Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

The Public Information Officer is responsible for directing and coordinating the City of Elizabeth City's internal and external communications, public information, marketing, media relations, digital communications, community engagement, and public relations programs.

This position serves as the City's primary communications liaison between the City Manager's Office, Senior Management Staff, employees, residents, businesses, community organizations, news media, and the public. The position develops and implements communication strategies that provide timely, accurate, transparent, and accessible information regarding City services, programs, policies, projects, meetings, events, and initiatives.

The position oversees the City's public information functions, including media relations, website content, social media, the EC Live App, government-access television programming, video production, photography, publications, public service announcements, livestreaming, community outreach, and City branding. The position supervises assigned communications and media production personnel and serves as an advisor to the City Manager and Senior Management Staff regarding public messaging, media relations, crisis communications, and citizen engagement.

Essential Functions/Typical Tasks

Public Information and Media Relations

Serves as the City's Public Information Officer and central point of contact for public information and media relations. Develops and implements comprehensive communications strategies for the City and advises the City Manager, Senior Management Staff, and employees regarding public information and media relations.

Develops and distributes news releases, media advisories, public notices, fact sheets, talking points, newsletters, announcements, public service announcements, and other communication materials. Coordinates news conferences, media briefings, interviews, and public information events.

Digital Communications, Website and EC Live App

Oversees the City's official website, social media platforms, EC Live App, and other electronic communication channels. Develops, edits, and publishes accurate, informative, and engaging digital content.

Coordinates with City departments to ensure online information is current, accessible, user-friendly, and consistent with City communication standards. Oversees social media engagement, monitors public comments and questions, and coordinates appropriate responses.

Promotes the EC Live App as a primary tool for citizen engagement and access to City information. Coordinates with departments to maintain current information regarding City services, programs, events, meetings, announcements, and other community resources. Reviews engagement data and recommends improvements to increase citizen participation and use of digital platforms.

Government Access Television and Video Production

Oversees the City's government-access television programming and video production operations. Coordinates the recording, production, editing, livestreaming, and distribution of City Council meetings, public meetings, special events, interviews, public service announcements, educational programming, and other City content.

Develops original programming to inform residents about City government, services, departments, programs, projects, and community initiatives. Coordinates interviews, photography, video production, lighting, audio recording, editing, graphics, and broadcasting.

Works with City departments to identify topics and develop effective video and television programming. Maintains production schedules and ensures programming meets City communication, branding, technical, and professional standards.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Emergency and Crisis Communications

Serves as a key communications representative during emergencies, disasters, severe weather events, public safety incidents, and other situations requiring immediate public notification.

Coordinates with the City Manager, Police Department, Fire Department, Public Utilities, Emergency Management, and other departments to ensure timely and accurate emergency information is provided to the public and media.

Develops and distributes emergency alerts, public safety announcements, social media updates, website notices, press releases, and other emergency communications. Serves as the City's media liaison during emergency and crisis situations.

Education and Experience & Special Requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Mass Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field. A master's degree is preferred.

Experience: Minimum Five years of progressively responsible experience in public information, communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, media relations, digital communications, government communications, or a related field, including at least two years of supervisory or management experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Special Requirements: Valid North Carolina driver's license and acceptable driving record.

Must be available to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergencies when required, including City Council meetings, special events, public meetings, press conferences, and other City functions. Must maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion regarding sensitive City information.

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public information, communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, media relations, digital communications, social media, video production, photography, livestreaming, branding, crisis communications, and citizen engagement; municipal government organization and operations;

Skill in: Written and oral communication; media relations; public speaking; strategic communications planning; social media and digital marketing; website and digital content management; video production and editing; photography; livestreaming; graphic design; and crisis communications.