City of Salem · 4 hours ago
Public Information Officer - Team Lead
Salem, OR
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level
5+ years expThe City of Salem is seeking a dynamic and skilled Public Information Officer (PIO) to serve as a working PIO and Communications Team Lead in the City Manager's Office. This pivotal position manages the City’s communications, media relations, and public engagement efforts, ensuring transparency and effective outreach across multiple platforms.
Government Administration
Responsibilities
Lead and coordinate the activities of the communications team to ensure clear, consistent, and effective messaging across various platforms
Serve in Emergency Operations Center or Joint Information Center during emergencies, delivering timely and accurate information to the public and managing crisis communication strategies
Foster open dialogue with the community, to enhance public trust and encourage participation in City governance through strategic outreach initiatives
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with media representatives, conduct on-camera interviews, and serve as the primary spokesperson for the City
Create and oversee the production of multimedia content for integration across various platforms, including social media, the City website, and media releases
Develop and execute communication strategies aligned with the City’s goals and priorities to ensure cohesive and impactful messaging
Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts using metrics such as community engagement, media coverage, and public sentiment
Serve as a liaison among City departments to support coordinated outreach efforts and strengthen collaboration on community engagement initiatives
Provide training, guidance, and support to communications staff to promote professional growth and enhance team effectiveness
Performing other related duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
Must pass the pre-employment background check
Must have reliable transportation (e.g., carpool, rideshare, public transit, walking, biking) to report to and from work sites, events, trainings, and meetings
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism or communications, business or public administration, emergency management, engineering, human resources, finance or accounting, public relations, digital media, urban and regional planning, or a related field, and five years of experience in a related field, including two years of progressive work experience in public sector or a related field preferred, or any combination of education, experience, and training that demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed, and ability to perform the essential job functions
Master's degree in a related field preferred, and may substitute for two of the five years of work experience required
Depending on the area of assignment, certifications or licenses may be required or preferred (and maintained throughout employment)
Experience using Granicus for web publishing and social media management
Knowledge of legislative processes and intergovernmental relations, with the ability to navigate complex political environments
Experience demonstrating exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex information to diverse audiences
Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, community members, and a wide range of stakeholders
Experience in crisis communication and risk management, including the ability to respond to inquiries and issues outside of normal working hours, such as evenings, weekends and holidays
Experience applying strong organizational skills and attention to detail to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
Preferred
Experience with public information training or certifications related to emergency response, including National Incident Management System (NIMS) training through FEMA
Experience communicating in more than one language, with bilingual proficiency in Spanish preferred
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
Paid vacation and sick time in accordance with City policies.
Competitive pay.
Employer-paid PERS contribution of 6%.
Opportunity for voluntary pre-tax contributions to a 457b account.
Health care and dependent care flexible spending accounts.
Voluntary long-term care.
Employee wellness program.
Employee assistance program.
Employee health clinic.
Company
City of Salem
Salem, the capital city of Oregon, lies in the heart of the lush Willamette River Valley.
1001-5000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Josh Eggleston
Chief Financial Officer
Jon Efe
Human Resources Business Partner
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