Public Information Officer

Deschutes County is growing its communications and marketing team to continue to enhance the County’s ability to connect residents with local government. We’re looking for someone who can concisely and clearly communicate across a variety of platforms.  

This position will direct and coordinate the County’s media relations and public information programs. In this role, you’ll support County departments and offices with the development of external and internal communications strategies and projects. You’ll craft press releases, work to produce the County’s internal and external newsletters and manage web strategy and content.   

 This position is located in Deschutes County and may be eligible for hybrid of in-office/remote work as allowed by policy and approved by the supervisor.

Key Responsibilities:

Public Information: Write, edit and distribute digital newsletters, press releases, talking points and other content. Develop communications plans for a variety of projects and programs. Amplify the work of departments and offices using unique storytelling strategies. Serve in a direct emergency response role within the organization’s incident command system.

Media Relations: Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and serve, as needed, as the organization’s spokesperson. Proactively pitch stories to local media. 

Community Engagement: Support departments and offices with inclusive community outreach and engagement strategies. 

Web Content and Strategy: Collaborate with the Digital Communications Coordinator and County IT to manage the structure, content and effectiveness of the County’s website. Provide on-going consultative (technical, branding and content development) support to web stakeholders across departments and offices. Create and publish engaging, accurate and timely content.

What You Will Bring:
We’re looking for candidates who have experience and skill with:

• Writing, proofreading, and editing news releases, newsletters, emails and more.
• Professional experience using an email marketing program like Constant Contact or Mailchimp.
• Proficiency in content management systems (CMS) and web publishing platforms.
• Associated Press Style Guidelines.
• Three years of professional experience with the following:
  1. Developing and executing communications plans and strategies  
  2. Media relations 
  3. Developing and maintaining website content  

Skill in:

• Writing, editing and proofreading.
• Developing and maintaining collaborative working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Project management and the ability to effectively prioritize, troubleshoot and maintain multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.

*This posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of duties and responsibilities, but rather constitutes a general definition of the position's scope and function.