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Public Health Information Officer

Responsible for the management of proactive communications and community relations for El Paso County Public Health (EPCPH). Develops and implements collaborative health initiatives to disseminate relevant, timely, and credible information ensuring transparency. Assists and advises leadership to ensure clear, accurate, and consistent information is presented to the public. Develops and maintains relationships with stakeholders. Assesses and evaluates EPCPH communications programs, strategies, and efforts.
  • Provides expertise for the planning, implementation, and analysis of health communication efforts. Leads and manages the communication process and serves as the primary public relations point of contact between the agency, Board of Health, the public, and the media.
  • Develops, coordinates, and leads strategic communication planning and public relations efforts to ensure transparency and promote and protect the health and well being of the community of EPCPH, diverse agency programs, and ongoing funding efforts.
  • Develops and/or supervises the development of a variety of public information and outreach functions for EPCPH. Produces and disseminates media relations information kits. Provides details and background information for media reports.
  • Plans and/or supervises the planning of news conferences, news releases, and special events.
  • Coordinates appropriate, timely, relevant, credible, and accurate information releases, ensuring vital information is provided to the news media and the public. Researches, writes, edits, and distributes news releases. Determines the relevancy and related impact of information distributed via online platforms and communication tools with regard to the improvement of community health, community awareness, and the agency's image.
  • Develops, maintains, and updates public health marketing, social media, and crisis communication plans and strategies. Leads and develops strategic health communication and education programs addressing complex health issues, coordinates program implementation, and provides quality assurance for programs.
  • Serves as principal advisor to the Public Health Director, Deputy Director, and the Medical Director on communications-related issues and is a member of the Leadership Team responsible for determining direction, policies, and overall success of EPCPH. Develops and maintains agency-wide communication policies. Provides expertise and assistance to co-workers and leadership regarding marketing and communication platforms, content, and materials. Assists with or provides communications training for agency spokespersons.
  • Reviews, updates, and ensures accuracy of agency publications and other communication materials. Develops and determines or makes recommendations concerning design, style, and message improvements.
  • Schedules public presentations for agency spokespersons. Plans forums and coordinates with local organizations and internal committees.
  • Serves as a member on boards of community organizations. Engages in public speaking on behalf of the agency to include delivering presentations to community organizations and the public.
  • Documents, tracks, and archives all agency-related media coverage. Documents and prepares estimated cost-benefit analyses of public relations efforts. Prepares and presents reports for monthly Board of Health meetings.
  • Develops, manages, and maintains the Public Information Office budget and related records. 
  • Provides guidance, direction, and mentoring of direct reports. Conducts and completes performance evaluations for employees and participates in the hiring and disciplinary process.
  • Remains current with up-to-date best practices, types, and functionalities of effective online communication tools.
  • Responsible for daily monitoring of traditional news and social media outlets to stay well-informed of local issues and community concerns that may have an impact on EPCPH programs and functions. Monitors legislation related to public health and coordinates agency response.
  • Works with the El Paso County Public Information Office. Serves as communication expert specific to Public Health information development and distribution. Coordinates and fulfills Colorado Open Records Act requests as directed.
  • Coordinates agency-wide internal communication and events.
  • Participates in agency's emergency planning and response activities.
  • Promotes public health within the community.
  • Takes personal responsibility to provide exceptional customer service in order to promote and maintain a positive EPCPH image, constructive working environment and foster pride and professionalism in the workplace and community.
  • Performs other duties as required.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, marketing, health education, or a related field required.
  • Minimum five (5) years progressively responsible media or public relations experience in layout, design, and production of print publications and/or social media marketing in the following areas: communications, journalism, public relations, health-related media, or representation of a government or health organization required.
  • Minimum three (3) years of management, supervisory, or other demonstrated leadership experience required.
  • Knowledge of new media operations and available communication channels and techniques for disseminating medical, scientific, and public health information.
  • Ability to design, develop, implement, and evaluate media relations strategies and tactics.
  • Knowledge of computer systems, desktop publishing software, and electronic media.
  • Ability to monitor communication tools, make quick decisions, and use sound judgment when interacting with online communities.
  • Ability to communicate, motivate, and organize projects among a broad spectrum of personnel, frequently under deadline pressure.
  • Skill in demonstrating a cooperative, professional attitude to cultivate relationships within and outside the organization, including the online community.
  • Ability to prepare reports on health marketing and communication strategies and tactics. Ability to develop and maintain accurate records and reports to meet management objectives.
  • Skill in developing presentation materials to convey complex program information to groups with various levels of understanding of public health programs and activities.
  • Must possess exceptional writing and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with proper regard for spelling, grammar and punctuation.
  • Knowledge of community resources.
  • Ability to demonstrate sound judgment and take appropriate action regarding questionable findings or concerns. Ability to identify problems and work creatively to resolve them, considering the impact of actions on Public Health.
  • Ability to identify results of efforts. Ability to assess current or potential problems and develop and recommend corrective actions to leadership.
  • Skill in prioritizing and organizing multiple tasks and the ability to complete projects in a timely manner. Ability to respond in a flexible manner and reprioritize work as situations change.
  • Ability to understand, follow, and implement agency policies and procedures. Ability to maintain the security of sensitive and confidential information.
  • Ability to work as a team player with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to perform under pressure and when confronted with persons acting under stress.
  • Maintain regular and punctual attendance.
  • An equivalent combination of related education and experience may be substituted for the education and experience requirements above.
  • Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Licenses/Certificates
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License.

Work Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an office environment; travel using own transportation may be required on a daily basis. Work environment may be noisy and include potential exposure to infections, blood, and contagious diseases. Will be required to work evenings and weekends as business needs dictate. Ability and willingness to respond to sensitive situations twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. Public Health employees are responsible for providing proof of vaccinations and/or tuberculosis testing as applicable to the specific position and must provide proof of completion of required vaccinations/testing or proof of initiation within sixty (60) days of hire date.