Summary

The PIO is responsible for providing strategic communications direction and counsel. This position alsoperforms a variety of tasks related to the dissemination of information to promote the understanding of La Plata County programs, services, activities, regulations, objectives, and administrative proceedings to a wide variety of stakeholders, including the general public, communications and media representatives, community and civic groups, public agencies, and private organizations.

Description

Job Summary

Under minimal supervision, The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves both a strategic and tactical role in the daily operations of County government. The PIO is responsible for providing strategic communications direction and counsel. This position alsoperforms a variety of tasks related to the dissemination of information to promote the understanding of La Plata County programs, services, activities, regulations, objectives, and administrative proceedings to a wide variety of stakeholders, including the general public, communications and media representatives, community and civic groups, public agencies, and private organizations.

Essential Job Functions

Essential functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills 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. Reasonable accommodations, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, will be made when possible.

Develops and implements community engagement strategies to ensure two-way communications that gather and incorporate citizen input into County policy-making initiatives. Regularly updates the County Manager and community stakeholders on matters of mutual interest.
Advises the Board of County Commissioners on communications, policy and community engagement activities and initiatives.
Develops, maintains and updates the County’s communication policies (e.g., procedures, and community engagement strategies, County Communications Plan), including policies related to public communications on the Internet and social media. This position ensures these policies are in accordance with state statutes, county ordinances, and other regulations.
Serves as spokesperson and primary resource for La Plata County information; responds orally and in writing in a timely manner, to a variety of inquiries from staff, the media, or the public, providing information or directing questions to appropriate staff to promote good public/media relations and create cooperative working relationships. Including situations where unexpected or emergency events create pressing communication needs. Serves as the County’s communication liaison to the Emergency Operations Center.
Oversees the development of a variety of digital media and print communications including publications such as press releases, brochures, newsletters, and web and social media entries to ensure accuracy, completeness and readability in those publications.
Arranges press conferences and authorizes appearances or press statements from staff members by providing staff with guidelines and strategies to present message/information/issues properly.
Appears before special interest groups and community organizations, attends board and commission meetings to present programs or materials dealing with County activities; attends meetings to build agency morale and community support.
Facilitates a variety of special events and County activities by assisting media representatives at the event, providing information to the public, and organizing an efficient method of delivering information and County services in accordance with State Statutes, County Ordinances and other regulations.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
Regular and predictable attendance required.

MATERIAL AND EQUIPMENT USED:

General office and computer equipment and audio/video equipment.

Non-Discrimination and Affirmative Action Statement

La Plata County prohibits discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with La Plata County on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, disability, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or genetic information.

La Plata County is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. La Plata County takes affirmative action to assure equal employment opportunity for protected classes, persons with disabilities and for covered veterans. Covered veterans include: special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized.

Inquiries regarding La Plata County's equal employment opportunity policies may be directed to:

Director of Human Resources

1101 E 2nd Avenue

Durango, CO 81301

Tel: (970)382-6361

Fax: (970)375-7985

Email: HR@co.laplata.co.us

Minimum Qualifications Required

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills and abilities for this position would be:

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, communications, or a related field; and, three years of increasingly responsible administrative, analytical or public experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Valid Driver's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws, ordinances governing public information requests.
Knowledge of La Plata County organizational structure.
Knowledge of departmental policies, practices, and procedures, including protocol.
Knowledge of media resources and other forms of public outreach available in the community.
Knowledge of management information systems and emerging software programs used in the assigned area.
Knowledge of public relations practices.
Knowledge of methods and techniques of video and audio production.
Knowledge of budget process and funding sources.
Knowledge of public relations program components including media relations and news related
activities.
Knowledge of promotional techniques and marketing methods, including publicity materials

Appropriate to TV, print, radio, and other outlets.

Skilled in planning and organizing work to meet schedules and timelines.
Skilled in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
Ability to develop comprehensive public relations strategic plan and public information programs

for La Plata County.