Public Information Officer



Public Information Officer

Salary

$43,305.60 - $56,284.80 Annually

Location

Jacksonville, NC

Job Type

Full-Time

Job Number

4270-00080

Department

County Administration

Opening Date

05/16/2019

Closing Date

6/17/2019 11:59 PM Eastern

Job Description

Reporting to the County Manager, the ideal Public Information Officer should be a self-starter who is able to coordinate and assist in the development, production, and implementation of the County's public information program.  

For more information about this position and the County, please click here.

Position Responsibilities

Facilitator, at the direction of County Administration, of the County's public information program in the areas of print, video, television, and radio. Responsible for managing all Onslow County social media content and accounts.

(These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed.  The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position).

  • Researches, writes, photographs, and prepares graphic design, prints, and distributes County and department information to the public.
  • Works closely with the production team of the County and assists in the production of video, social media, and other informational programs about County services and public service announcements.
  • Assists with preparing the County's public information program budget requests.
  • Develops and maintains social media content concerning activities of County government.
  • Facilitates media access to departments to ensure timely delivery of information and response to inquiries.
  • Produces public information and helps coordinate media relations during emergency operations situations.
  • Assists with production of special events and projects, up to and including coordination of special events and projects.
  • Receives and coordinates public information requests.
  • Advises departments on the optimum approach for social media and other communications and provides assistance during major departmental events; assists elected officials and County staff with television and radio appearances.
  • Posts public information programs on the County's webpage
  • Performs assigned functions as a Disaster Ready Team (DRT) member.
  • Performs related tasks as required.

Qualifications

Thorough knowledge of social media best practices for a news organization; working knowledge of the operations, policies, and procedures of the various County departments; considerable skill in written and oral communications; skills in producing video content, press releases, and other media content; skill in managing social media and other web content; strong ability to work with social media to include analyzing statistical data to reach the widest audience; ability to write clearly and concisely for both press releases in Associated Press (AP) style and social media; ability to manage web content; ability to filter information and release what is pertinent in a clear and concise format; ability to work in a fast-paced environment such as during a natural disaster and publish pertinent information in a timely manner; ability to speak in front of large groups or in front of a camera; ability to build relationships and work effectively with local media, other employees and professionals, elected officials, and the general public.

Education, Experience, and Special Requirements

Bachelor's degree in journalism, media production, mass media, mass communications, or a related field and some experience in coordinating internal and external communications; or an equivalent combination of training and experience which provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities. Some experience in television and/or printed news, preferred. Candidate must possess an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina. This position requires some evening and weekend work to include attendance at Onslow County Board of Commissioners' meetings.

In order to be considered for this position, you must upload:

  • Your final transcript showing the date that your degree was awarded and/or any required certificates or licenses must be uploaded with your application even if you are a current employee or we have received it with a previous application.
  • A portfolio of articles and/or press releases that you have written


A first screening of applications will take place on June 7.


Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

Regular Onslow County employees have the ability to participate in a wide array of employee benefits including:

Health Insurance
Health Insurance is provided by BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina and covers a wide variety of healthcare services. 

Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is provided by Ameritas Group to full-time employees and covers a percentage of basic to major dental procedures, including orthodontia for children and adults.

North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System
Eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the retirement system and must contribute 6% of their gross salary each pay period. Once eligibility requirements are met, employees will be able to receive monthly payments for life based on their salary, age, and years of service credit.

NC401k
The County contributes 1/2% of employees' gross salary into the 401(k) account regardless of the employee's deferral amount. In addition, the County matches employee deferrals up to an additional 2%.

Vacation Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 13.5 days of vacation leave per year. With each 5year increment of employment, vacation accrual increases. 

Sick Leave
Regular full-time employees earn 12 days of sick leave per year. 

Paid Holidays
County employees receive eleven paid holidays annually. The Board of County Commissioners may adjust the holiday schedule as deemed necessary.

Employee Assistance Program
The County provides an Employee Assistance Program to help employees and their families with personal, family and job-related problems such as depression, substance abuse, and financial or legal concerns.

Supplemental Benefits
County employees are also offered a variety of supplemental benefits such as Life Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, 457b Deferred Compensation Plan, Aflac, Pre-paid Legal and the College Foundation 529 Savings Plan.

For more information, please visit http://www.onslowcountync.gov//HR and click on the Benefits tab.

01
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Associate's Degree
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or Higher
02
In what field of study is your degree?
  • Journalism
  • Media Production
  • Mass Media
  • Mass Communications
  • Related Field
  • Other
03
How many years of experience do you have in coordinating internal and external communications?
  • No Experience
  • 6 months to 2 years
  • 2 to 5 years
  • More than 5 years
04
How many years of experience do you have in print news?
  • No Experience
  • 6 months to 2 years
  • 2 to 5 years
  • More than 5 years
05
How many years of experience do you have in television news?
  • No Experience
  • 6 months to 2 years
  • 2 to 5 years
  • More than 5 years
06
Are you able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation?
  • Yes
  • No
07
Have you uploaded your final transcript, any relevant certifications, and a portfolio of articles and/or press releases that you have written?
  • Transcript
  • Certification
  • Portfolio of articles and/or press releases

Required Question

Agency
Onslow County
Address
234 Northwest Corridor Boulevard

Jacksonville, North Carolina, 28540
Phone
910-347-7600