Public Information Officer

As Central Ohio’s regional council, MORPC is an association of cities, villages, townships, counties, and regional organizations, serving rural, suburban, and urban areas. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region. We do this through several programs, services, projects and initiatives – all with the goal of improving the lives of our residents and making Central Ohio stand out on the world stage.

One of Central Ohio’s greatest strengths is the variety of our communities and to best serve our region MORPC strongly values a wide range of perspectives. MORPC strives to reflect those values in our workforce, our endeavors, and our positive impact on the region. Our work progresses when our team can draw on a broad spectrum of personal experiences and backgrounds, and when each member is open to learning from the experiences of others, both internally and externally. As an equal opportunity employer, we fully support all applicable state and federal laws and regulations and do not discriminate against applicants for employment or employees based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical conditions, age, disability or other handicap, genetic information, marital/familial status, veteran status, military status, or income or status with regard to public assistance in any aspects of our personnel policies, working conditions, or hiring and recruitment.

MORPC recognizes the value of a healthy work/life balance for our team members and, as such, we provide a variety of benefits to promote that balance. Eligible employees receive a free system-wide transit pass and discounted access to other alternative transportation modes to provide options for commuting to work. MORPC encourages opportunities for career advancement through generous tuition and professional development incentives, leadership programs, and participation in local and national organizations. For eligible permanent positions, MORPC also offers flexible schedules and remote work options as well as paid time off and holidays. MORPC employees may also be eligible for excellent health, vision, and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, employer-paid short-term & long-term disability coverage, employer-paid life insurance in the amount of $50,000 coverage, participation in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, plus two Deferred Compensation Plans that employees can opt into for additional retirement funding.

The Public Information Officer supports the Executive Director, the Communications & Engagement Senior Director and the senior executive team in formulating internal and external communications.

BASIC JOB FUNCTIONS:

· Manages the agency’s digital communication platforms: internal website, agency website, e-newsletter, and social media platforms.

· Write and work with the Graphic Designer to produce a variety of public information materials in print, electronic, and video formats.

· Assist the Communications & Engagement Senior Director with facilitating timely dissemination of information about programs, initiatives, and services to MORPC’s members, the public and key stakeholders.

· Coordinate press coverage for major initiatives and signature events.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Serve as the public information officer for MORPC. Prepare and disseminate press releases to the media on agency issues; represent the agency as the contact on media inquiries.

Prepare and disseminate the monthly external electronic newsletter, which goes out to all MORPC members.

Develop and maintain positive media relations including regular dissemination of news on the agency’s programs and initiatives, projects, and services; provide timely and factual responses to the media; work with Graphic Designer to produce brochures, fact sheets, PowerPoint presentations.

Write, edit, and compose speeches for major events; craft talking points for media interviews.

Research, develop, write, and edit media releases, articles, feature stories, brochures, talking points/speeches; assist with the design of printed materials.

Prepare and distribute informal/external correspondence to employees, media, Commission members, and other community groups.

Primarily responsible for updating and managing the website, intranet, social media and working with departments to ensure information is relevant and timely.

Oversee the agency’s digital communications channels including the website, intranet, and social media.

Assist in planning and coordinating press conferences and other special events.

Cultivate productive working relationships with MORPC members, PIOs, local organizations to increase public awareness of programs, initiatives, and services.

Create a repository of media coverage/information about MORPC.

OTHER

· Assist with other activities as a member of the Communication & Engagement Department and MORPC staff.

o Attend agency and departmental staff meetings and trainings.

o Perform other duties as assigned.

· Attend conferences, workshops, and training for professional development.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

· Principles, practices and applications of public relations, public information

/communication.

· Principles, practices, and applications of journalistic writing.

· Design and implementation of short and long term strategic public relations plans.

· Strategies and tactics in executing successful PR and communications campaigns.

ABILITY TO:

· Write, edit, design, produce and disseminate communications materials using a variety of formats, including print, electronic, audio, video, website, and television.

· Proficiency in the use of MS Office software

· Gather data, analyze and prepare reports.

· Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clarity and accuracy.

· Develop and maintain positive and productive working relationships with staff, media, MORPC members and the public.

· Understand, analyze, and discuss complex issues with individuals and at all levels of the community and agency.

· Collaborate and build coalitions with community and professional groups and organizations,

· Manage multiple priorities and meet established deadlines.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Effective communication (both written and verbal), planning, and organizational skills are required. Must possess excellent customer service skills; must display professionalism, a positive attitude, and a passion for learning and growing in the practice of marketing. Must demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and the ability to meet deadlines and stay within budget. Proficiency and working knowledge of MS Office software is essential; familiarity with other marketing applications/tools is preferred.

Must possess the ability to work independently and in a team. Must be able to accept and follow directives, work under pressure, and/or with limited direction from supervisor. Should have enough command of the English language to be able to convey and understand ideas. You must be able to attend meetings and events outside of the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, Political Science, or related field and a minimum of five years’ experience in public or community relations work, with an emphasis on managing external communications and public information programs required.

MORPC is an EOE/AAP employer. Please apply online at

or you may mail a resume to:

MORPC Attn: CE-2-25

111 Liberty St., Suite 100

Columbus, OH 43215

No phone calls please.