Aug 20, 2014 | Member Activities
I am seeking the assistance of the NIOA membership.
The Harford County Sheriff’s Office, Harford County Department of Emergency Services and the local hospital are seeking information from any department or agency that has developed a plan for public information officers related to “Active Shooter” incidents.
Rather than “reinvent the wheel” we are interested in obtaining a copy of any such plans for PIO’s for those specific type incidents.
Thank you for your assistance in helping us reach out to our NIOA colleagues.
Robert
Robert B. Thomas, Jr.
Coordinator of Community Outreach and Public Information
Harford County Department of Emergency Services
410-638-3408 or 443-617-1954
Aug 16, 2014 | NIOA Conference
This conference just keeps getting better and better!
The Sheraton Sand Key Resort is offering NIOA attendees and their guests these free classes weather permitting:
Exercise Boot Camp
Saturday morning on the beach
Yoga
Poolside
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday morning.
Classes are 6:30am – 7:30am
Enjoy the conference!
Aug 8, 2014 | Employment Opportunities
The following PIO employment opportunities have been shared with the NIOA. Please be aware of links to follow for proper application processes. Also, pay close attention to closing dates. Information added to the NIOA blog site is current at time of posting, but blog posts remain even after postings have closed.
Two positions in this message:
- Charles County, MD
- City of San Jose
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
The Communications Coordinator is part of a fast-paced, deadline-driven, and results-oriented Public Information Office. This position requires a flexible, team player with an understanding of and interest in social media, with a demonstrated ability to use social media strategically to communicate key messages. An integral part of this position is producing content for Charles County Government’s social media sites, including updates, maintenance, and monitoring.
The ideal candidate has superior customer service skills, is a self-starter that completes tasks independently, and is able to able to respond to inquiries from internal and external clients, including requests for public notices and the general public, via email, online, and by telephone. The position also assists with planning and coordination of news conferences, special projects, displays, and other Public Information Office events. The Communications Coordinator will use various communications services to monitor broadcast and online news sources to ensure accurate information is posted. Will draft news releases and talking points; conduct interviews and prepare articles for internal publications, research background information for publications and projects as assigned.
Requires an Associate’s degree in in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field, or any acceptable combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills may be substituted on a full-time, year-for-year basis. Requires social media platforms and usage, included but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Must have the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, work efficiently under pressure. Excellent writing, interpersonal, and customer service skills. This position will require some field work. This position requires a valid driver’s license. Please include resume with application. Starting Salary: $43,665 per year. Download full details for the Charles County Communications Coordinator Position.
Closing date: August 15, 2014.
PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER
$103,885 – $127,151
The City of San José seeks a savvy senior communicator, with strong strategic and tactical abilities, for a new position in the Department of Planning, Building, and Code Enforcement. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent writing and presentation skills, and have substantial experience with developing and executing effective communication plans using a wide range of appropriate tactics using traditional and new media. Creativity, good judgment, and initiative are essential.
Requirements: A bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or a related field. Six (6) years of journalism, mass media communication, public relations, or public information experience, including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
To apply please visit the website of Koff & Associates at www.KoffAssociates.com to view the full brochure. If this sounds like a great career move for you, please submit a cover letter, and your resume to Lori Worden at lworden@koffassociates.com. You can also mail your materials to our office address listed on our website.
The deadline to apply is midnight, August 18, 2014.
Aug 6, 2014 | Employment Opportunities
The City of San Gabriel seeks a candidate with outstanding verbal and written communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Our ideal candidate will have a background in communications and public policy; a demonstrated ability to multi-task; a strong technological orientation, with web management skills highly desirable; and successful experience interacting with the media. A key component of the new Public Information Officer’s first year will be to develop and implement communications strategies including enhanced outreach to San Gabriel’s non-English speaking communities, and development (in collaboration with others) of an emergency communications plan. This position reports directly to the City Manager; the selected candidate must exhibit a high degree of professionalism and demonstrated ability to interface with a diverse population.
Download the full employment posting for full details and information on how to apply.
Aug 6, 2014 | Member Activities
Your input is requested to help answer some defining questions about PIO qualifications and requirements. Responses can go directly to Robert Thomas, Jr. Please see his recent correspondence to Executive Director Lisa McNeal:
Good afternoon Lisa,
I need some assistance from the membership if possible.
I am trying to ascertain what standards PIO’s must meet in jurisdictions throughout the country.
Specifically, are PIO’s required to complete ICS 100, 200, 700 and 800 training?
Also, are PIO’s required by their employer to complete the FEMA G290 course “Basic Public Information Officer” and the associated FEMA G289 Joint Information Center (JIC) course?
If you could send a query to the membership it would be very much appreciated.
Many thanks,
Bob
Robert B. Thomas, Jr.
Coordinator of Community Outreach and Public Information
Harford County Department of Emergency Services
410-638-3408 or 443-617-1954
rbthomas@harfordpublicsafety.org