Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Agency 455 OK MEDICAL MARIJUANA AUTHORITY

Full/Part-Time Full time

Job Type Regular

Compensation Up to $75,000 based on education and experience.

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is seeking a full-time Public Information Officer. This state position is governed by the Civil Service Rules and is located in Oklahoma City, OK. OMMA offers a comprehensive benefits packet, including a generous benefit allowance to offset the cost of insurance premiums for employees and their eligible dependents. The annual salary for this position is up to $75,000 based on education and experience.

Every position at OMMA brings an opportunity to build out new policies and procedures using innovative and creative problem‑solving. Candidates must be willing to apply critical thinking and problem‑solving skills to tackle challenges and help OMMA be the best at what it is entrusted to do.

If this sounds like a challenge you are willing to take on, we look forward to reviewing your application!

The Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for promoting and protecting the mission of OMMA, and for liaising between the agency and the public. This includes researching, writing and editing various materials for local, state and national media outlets, answering inquiries from the media and arranging interviews in a timely manner. The position also oversees the agency’s social media function as part of OMMA’s external messaging strategy.

• Cultivates and enhances collaborative working relationships within the press and publicity community.
• Prepares press releases and articles for the media.
• Manages the flow of news about the organization to the media.
• Proactively pitches stories to the media.
• Plans and manages media briefings as needed.
• Gathers and disseminates timely information to the media and staff.
• Works with program areas and the Communications Director to identify proper spokespersons to address questions and complaints.
• Develops relationships with media contacts to ensure the organization’s reputation is positively promoted and to deflect criticism.
• Detects public relations issues as they emerge and addresses them directly, working with the Communications Director.
• Speaks directly to the public or media to address questions and represent the organization.
• Oversees OMMA’s social media function as part of a cohesive external messaging strategy, ensuring adherence to the agency’s social media policies and procedures, tracking engagement and publishing content aligned with the organization’s objectives.
• Stays informed of social media best practices with an emphasis on government use of platforms and makes recommendations regarding changes in strategy and policies or procedures.
• Oversees the agency’s public awareness campaigns under the direction of the Communications Director.
• Serves on committees or task forces representing OMMA as requested by the Communications Director or Executive Director.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrates knowledge of and supports mission, vision, values, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards and the code of ethical behavior.
• Works effectively in a team environment, participating and assisting peers.
• Participates in the development and evaluation of program objectives and procedures.
• Provides training and technical assistance to internal staff.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communication, marketing, English or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience in writing and editing, radio and/or television, public relations or serving as a public information officer.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required at this level include advanced knowledge of English usage, including grammar and composition; of public relations principles and techniques; of accepted styles for materials released to various media; of media sources and their capabilities; of visual graphics and video techniques; of…