Department:

Jail

Salary:

$5,416.67 per month

How to Apply:

Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration or a related degree AND at least three (3) years of professional related experience. Public sector experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.

Act 33/34 clearances are required prior to appointment at the cost of the applicant.

It is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates for positions within the executive branch must provide proof of a Covid-19 vaccination. The prospective employee will need to be fully vaccinated or have at least one shot of a two-shot series before beginning work. Any employee who does not receive and provide proof of the second shot within 30 days will have their probationary employment terminated.

Allegheny County will allow for medical and religious exemptions from the requirements in accordance with state and federal law.

Additionally, it is the policy of Allegheny County that in order to receive a final offer of employment, candidates must successfully pass a background check, which includes verification of Allegheny County Real Estate Tax status, and drug/medical examinations as required for the position. The pre-employment drug screen must be completed within 48 hours of the acceptance of the conditional offer of employment.

Position Summary: The Public Information Officer (PIO) performs responsible professional work in planning, developing, editing, facilitating, and disseminating a variety of materials for public information, media, and community relations programs concerning the accomplishments, goals, and activities of the Allegheny County Jail and the population it serves. As the liaison to the County’s central Communications Department, the PIO is responsible for supporting the development, maintenance, and enhancement of a comprehensive informational program for areas of interface between the Jail, and all relevant stakeholders including the families and others acting in the interests of the inmates, community groups, the media, and the public. The PIO establishes professional working relationships to expand opportunities for improved interfaces with these groups. The PIO also participates in the communications and public relations efforts and programs including the timely dissemination of facts and accurate information in matters of public interest, as well as the delivery of objectives and messages that support the Jail’s mission and operational plans, and the coordination and implementation of public information activities, promotion of goodwill, and a positive organizational image.

Duties:

Researches, organizes, writes, and edits copies regarding Jail activities, programs, plans, projects, and events for internal and external communications (e.g. press releases, fact sheets, talking points, media advisories, flyers, newsletters, reports, memos, orders, intranet communications, correspondence, etc.).
Broadcasts to media, outside agencies, interest groups, and the general public on behalf of the Jail following established standards and objectives.
Maintains records and prepares accurate reports as directed.
Researches, organizes, writes, and edits copies regarding Jail incarcerated person activities, programs, and other communications that is to be disseminated to incarcerated population over tablet programs.
Monitors the daily operations and actions of the Jail and identifies activities and situations likely to attract media attention.
Develops and prepares communication pieces on projects, programs, and specific department actions which would be of media interest and conveys positive initiatives of the department.
Develops, implements, and evaluates communication strategies designed to increase community engagement and build public trust.
Prepares and releases relevant progress, narrative, and informational reports of public interest.
Serves as point of contact and organizes special events such as news conferences, awards ceremonies, and photographs and documents events and participants.
Confers with County leadership to identify trends and key group interests.
Address public concerns with Jail leaders and staff to obtain information regarding programs, projects, events, and activities to facilitate proactive media and community relations programs.
Functions as an official Jail spokesperson in external communications with the media regarding special situations, operations, programs, and events as directed.
Assists in developing and monitoring communication plans for crisis/emergency situations and coordinates coverage at incidents.
Establishes and maintains effective relationships with members of the media who are assigned to cover the Jail, with representatives of community, public interest groups, and with other stakeholders.
Consults with the County and Jail leadership to respond to requests for information from the public, outside agencies, and media inquiries.
Provides information to media outlets to inform and educate the public.
Serves as the Jail’s central point for quality and branding of website pages.
Manages the Jail’s website content and develops compelling digital content for sharing over other social media platforms.
Serves as liaison to various committees and community groups as assigned.
Provides technical guidance, interpretation, and information to interest groups, and the public concerning policies, procedures, rules, regulations, standards, codes, and ordinances related to the work of the Jail.
Supports the Jail leadership in developing and implementing organizational management initiatives and internal communications programs and strategies to ensure clear and consistent communication of policy, program, and project information.
Performs other related duties as required or requested.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Methods, principles, and practices of journalistic writing and editing as applied to public relations
Promotion of municipal activities, including publication design, layout and preparation of material for production
Photography and photo editing, video shooting and editing, media relations (including support for emergency operations), and web design, production and maintenance
Principles and practices of public relations work including verbal, written, and visual presentations
Municipal organization and functions, and the relationships within municipal government and other levels of government
Effective use of the internet and alternative media, including expertise in the use of social media and the tools to gauge its effectiveness

Ability to:

Communicate clearly, concisely and accurately, both orally and in writing
Establish and maintain effective working relationships and collaborate across a broadly diverse organization
Apply principles of marketing and branding to municipal communication functions
Work under pressure, on multiple projects simultaneously, while meeting strict deadlines and adapting to constant changing priorities
Proactively anticipate and alert others to problems or concerns with projects or processes
Work after hours and in emergency situations

#INDSJ

Residency:
Allegheny County within 1 year.

Veterans' Preference:
Will be awarded to eligible candidates.

Suggested Searches