PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Class Title:	Public Information Officer
Bargaining Unit:	Non-Union
Class Code:	123
Salary:	$4,876.17 - $7,314.33 Monthly $58,514.00 - $87,772.00 Annually

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Job Description  Benefits
This position reports to the Communications Director in the Public Affairs Division. Coordinate media relations for the agency, focusing primarily on operational and service issues during business hours and on-call 24 hours a day. Interface with Marketing & Customer Service to provide accurate and timely customer service information. Develop and implement strategies for improving public confidence in TriMet and transit. Responsible for information dissemination to a range of public audiences. Create and disseminate information through agency website and other social media venues. Ensure a commitment to safety through consistent and professional behaviors in performance of job requirements that demonstrate safety is a fundamental value that guides all aspects of our work. Perform related duties as required.
Essential Functions:
Act as agency spokesperson with primary responsibility for all media information on operational and service issues, as well as provide communication expertise on other agency initiatives. Responsible for handling public information activities for operational issues and emergencies 24-hours a day. Handle media information on policy issues in absence of Media Relations Head & Communications Director. Conduct media relations for the District. Develop strategies for improved communications, write and review media materials, organize media events and news conferences and write other publications, fact sheets, articles, and speeches as needed. Maintain continuous, effective contact with TriMet departments and decision makers to help develop credible, understandable, coordinated and consistent position statements for internal and external dissemination. Work with external regional partners on transportation communications issues.  Identify opportunities for increased media involvement with other agencies, governments, businesses, and organizations in the region. Respond to citizen, technical, and transit industry requests for information. Assist with photography for agency programs and publications. Develop information pieces for employees, and assess adequacy and effectiveness of internal communications. Support employee feedback processes. Work closely with Marketing and Customer Service to coordinate and provide accurate and timely operational service information.
Prerequisites:
Degree in journalism, communications, political science or related field. Five years responsible experience in media relations, public information, or communications. Experience working on-call and/or working in a first responders atmosphere. Experience with web and other social media venues. Additional experience may be substituted for up to two years of the education requirement, and graduate course work in journalism or related field may be substituted for up to one year of experience. Or any equivalent combination of training and experience.
Selection Criteria:
Knowledge of methods and techniques of disseminating information to the media and the public. Demonstrated knowledge of production methods for printed materials. Some knowledge of TriMet programs and operations. Ability to respond to the news media accurately, appropriately and in a timely manner, often within tight deadlines and at times, without direction. Demonstrated ability to write and edit news releases, pamphlets, and reports. Ability to work in stressful situations, managing, and/or performing several tasks simultaneously. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. Ability to work closely and cooperatively with fellow employees and members of the public. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form. Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with employees, supervisors and the general public, including those from culturally diverse backgrounds, the elderly, persons with disabilities and/or other vulnerable populations. Ability to use MS Outlook and Word Processing software at an intermediate level. Type of position / Grade / FLSA: Non-Union, Grade 13, Exempt Supplemental Information: It is your responsibility, and to your benefit, to describe in detail how your education, training and work experience meet the requirements of the position for which you are applying. If applicable, please provide at least ten years of your work history, including any volunteer and internship experience you may have. You are encouraged to attach a resume, cover letter, training certificates and letters of recommendation with your application. Online applications are permitted five attachments; however each attachment is limited to 5MB. Please include your attachments in the "Resume Attachment" section (please try to combine documents as much as possible). A second option for attaching multiple documents is to send them to careers@trimet.org  and we will attach them to your online application. You may also fax your materials to 503-962-3477 or 503-962-7440. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Resumes will not be considered in lieu of a completed application. To apply, please visit our website at   http://trimet.org/careers. We regret that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we currently only contact applicants who are highly qualified and most closely match our job requirements. Internal applicants: Information in your personnel file will not be used in lieu of information requested on your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. If you are a qualified veteran and would like to apply for veterans' preference points, you will need to reflect your status on the application and submit supporting documentation with your application by the closing date of this recruitment. Documentation must be attached to your application. Persons needing an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act for any part of the application process should contact TriMet Human Resources staff at 503-962-7505, or the TTY line at 503-238-5811. A minimum of two workdays notice prior to the need for accommodation is required. TriMet is an equal opportunity employer, committed to developing an organization that is reflective of and sensitive to the needs of the diverse community we serve, including the elderly and persons with disabilities.