Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer 2 – Las Vegas, NV

The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) is hiring for a Public Information Officer 2 in Las Vegas, NV. The position is the primary media contact for Southern Nevada. Calls may occur outside of regular hours. The incumbent must be familiar with the needs of media and represent NDOT’s interests. The incumbent will develop relationships with reporters and internal staff at NDOT, write media releases, newsletters and informational brochures, produce multi‑media presentations, and serve as an excellent writer and copy editor.

The incumbent will be expected to speak on‑camera and assist with delivering and producing presentations for stakeholders.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. This position is on‑site and does not offer remote work options.

Using modern communications equipment and social media, Public Information Officers manage the public relations and public information program for an agency on a statewide basis.

• Write media releases, news releases, and informational brochures.
• Coordinate and script public service announcements and author articles for publication.
• Organize, draft, edit, and distribute materials for printing or publication.
• Evaluate advertising and promotional materials for compatibility with public relations efforts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and local government officials and media representatives.
• Respond to media and public inquiries and direct questions to appropriate staff.
• Arrange press conferences and notify media of newsworthy events.
• Develop community‑relations publicity campaigns to build agency morale and support.
• Prepare and edit newsletters, brochures, and articles; lay out and design materials for printing.
• Draft speeches for special audiences and attend meetings.
• Collect and archive articles, radio and television newscasts, and other informational releases pertaining to the agency.
• Maintain background information files and monitor press coverage.
• Coordinate photo and video production: plan shoots, select equipment, determine aesthetics, and produce quality photos and slide presentations.
• Plan, organize, and publicize special events to provide information regarding agency services and activities.
• Develop and maintain the public communications portion of the departmental crisis disaster response plan and serve as spokesperson during crisis or emergency situations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Under limited supervision, develop and manage a complex public relations program, field media and public inquiries of a sensitive or controversial nature, authorize appearances or public statements from staff members, advise management on the public relations impact of proposed actions, design an agency‑wide public relations program, image and strategy, manage a budget, and supervise staff as required.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, English, public or community relations, communications, or a closely related field.
• Three years of professional experience administering or directing a public information program; or one year as a Public Information Officer I in Nevada State service; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Working knowledge of: promotional and marketing strategies; coordination and allocation of resources; strategic planning and leadership techniques; web platform design and maintenance.
• General knowledge of: principles and practices of supervision; budget planning and organizational management.
• Ability to: respond effectively to media and public inquiries on controversial or high‑profile programs; develop and implement internal policies and controls for public information programs; design and lay out publications; make oral presentations to department employees, management, and community groups; tailor short‑ and long‑term marketing strategies for promotion of programs and services; write scripts for multimedia use or public service announcements;
  
  organise material, information and resources to optimise efficiency; arrange subject matter experts to act as spokespersons when highly technical information is required.

Clark Mandichak – clarkmandichak.gov