OPI Deputy Director/Press Secretary

Position Overview

ICJIA is searching for a dynamic Public Information Officer who will be responsible for planning, developing, and administering a comprehensive statewide informational, educational, and promotional program for the agency coordinating all program phases; assists departments with special and promotional events and programs, developing press releases and media advisories when appropriate. This person will prepare news releases, op-eds and produces live or taped programs or news segments; review and evaluate agency programs to determine various techniques and media to be utilized for effective presentation; establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, may supervise or direct lower level staff in the implementation of agency programs; may travel to press conferences, conferences, community meetings or special and promotional events.  If this position interests you and meet the required qualifications for this position, we encourage you to apply. 

Essential Functions

• Oversees process for editing of Authority state and federally funded print and electronic production, including research articles and reports, technical manual, internal policies and procedures, brochures, employee postings, and digital content.
• As working supervisor, supervises editorial process, proposed design, and production specifications; finalizes Authority’s electronic publications and content and consults with other staff members on design and format. Works with staff and colleagues to establish realistic timelines to complete and publish information publicly, supervises staff engaged in performing a variety of professional public information functions and establishes timelines. Assigns and reviews work; provides guidance and training to assigned staff; counsels staff regarding work performance; reassigns staff to meet day to day operations; establishes annual goals and objectives; approves time off; prepares and signs performance evaluations.
• Serves as liaison to the media and public; serves as the liaison between the Governor’s press office, the Lieutenant Governor’s Communications team, and other state agencies Public Information Officers; responds to questions regarding the Authority policy, programs, federal and state grants, and public information matters.
• Researches and evaluates new and existing agency programs to identify and recommend content for op-eds, featured articles, webinars, podcasts, etc.; reviews interdepartmental submissions to ensure the quality of externally facing promotional events such as program launches, special and promotional events; advises senior staff and assists in interpreting, developing, and implementing new or revised public information and public relations policy and procedures.
• Oversee the agency's internal communications aspects, including supervising the crisis management protocols, reviewing and revising department policies and procedures, and assisting senior staff with managing ongoing communication with staff.
• Prepares agency's annual report; Researches, gathers, organizes, and composes information for the agency’s annual report; responds to inquiries or requests from the media or other sources related to the agency’s programs and services.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completing four years of college with journalism, English, or public speaking courses.
• Requires two years of supervisory experience or three years of professional experience in a public education and information program in a public or private agency.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer 5 years of experience using journalistic principles and the methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public, facilities, and media applicable.
• Prefers 5 years of experience implementing agency programs, policies, services, and operations.
• Prefers 5 years of written communication skills exhibiting excellent English composition and grammar.
• Prefers 5 years of experience facilitating meetings and public speaking.
• Prefers 5 years of supervisory experience.
• Prefers 5 years of experience developing and directing a public information program by composing, preparing, and editing comprehensive informational material and meeting its dissemination deadlines.
• Prefers 10 (ten) years of experience managing large cross-functional project initiatives.
• Prefers 10 (ten) years of experience working with media and reporters.
• Prefers 10 (ten) years of professional experience in justice reformed focused agency or organization or information program in a public or private agency.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with overnight stays as appropriate.
• Requires the ability to pass a background check.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.