Assistant Public Information Officer

Salary: $120,000.00 - $130,000.00 Annually
Location : 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 91
Department: Housing, Economic Development & Commerce
Opening Date: 04/17/2026
Position Division: Tenants' Right to Counsel


Description


The Administration Department of the City of Jersey City is seeking a skilled and proactive Assistant Public Information Officer. The Assistant Public Information will be a liaison at the Jersey City Department of Public Safety to support communications operations across the Police Division, Fire Division, and Office of Emergency Management (OEM). Reporting to the Department Spokesperson and Public Information Officer, this role plays a critical part in keeping the public informed, maintaining institutional trust, and ensuring clear, timely communication during both routine operations and emergencies.

Examples of Duties


Job Duties:
• Assists in gathering informative materials concerning the current and proposed programs
of the unit and assists in putting the collected data into useable form.
• Respond to media inquiries from local, regional, and national press regarding public
safety issues in a timely and accurate manner.
• Coordinate and staff press conferences and media availabilities.
• Draft and distribute press releases, statements, and advisories related to public safety
incidents and department initiatives.
• Serve as a primary communications responder during major incidents, emergencies, and
breaking news events - including nights and weekends as needed.
• Collaborate closely with OEM and department leadership to coordinate public
messaging during declared emergencies.
• Develop and maintain crisis communications protocols and holding statements.
• Assists in performing the work involved in collecting, compiling, tabulating, and
interpreting statistical and other information and putting it into understandable form for
the use of the general public.
• Manage the department's social media presence across platforms, including drafting posts, responding to public inquiries, and monitoring engagement.
• Create compelling digital content - including graphics, video, and copy - to highlight department programs, public safety tips, and community initiatives.
• Monitor social media for developing incidents and misinformation requiring a public response.
• Work with police, fire, and OEM leadership to proactively surface stories and information appropriate for public release.
• Assist in preparing department leadership for media interviews and public appearances.
• Maintain accurate records of press contacts, media coverage, and departmental communications.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the Public Information Officer and the Jersey City Communications Director.

Qualifications


Required Educational Background: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field - or equivalent professional experience. Required Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism, with demonstrated experience in media relations.

Supplemental Information


Essential Skills/Qualifications:
• Knowledge of methods and techniques involved in collecting and analyzing factual data
and its interpretation and publication through the media of print, radio, and television.
• Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and methods of the unit and
their applications to specific cases after a period of training.
• Knowledge of the sources from which significant information may be obtained.
• Ability to prepare informative articles and news releases for publication via the media of
print, radio, and television.
• Ability to give talks before groups of varied ages.
• Ability to maintain essential records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and
information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and on-call availability during emergencies.
• Proficiency with social media platforms and content management tools. • Prior experience working with or covering law enforcement, public safety, or government agencies.
• Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
The City of Jersey City offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health insurance, dental, vision, vacation, holidays, sick time, pension, life insurance, professional development assistance, employee assistance program, and other benefits.


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