Public Informaiton Officer; Port Arthur, TX

Public Information Officer (Port Arthur, TX)

SALARY: $39.93 – $58.76, SALARIED (DOE&Q) EXEMPT
OPENING DATE: 01/06/2026
CLOSING DATE: 01/12/2026 by 5 pm (OPEN UNTIL FILLED EXTERNALLY)

To perform a wide variety of highly responsible, confidential, and public duties for the City of Port Arthur and the City Manager, using independent judgment and personal initiative for a wide range of organizational activities. The Public Information Officer contributes to fulfilling the City of Port Arthur mission and meeting strategic and annual City of Port Arthur operational and organizational goals by organizing and implementing City of Port Arthur s public information activities in order to provide the public and media with timely and accurate information in matters of public interest and to provide a positive organizational image.

This class is distinguished from other secretarial and clerical classes by the performance of complex, responsible and sensitive duties related to functioning for the promotion and creation of an intended public image for the City of Port Arthur. The incumbent assigned to this class is expected to use judgment, discretion, and tact in the ability to interpret and apply City policy, laws, and regulations in response to requests for information and assistance from the general public and coordinating work with municipal departments.

Receives direction from the City Manager. Exercises supervision over lower-level office staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Perform a wide variety of complex, responsible, and confidential duties for the City Manager.
• Confer with agency personnel to identify trends and key group interests and public concerns.
• Prepare or assist in the preparation of press releases or other media communications to promote the City and inform the public.
• Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an information source.
• Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
• Plan or direct development, or communication, of programs to maintain favorable public perceptions of the City’s accomplishments or agenda.
• Maintain appointment schedules and calendars, and arrange meetings, conferences, and civic functions.
• Respond to complaints and requests for information related to regulations, procedures, systems, and precedents.
• Maintain calendars of City activities, coordinate activities with other city departments, the public and outside agencies.
• Prepare and maintain a variety of files and filing systems; prepare, maintain, and update records; verify information as requested; participate in special projects as assigned.
• Perform general clerical work including filing, scheduling, appointments, and processing personnel, payroll and purchase requisitions and reimbursement requests.
• Develops and executes city-wide web and social media strategies and provides training to employees on media and protocol.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Carry out and interpret policy, methods and procedures relating to the conduct of a complete public relations program.
• Understand policy and issues related to housing and community development; knowledge of current principles and techniques of public information and relations programs.
• Write/edit in a variety of styles; draft materials on a wide range of topics; strong editing and proofreading skills.
• Maintain effective communications and relationships with diverse groups; exercise sound judgment with confidential information; think creatively and take initiative.
• Proactive in anticipating and alerting others to problems with projects or processes.

Research, compile, and analyze data for special projects; collect and assemble data and background materials for a variety of reports. Schedule travel arrangements, reservations, daily operations, or meetings as assigned. Attendance at night meetings related to city…