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Public Information Officer

Burke County, North Carolina
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Public Information Officer

Department: County Manager

Hiring Range: $58,500.00 - $70,000.00

Closing Date: May 28, 2025

 

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

The Public Information Officer (PIO) coordinates and distributes information to internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to media communications, social media postings, press releases, and content creation for Burke County Government. This position will also aid County officials and staff in preparation for presentations and public reports. Position requires approximately forty (40) hours of work per week, with some overtime to be expected.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To successfully perform this position, an individual must be able to perform the following:

  • Coordinates and implements marketing campaigns, press conferences, media announcements, social media posts, and press releases for Burke County.
  • Collaborates with County management team and staff to coordinate media interviews, providing personnel with necessary background information, statistics, and messaging.
  • Responds to media inquiries and disseminates information to news outlets for a variety of County activities and incidents.
  • Releases statements and conducts interviews for emergency situations, significant incidents, or projects affecting the community in a timely and professional manner.
  • Develops and maintains positive working relationships with local, state, and national media organizations.
  • Responds to media inquiries during normal working hours as well as after hours during emergent scenarios and while acting as the on-call PIO.
  • Researches and develops appropriate communication strategies for various County initiatives, writing and developing materials, publications, and presentations.
  • Tracks and analyzes communication metrics, staying up-to-date on industry trends and best practices for inclusive and equitable public engagement.
  • Supports internal and external public relations and strategic marketing efforts across all County departments.
  • Participates in County Emergency Operations communications during local and regional emergency operations activations.
  • Collaborates with Public Engagement team to develop communications plans for community events and engagement opportunities.
  • Supports the operation of the County’s communications platforms, including but not limited to social media, website, and newsletter platforms.
  • Coordinates monthly staff newsletter including gathering of information, formatting information into newsletter and distributing newsletter to County employees.
  • Responds to public records requests
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned

 

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field.
  • At least three (3) years of experience in business, promotions, communications, journalism, social media, marketing or a related field, preferably in the public sector.
  • An equivalent combination of experience and education will be considered.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS, WORKING CONDITIONS, AND OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURES:

  • Standard vision requirements, with or without corrective lenses
  • Occasionally lifts up to ten (10) pounds
  • Occasionally spends time standing and walking
  • Routinely spends time speaking or hearing
  • Frequently spends time sitting and using hands or fingers to handle, feel, type, or text
  • Subjected to some mental effort and potential stressful situations during day-to-day operations

 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

  • Knowledgeable of the principles and practices of marketing, communications and public relations
  • Knowledge of county ordinances and current issues affecting local government
  • Knowledge of the functions, organization and operations of County government
  • Skilled in public speaking and presentation
  • Skilled in preparing media releases
  • Liaison with community partners, general public, media, staff, etc.
  • Skilled in public and interpersonal relations
  • Knowledgeable in social media postings and laws affecting government employee’s use of social media
  • Skilled in graphic design, website design and development
  • Understanding of County strategic plan and the ability to assimilate into communications opportunities
  • Proficient in spoken and written English
  • Ability to express and exchange ideas through verbal communication
  • Ability to receive instructions or information through verbal communication
  • Ability to prepare and analyze written or computer data
  • Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to select, evaluate, and interpret data from several sources, such as guidelines, policies, and procedures
  • Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to operate and use systems, technologies, and machines required to perform duties of this position
  • Ability to exercise tact and courtesy when in contact with stakeholders.
  • Ability to exercise sound independent judgment and discretion.
  • Considerable knowledge of ethical guidelines, federal/state/local laws and ordinances, rules and regulations applicable to the position.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills

 

Application Process:    Burke County paper applications can be obtained at the Human Resources office, located at 200 Avery Ave. Morganton, NC, Mon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm; online applications are available at: www.burkenc.org. Completed applications should provide a complete work history, including a detailed and thorough list of job duties. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

 

Burke County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability or genetic information in employment or the provision of services.