Public Information Officer – Family Services Department

Serves as a Public Information Officer for the Community and Family Services Department. Works closely with the department director and senior leadership team on communications, marketing, and the release of information to the public. Proactively anticipates issues and is responsible for the coordination and dissemination of information to media outlets.

Performance is reviewed through observations, conferences, reports and achievement of desired results.

A seasoned writer capable of drafting a wide range of written communications under reasonable deadlines; experience with AP writing style is highly preferred.

Oversees department’s social media platforms and strategies. Coordinates with departmental leadership and the County’s Communications Division on all matters involving social media and public outreach.

Plays a leading role in developing and executing external-focused marketing endeavors to better inform the public of the programs, resources and services available to them.

Plays a leading role in developing and executing internal-focused communications endeavors to keep departmental staff informed, raise employee morale and continuously foster an environment of collaboration and camaraderie.

Coordinates with the County’s Communications Division, key County departments and the Mayor’s leadership team on the overall plan, coordination, organization and direction of communication strategies and public information activities.

Proactively implements issues management tracking and prepares fact sheets and background information as needed. Tracks and prepares daily and weekly media logs.

Provides information to media outlets by generating news releases and coordinating media interviews. Serves as a proactive media liaison between County Departments, the public and news media.

Establishes and maintains relationships with representatives from the media, the community, department management, employees and public interest groups.

Provides oversight and appropriate responses for internal and external communication efforts; prepares and distributes a variety of internal publications, notices and newsletters.

Assists with editorial planning and engages in research, writing and other activities to provide analysis, recommendations and strategies on communication issues affecting the organization.

Works collaboratively with Communications Division staff to plan editorial coverage of events and programs.

Offers advice to the Senior Management team, management and supervisors on matters concerning the County’s public image.

Provides media support during emergency activation; serves as the Communications Division’s Emergency Support Function (ESF) 14 lead for Long-Term Community Recovery. Stays current on all ESF requirements and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) training.

In accordance with relevant Florida statutes, plans public information programs, projects, seminars and presentations. Prepares news releases, media tip sheets, media event fact sheets and video presentations.

Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure efficient and responsive public communication.

Monitors media reports and editorials pertaining to Orange County for accuracy and disseminates information to Senior Management.

Provides general media and public relations training to County representatives.

Assists with ensuring the content for the newsroom as well as breaking news for the web and media distribution.

Organizes news conferences and media events, as assigned.

Assists with capturing photographs for agency publications and special events, as needed.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in Journalism, Communications, Public or Business Administration, Marketing or a closely related field and four years of experience in media relations to include one year of large project management experience; or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Experience communicating with the media, industry partners and internal and external clients.

Knowledge of Florida Law regarding public records Experience conducting on-camera television interviews

Public relations and communications experience in a government or agency environment.

Possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License from date of hire; and have the ability to work nights and weekends

Bilingual in Spanish (ability to read, write and translate)

Open: 5/2/2024

Close: 5/16/2024

Posting is subject to close early without notice.

$31.80 - $36.58 p/h (based on qualifications)

If you are claiming Veterans' Preference, you are responsible for providing the required eligibility documentation by the close date of the posting. Please submit a cover letter and copies of documents, not originals, to Orange County Human Resources Division, PO Box 1393, Orlando, FL 32801-1393 or fax to (407) 836-0098 (only Veterans' Preference documentation will be accepted by fax). Your cover letter should include the position posting number you are applying for, the title of the position and the last 4 digits of your social security number.

If your education was obtained in the United States, the County recognizes degrees or diplomas which are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). If you have obtained education from a country other than the United States, your degree or diploma must be evaluated to determine the United States equivalency by a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Service (NACES) or the Association of International Credentials Evaluations (AICE) at your expense.