep the public and licensed contractors informed of the agency's activities and objectives. This is an At-Will position.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize and carry out the NSCB's public information program including outreach and publications.
• Plan, write, edit and supervise the layout and production of all media material, including press releases, media advisories, industry bulletins and determine appropriate dissemination of the information through media channels.
• Serve as media spokesperson, determine and coordinate public outreach programs, initiate proactive media outreach, conduct media interviews, coordinate responses to complex and sensitive media inquiries, conceptualize and write editorial and opinion stories as well as in-depth feature articles on NSCB activities and how consumers can protect themselves as spokesperson and media liaison to disseminate agency-related programs and accomplishments to inform and educate the public.
• Maintain uniform standards and procedures of dissemination of information and ensure public communications are clear, consistent, and accurate.
• Monitor media coverage and respond to media inquiries.
• Manage and maintain messaging on a variety of social media outlets and agency website. Oversee the content published ensuring information is accurate, appropriate, user-friendly, and ADA compliant.
• Prepare, review and edit reports and presentations for board meetings as well as community and industry outreach.
• Prepare talking points for the Executive Officer and other management staff for regular board meetings and special events.
• Prepare annual calendar for press releases and media activity.
• Consult with department officials and Board members in responding to media inquiries and promoting board programs and services.
• Prepare, review and edit news conferences, press releases, script, articles, brochures, etc.
• Maintain contact with local media in Southern and Northern Nevada by participating in video-tapes and telephone interviews.
• Establish and maintain relationships with representatives of community, employee and public interest groups.
• Confer with agency personnel to identify trends and key group interests and public concerns.
• Collect data and review materials for media relations use.
• Conduct public appearances, lectures or exhibits in order to increase awareness and to promote goodwill for the agency.
• Speak to various groups to provide information which may include delivering speeches and presentations.
• Provide training to employees on media and protocol.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS) preferably in journalism, communications, public relations or related-field from a four-year college or university; or one to two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must possess a valid Nevada Driver's license with insurable driving record.
• Must be able to travel as required throughout the state and successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Skills

• Knowledge of departmental programs, policies and functions.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods, including alternative ways to inform via written, oral and visual media.
• Knowledge of basic principles of communication.
• Knowledge of structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar.
• Skill in prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines.
• Skill in reviewing, proofreading, editing and verifying written materials for accuracy and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Skill in communicating effectively, both verbally and in writing to convey information appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Skill in operating standard office equipment (e.g. computer, calculator, facsimile, copiers, etc.).
• Ability to gather and verify news information through interview, observation and research.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, news media and others contacted in the course of the assignment.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful and highly visible situations.
• Ability to work within stringent deadlines to complete projects and assignments.
• Ability to produce written documents in the English language using proper sentence structure, punctuation and grammar.
• Ability to read, comprehend and interpret complex written materials.
• Ability to make presentations to small and large audiences.
• Ability to respond to citizen and media requests in a courteous and effective manner.
• Ability to organize, prioritize and perform multiple tasks.
• Ability to work any hours including weekends, holidays, rotating shifts, call-outs and overtime.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with other employees, members of the media, other agencies and the public by telephone, in a one-on-one, face-to-face setting and in a group setting.

Pay & Benefits

• Starting annual salary is between $72,187 to $108,275, to be determined based on experience.
• Benefit package includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401 and 457 pension plans.
• The NSCB is a quasi-State agency and employees are not participants in the Nevada P.E.R.S. retirement program.
• Additional benefits information will be provided during the interview process.