Public Information Officer (Exempt)(reposted 9-15-2026) (VIFS-STT)

DEFINITION The Public Information Officer identifies the communication needs and develops informational materials designed to inform the general public of the agencies' policies, programs, services and activities of a sensitive and confidential nature. This role serves as the public information/community relations officer for the department and may serve as a spokesperson when designated by the Commissioner. This vital role involves research and responding to media, citizen and customer inquiries, by preparing reports and updates as necessary; Maintaining the department's website content and social media accounts while ensuring accuracy, consistency, quality and interactivity. Serves as an internal consultant, by recommending appropriate internal/external communication channels to meet communication needs, including newsletters, news releases, brochures, fact sheets, and audio/video scripts, presentations and other methods to better inform and engage residents and clients. The incumbent will be responsible for marketing the department's outreach and educational programs, including participation in community events, to create public awareness of the department's mission. Supervise selected clerical support staff, community liaisons, and the program activity director. Incumbent reports to the Commissioner. Duties and Responsibilities: DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE) Support the internal and external communications through writing, editing, and proofreading content such as: announcements, company-wide communications, talking points, frequently asked questions (FAQs), postings, templates, presentations, plans and campaigns for special projects. Develops and disseminates a wide range of information and translates data concerning the nature and objectives of agency programs, employing various forms of media, including, but not limited to, radio, television, newspapers, magazines, professional journals, posters, exhibits, and advertisements. Maximize/leverage the power of marketing, communications, and Public Information to attain the Department's objectives and oversee the Department's brand while enhancing the brand's identity and reputation with key stakeholder audiences. Manage the use of the organizational email system to produce and distribute emails to various internal and external audiences. Provide Public Information support for internal and external events, including town halls, and other conferences/ occurrences. Develop and manage the distribution of organizational publications such as brochures, newsletters and internal/external marketing correspondence to employees and clients. Continually developing and improving communication approaches to advance the Department's mission, program strategies, and values; and effectively utilizing the entire suite of communications tools, including traditional, electronic, video, and social media, to ensure information about the organization is accurate, consistent, and accessible to external audiences. Maintain crisis communication plans and templates to ensure the company is ready to respond to issues as they may arise. Provide support in the creation of crisis communications as needed. Arrange and conduct workshops, seminars, and other meetings with various organizations encouraging participation in agency activities, identifying their concerns, and motivating these groups to conduct similar programs. Advises on handling topical and reputation-sensitive issues, including media relations work. Collects and summarizes data from specialized groups or individuals through surveys, public opinion studies, or group meetings, and prepares informational reports to submit to management relaying the public's perception of agency programs. Arranges and conducts tours of agency's facility, briefing visitors and officials on the function and operation of the organization. Performs other related duties as may be required.