Senior Public Information Officer

Description

Do you want to make a difference and be part of an award-winning agency, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Idaho through transportation?

At the Idaho Transportation Department, every employee is critical to the mission and we strive to foster an innovative, collaborative workplace where employees can grow and do their best work.

Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has a vision of enhancing quality of life through transportation. Innovation is at the core of what we do daily. By joining our constructive environment, you will be part of a results-driven workforce where employees treat each other with respect, develop themselves personally and professionally, support team efforts, and are accountable for their actions. As a part of fostering a Constructive Culture, ITD offers leadership coaching and training.

The Idaho Transportation Department has an opening for a Senior Public Information Officer (PIO), a leadership role in the Office of Communication team. The Senior PIO will supervise staff members across the state and take a strategic leadership role in developing and growing the Department’s social media channels.

Notice: This position requires a background investigation before a final job offer is made. Also, this position may require traveling throughout the state of Idaho.

Example of Duties

This position is required to:

• Supervise staff members in the Office of Communication and report to the Communication Manager.
• Take a leadership role in multiple projects relating to work from department executives, senior management, direct reports and consultants.
• Participate in developing, implementing and achieving the dept.'s strategic goals, both within the Office of Communication and the Idaho Transportation Department’s overall mission.
• Lead the strategic development and implementation of social media channels.
• Lead staff as they develop, execute and facilitate communication plans for road and bridge construction projects, public involvement, and both internal/external outreach and awareness for all department divisions and districts.
• Understand and execute the use and development of social media, marketing, branding, website development and graphic design.
• Supervises daily activities of department Public Information Officers, and potentially other staff. This includes developing yearly performance plans, regular monthly one-on-one meetings with staff, performs yearly reviews, visits with staff in person and digitally on a regular basis, and other supervisory duties.
• Coordinates Office of Communication social media planning and directs the flow and dissemination of information through department social media channels to the public.
• Coordinates and supervises staff on the dissemination of news releases, news events, publications, messaging, and other written, audio and visual materials, along with other coordinating duties as needed.
• Serve as a media spokesperson, along with developing written or oral presentations and news releases. Handle emergency communication involving crisis or unforeseen circumstances requiring research, writing, editing and speaking. Edit brochures, publications, correspondence and other materials for accuracy, clarity and compliance with department standards and polices. Initiate and maintain a wide variety of media contacts. Coordinate publicity and provide assistance at public information meetings.
• Draft responses and provide information to media and the public. Consult with and advise management on media, publication, and public relations matters; hire and oversee the work of consultants, printers, and vendors such as graphic designers and photographers; coordinate development and use of displays and exhibits.

Decision-Making Authority

• After receiving appropriate review, final authority for news releases, talking points, handouts and other materials.
• Direct consulting work.

Problem Solving

• Determines strategic communication choices.
• Develops crisis communication strategies.
• Handles emergency communication involving crisis or unforeseen circumstances requiring research, writing, editing, speaking and making decisions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Considerable knowledge of; news media organization, structure and ethics; journalistic techniques, terminology, and style.
• Considerable knowledge of social media practices, audiovisual production, including video productions, still photography, computer-generated graphics related to public information objects and website content creation and website development.
• Strong knowledge and history of supervisory practices.
• Experience developing public information polices; advising management of public impact of polices and its changes; managing major public information projects; writing news releases and speeches; conducting research; editing and proofreading technical articles; speaking before media groups.
• Skill in using specialized desktop publishing software packages. I.e. Quark, Adobe Acrobat, Adobe Publisher, and Adobe Creative Cloud software.

These "minimums" should be those that cannot be learned in a short period of time (3 months or less), will not be taught on the job, and would be required of a new employee upon entry into this position.

To learn more about the department, please visit the ITD website. Make a difference in your community and in the lives of the citizens of Idaho! Contact an ITD Recruiter at: [email protected] or call 208-334-8664. The Idaho Transportation Department does not sponsor work visas.

The State of Idaho offers a robust total compensation package, including medical, vision, and dental insurance; PERSI retirement benefits; paid sick, vacation, and parental leave; and 11 paid holidays per year. For additional information, please visit https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/.

EEO/ADA/Veteran:

The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email[email protected]. (If you have a contact for applicant accommodations at your agency, please replace the contact information).

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.