NEOGOV · 6 months ago
Director II, Public Information Officer
Prince Frederick, MD
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff, Director/Executive
$75K/yr - $127K/yr
5+ years expThe College of Southern Maryland is an innovative institution committed to student success, and they are seeking a Communications Director II/Public Information Officer responsible for overseeing public relations functions. This role focuses on media relations, crisis communications, digital content management, and strategic planning to enhance the college's public image and reputation.
GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware
Responsibilities
Proactively generates local and national media coverage and builds relationships with media representatives
Prepares media statements, press releases, and coordinates interviews
Responds to all press inquiries after appropriate approvals and in collaboration with internal stakeholders
Tracks media mentions of the college, analyzes the tone and content of the coverage, and addresses any misrepresentation or concerns promptly
Collaborates with senior leadership, mid-level managers, and students to provide coaching on media-related inquiries and to develop strategies and talking points that enhance the college’s reputation
Identifies experts at the college for interviews with the media on newsworthy topics, in response to media inquiries and proactive media pitches
Collaborates with the President to write speeches for a variety of events, including internal events (e.g., commencement) and external community engagements (e.g., keynote addresses, opening remarks). Develops presentations that accompany speeches
Writes a monthly newsletter from the President to the college community, highlighting the president’s community engagement and showcasing how college initiatives align with the strategic plan
Develops and implements communication strategies during emerging issues or crises
Serves as PIO in the Incident Command Center and for weather-related emergencies
Anticipates and communicates emergency closures
Serves on the Emergency Management Operations Team to assist in the planning for emergency situations
Manages the college’s online newsroom and social media X account (Headlines)
Supervises the media relations coordinator who supports the media relations function
Ensures the appropriate dissemination of information via these channels
Works closely with social media and advertising coordinator (Marketing) to monitor and respond to issues that arise on the college’s social media channels
Oversees CSM-TV and video production operations, ensuring compliance with brand standards
Supervises the Station Manager to maintain effective media operations and promotion of the college
Serves on the Unified Communications Team to discuss college initiatives and address issues that require communications support
Works closely with Assistant Vice President of Government Relations to stay informed about governmental relations strategies and provide communications support, as needed
Identifies and develops strategic partnerships with Public Information Officers (PIOs) in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties to collaborate on crisis communication and response strategies
Collaborates across departments to ensure that all internal and external communications consistently reflect the same core message and support the strategic objectives of the college
Serves on college planning committees for major events
Performs other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations or related field is required
Five to seven years of experience working within a large organization in the capacity of public relations/public information, preferably in a higher education setting
Five years supervisory and budget management experience
Thorough understanding of PR concepts in a rapidly evolving digital PR landscape
Excellent oral and written communicator
Ability to remain calm and professional under intense stress
Ability to be flexible and change direction
Team player who can adapt to new situations quickly and mobilize others to do the same
Expert in crisis communication with thorough knowledge of Incident Command System and Risk Management practices
Proven track record of producing professional, high-quality writing quickly, including research. Samples required
Ability to think strategically about public relations for the college
Experience with website content management systems
Must always be available for emergency situations
Technical competencies and general knowledge of digital platforms for professional use
Preferred
Master's degree
APR in Public Relations
Benefits
Excellent health insurance benefits
State Retirement Pension plan
Wellness programs
Code Green early closure Fridays in the summer
College closure for spring break and several major holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year
For several days in March for Spring Break
Company
NEOGOV
NEOGOV is the leading provider of workforce management software uniquely designed for the public sector, education, and public safety.
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$700MKey Investors
Warburg Pincus
2025-07-28Secondary Market· $700M
2025-07-28Acquired
2021-06-02Private Equity
Leadership Team
Shane Evangelist
CEO
Brandon McDonald
Head Of Marketing
Recent News
Canada NewsWire
2025-11-14
2025-11-14
Government Technology US
2025-10-31
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