Communications and Public Information Officer
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This classification is scheduled to receive a 5% COLA effective July 2027.
This position serves as the Communications and Public Information Officer (PIO) for Butte County, responsible for developing and implementing countywide strategic communications. The PIO disseminates accurate and timely information to the public about county programs, policies, and events, through press releases, statements, social media, and other channels. The position advises County leadership on media relations and facilitates effective and factual media coverage.
Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates. Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated. Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process. All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application. "See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.
FLSA: Exempt
DEFINITION
Under executive administrative direction, leads and oversees the County’s public information and strategic communications function; works with the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and County executive leadership to develop countywide communication policies and guidelines; develops, organizes, and implements a comprehensive countywide communications and community relations program that supports organizational priorities and strengthens community engagement; advises and assists appointed and elected department heads, members of the Board of Supervisors, and County executive leadership on public information and community relations activities; informs and engages the public regarding activities and services of County departments by developing and disseminating information through various communications channels; represents the County in high-profile communications with the media, stakeholders, and the public; researches issues, makes recommendations, and produces reports and informational materials on a variety of topics; and develops content for websites and social media platforms; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Assistant Chief Administrative Officer or designee. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This single-position classification is responsible for providing strategic leadership over the County’s public information and communication function. The incumbent must be sensitive to the impact of County programs on the community and be able to work independently and creatively to communicate program goals, strategic direction, and operational issues in an effective and tactful manner. The role carries broad authority for developing, coordinating, and managing a comprehensive countywide communications and community engagement program. The position is responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and managing a countywide strategy for public information, media relations, internal and external communications, and community relations programs, with the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines. The incumbent is responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include comprehensive knowledge of public information and community relations programs. The incumbent serves as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. -
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, journalism, marketing, communications, public relations, political science, or a related field; and
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in public communications, public relations, marketing, or communications strategy, with at least one (1) year of experience within a public agency preferred.
Certifications and Licenses:
- Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application. Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
