Public Information Officer

Under the direction of the Communications Director and in support of the Chief of Police, acts as liaison between the Pflugerville Police Department, the public and the news media. Oversees and coordinates public information programs and develops publicity activities to heighten awareness for city activities, services, and programs; develops and expands communication resources for outreach to the City and residents.

• Functions as an individual contributor with respect to public information programs; must apply a significant degree of initiative and independent judgement; interfaces frequently with City Management, Police Chief, and Command staff and other City staff to present recommendations and administer public information programs.
• Works closely with Police Department and other city departments and city staff to maintain up-to-date news content.
• Serves as lead Police PIO providing support in police emergency incidents. Sharing on-call duties in rotation with the Communications Director and staff. Assists with promotions of Police special events and activities and documentation. Serves as PIO in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when activated in a rotation shift with the Communications Division.
• City publications/News Releases:
  Creates and distributes news releases for city departments, websites, news items, cable channel notices, fact sheets, and other forms of publicity to foster involvements and heighten awareness of city services, programs, and initiatives. Assists in creation of marketing materials citywide and contributes stories and documentation for annual city communications reports.
• Writes, edits, and coordinates the design, production, and distribution of city publications in conjunctions with the Communications Division to ensure consistency in citywide branding.
• Assists other departments with press releases, special events planning and coordination, and other related media activity to include, but not limited to, Public Safety Day, Pfirecracker Pfestival, Deutschen Pfest, and open houses.
• Designs flyers and creative (Adobe Photoshop/Canva)
• Writes award applications and submits city work for state and national award recognitions.
• Assists with script for Pflugerville Pfocus TV programming.
• Attends, represents, and/or coordinates with city Manager’s Office at City Council meetings, community functions, open houses, and community meetings, civic organizations, and governmental groups; prepares and presents presentations regarding educational programs.
• Works on communications strategies such as coordinating plans, writing columns, letters, and speeches, and internal communication programs.
• Writes speaking points for city officials for ribbon cuttings, festivals, and events.
• Serves on citywide committees representing the communications divisions.
• Attends conferences, trainings, and other meetings to stay current with successful practices in public information and learn new skills.
• Serves on regional communications groups to coordinate with other emergency and first responder PIOs.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Bachelor’s degree in public or media relations or equivalent education and experience.

Three (3) years of experience in a writing-intensive position, preferably in a related function.

Incident Command and Basic PIO FEMA certification required within first six months of employment. FEMA Advanced PIO certification preferred. Receive within first two years of employment. Based on class availability.

Bilingual preferred but not required;
Experience working with law enforcement.

Disclaimer:
Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months.

One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.

Knowledge of print, electronic, radio/television, and other media used to distribute public information.

Knowledge of the Public Information Act, its application and compliance requirements.

Knowledge of website development and maintenance.

Skill in utilizing social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Nextdoor for business use.

Skill in utilizing a personal computer, associated software programs, including Windows and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

Skill of writing in the AP writing style.

Skill in videography, photography, and graphic design.

Ability to establish and maintain professionally effective relationships with external media outlets, internal management and non-management employees, and City and other government officials.

Ability to develop, implement, and administer goals, objectives, and…