Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Provide professional public information and public relations for the Fairbanks North Star Borough. Serve as Lead Public Information Officer during emergency events; coordinate and train other employees to fulfill public information needs. Coordinate social media programs and other avenues to disseminate public information. Provide training and resources to staff in areas of public relations. Provide a wide range of complex administrative assistance to the Borough Mayor and executive staff. This position is required to handle sensitive and confidential communications and documents that pertain to the operation of the Mayor's office.

Typical duties include:

• Provide public relations support to the Mayor's Office.
• Coordinate and develop the Borough's internal and external strategic communication plans.
• Arrange, organize, and coordinate press conferences and special events hosted by the office of the Borough Mayor.
• Serve as the point of contact and assist with projects related to the Borough Mayor's functions with professional organizations, other governmental agencies, the business community, and within the Borough's departments/divisions.
• Review/update procedures and manage crisis communication during an emergency event.
• Provide complex administrative support to the Borough Mayor.
• Coordinate and organize interdepartmental web teams, monitor webpage and social media programs for the Borough.
• Coordinate arrangements for meetings and special events including pick-up and delivery services.
• Respond to citizen and media requests for information.
• Create social media content on various platforms to provide updates and storytelling to the public.
• Work outside of a traditional office work schedule as required.

Position requirements include:

• High school diploma or equivalent. Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, business, public administration or related field is preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience working providing public information in public relations, news media, journalism or other related setting. Educational preference can offset experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of personal computers using windows-based products (MS Word, MS Power Point, video and photo editing software is required. Experience with various social media platforms in a professional setting.
• Must possess excellent writing, verbal communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to organize time efficiently and to work with minimal supervision. Ability to perform multiple tasks and projects simultaneously while delivering excellent service to internal and external customers.
• Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret organizational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information. Ability to apply sound judgment in handling the publicity and informational activities of the Borough.
• Must be able to maintain effective working relationships with media, staff, general public, professional colleagues, and other governmental, state, and local agencies. Ability to work independently and coordinate a team.
• Ability to obtain NIMS certifications (Level 100 and 200) within twelve (12) months of hire.
• Self-initiative to identify and tell complex stories.

The FNSB offers its employees generous benefits that include competitive pay, affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance, optional Flex-Spending Account, and retirement benefits via PERS, the state of Alaska's retirement system. You will also enjoy 14 paid holidays and a minimum of 24 personal leave days per year for full time employees.