Job Title: Public Information Officer
| Reports to: | Chief Impact Officer |
| Job Group: | Administrative |
| FLSA: | Exempt |
| Job Code: | 1220 |
| Salary Schedule: | APT12 |
JOB GOAL
Responsible for leading the District's public information, media relations, strategic communications, marketing, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Serves as the District's spokesperson as designated by the Chief Impact Officer. Provides leadership for the District's day-to-day communications operations, media relations, branding, digital communications, and special projects while ensuring consistent, accurate, and timely communication that supports the District's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Serve as the District's designated spokesperson as assigned by the Chief Impact Officer.
- Lead the District's day-to-day public information and communications operations.
- Develop and implement strategic communication plans supporting District priorities, initiatives, and emergency response efforts.
- Lead crisis communications planning and response in collaboration with schools, departments, law enforcement, emergency management, and governmental agencies.
- Coordinate communication plans to ensure timely, accurate, and consistent information for employees, families, students, media, and the community.
- Develop and oversee press releases, speeches, talking points, newsletters, presentations, publications, website content, videos, photography, and social media communications as assigned by the Chief Impact Officer.
- Provide communications counsel and media guidance to District leaders, principals, and departments.
- Monitor media coverage and emerging issues and recommend proactive communication strategies.
- Develop positive working relationships with media representatives and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.
- Assist executive leadership in developing presentations and key District messaging.
- Coordinate high-profile announcements, media events, recognitions, and community engagement initiatives.
- Assist with marketing campaigns and branding initiatives that promote schools, departments, students, and employees.
- Help develop and maintain District communication standards, style guidelines, and brand consistency.
- Assist in oversight of the District website, digital communications, and social media strategy.
- Analyze communication metrics and stakeholder feedback to improve communication effectiveness.
- Assist in development and administration of departmental budgets.
- Supervise assigned communications personnel, interns, vendors, and consultants as assigned.
- Represent the District at Board meetings, community events, legislative meetings, emergency operations, and public functions as assigned by the Chief Impact Officer.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences, orally and in writing, including electronic media
- Knowledge of current educational trends
- Knowledge of social media applications and desktop publishing
- Knowledge of statutory and regulatory requirements in areas of responsibility, including Florida statutes and legislative processes
- Ability to analyze statistical data for trends and performance in various programs and to assist in developing strategies for improvement
- Ability to work collaboratively with others and facilitate groups to consensus
- Ability to effectively engage in the problem-solving process
EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited institution in the field of Communications, Journalism, English, or related field
- Five years’ experience in public relations, journalism, or a related field, including supervisory and management experience
- OR
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES & REGISTRATIONS
None
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s Degree in from an accredited institution in the field of Communications, Journalism, English, Public Relations, or related field
- Experience as a public information officer, especially in an education setting
- Experience working for a legislative body, especially a school board
- Knowledge of Pasco County
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
Direct supervision of assigned personnel. Responsibilities include planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems; training employees; evaluating performance; and interviewing, hiring, and assignment of personnel.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Light Work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or 10 pounds of force frequently. If the use of arm and / or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated as Light Work.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear; stand and walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 25 pounds. Specific vision ability required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Indoors and Outdoors: The worker is subject to both environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.
MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT
- General office equipment, including personal computers, fax machines, copiers, telephones, etc.
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT
Salary and benefits shall be paid consistent with the District’s approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be established by the District.
Performance of the job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the School Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.
Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Pasco County Schools will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to allow them to perform the essential functions of the job when such individuals request an accommodation.
