The Public Information Officer operates as the media liaison for the County by generating stories and content for the County’s social media channels, as well as with local media outlets. The PIO also receives, interprets, tracks and responds to requests for public documents submitted to the County through the Freedom of Information Act. Additionally, the PIO responds to requests for comment and interviews with local media outlets and is essential personnel during times of emergency such as fires, HAZMAT scenarios, inclement weather and other similarly related events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

- Creating engaging stories for County departments and disseminating that information to the County’s residents, to keep them informed of the County’s daily operations and projects.

- Utilizes videography, photography and graphic design.

- Partnerships with local municipalities and local media outlets.

- Receiving, interpreting, assigning, tracking and responding to requests for public documents the County receives through the Freedom of Information Act.

- Works with local media in and out of newsrooms to tell the County’s story, as well as disseminate information regarding County projects or responses that benefits the public.

- Responds to emergency incidents and scenes to include, but not limited to: House fires, motor-vehicle collisions, HAZMAT calls, EOC-activation level events and inclement weather events.

- Be able to effectively communicate the County’s response to its local media and residents. The PIO must also be able to communicate and respond to incidents or scenes almost every day and at any hour including weekends and holidays.

- Administrating and monitoring of the County’s social media platforms including, but not limited to: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and NextDoor.

- Generates content, monitors comments, answers direct messages and analyzes data.

Supplemental Functions:

-Performs other similar duties as required.

Job Specifications and Qualifications:

Knowledge:

- AP-style writing.

- Understanding of FOIA law.

- Understanding of the Joint Information System.

- Understanding of the Incident Command System.

Skills:

- Videography/video editing.

- Photography/photo editing.

- Graphic design.

- Social media management/analytics

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

-Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly having to move objects. May be exposed to adverse weather or conditions on occasion. May be required to be in an on-call status during weather/ emergency events.

-Positions in this class typically require fingering, talking, hearing, seeing, grasping, standing, walking, repetitive motions, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and reaching.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $56,756.20 - $65,269.63 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible schedule
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Retirement plan
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Ability to Relocate:

Lexington, SC 29072: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

County of Lexington

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Public Information Officer