Public Information Officer
DEDICATED TO STRENGTHENING THE HEALTH, SAFETY, AND INDEPENDENCE OF IDAHOANS
People Making a Difference!
This position is a non-classified position and is exempt from classified state service and the rules of the Division of Human Resources and the Idaho Personnel Commission.
The Public Information Officer (PIO) supports the Department’s operations through public relations and communications activities. This position performs key activities to enhance public communications through the most effective channels, including traditional news media, social media, a blog, and web page information. The PIO will also assist with writing and editing the Department’s professionally designed annual report, 200-page information book called Facts, Figures, & Trends, and other reports and special projects. This is a fast-paced job that requires a candidate who can juggle multiple tasks and prioritize quickly. The position is also responsible for helping with internal agency communications, including a biweekly web-based newsletter.
PLEASE MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE AN UPDATED RESUME WITH YOUR APPLICATION.
BENEFITS:
BEST RETIREMENT AVAILABLE IN THE NATION
We have one of the Nation's best state retirement systems (PERSI) that offers a lifetime benefit.
OTHER EXCELLENT BENEFITS
- excellent medical, dental and vision insurance- (full-time/30+ hours per week) employee only coverage for PPO $65/month for medical and vision & $11.80/month for dental
- generous vacation and sick leave accrual beginning as soon as you start
- 11 paid holidays a year
- paid parental leave
- multiple savings plans, optional 401K, and optional 457
- basic life insurance for employee and family (employee covered at one times annual salary; spouse covered at $10,000; child covered at $5,000)
- wellness programs
- ongoing training opportunities
- an opportunity for student loan forgiveness
- and more!
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:
- Respond timely to media inquiries by identifying and working with department subject matter experts to draft, edit, and vet the department’s response
- Write and edit internal and external editorial content including news releases, blog posts, stories for the internal employee newsletter, social media posts, year-end reports, brochures, public service announcements, and other projects as assigned.
- Monitor media for developing stories that reflect the organization’s work and mission
- Collect and analyze information and data to draft communications that provide succinct and clear messages to the media and the public
- Develop talking points and conduct interviews with print and broadcast media on a wide variety of subjects
- Make presentations and represent the department in television and radio interviews
- Develop speeches and presentations with PowerPoint support
- Design, develop, and update information on the internal and external websites using web portal technology
- Develop and maintain a variety of media contacts
- Support strategic planning and implementation of department initiatives
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
You must possess all the minimum qualifications below to pass the exam for this position. Please make sure your resume or work history supports your meeting the minimum qualifications for this position. Failure to do this may disqualify you from being considered for this position.
Experience:
At least two years of experience in the following areas:
- Writing news releases or preparing general interest news for publication or broadcast.
- Researching, composing, and editing informational material.
- Interpreting and translating technical or specialized material into information usable by the public.
- Expertise in dealing with the media; conducting interviews with print, television, and other media; and coaching staff for interviews.
- Presentation and speech writing.