Public Information Officer - Water Communications

Are you a skilled communicator committed to transparency, inclusive community engagement, and delivering reliable information?
Have you developed and implemented communications strategies and plans?
Are you experienced in crisis communication?
Then you might be a great candidate to serve the Hillsboro community as the Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Hillsboro Water Department!
This PIO position is part of the City Manager's Office Communications Division and is embedded in the City of Hillsboro's Water Department. If selected, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the department's strategic communications plans and associated campaigns under the direction of the Water Department Director and the Communications Division Manager.
Successful Candidates Will Have Experience

• Writing and communicating through social media, video, electronic and print newsletters, news releases, brochures, and other communication tools.
• Serving as a spokesperson or providing Public Information/media relations services.
• Engaging community through in-person conversations and online communication, and the ability to take complex information and communicate it in a way that makes it accessible and understandable to the entire community.

As the Water Department Public Information Officer (PIO), you will develop and manage strategic communications, informational and community engagement activities, and branding and marketing efforts to achieve the department's communications and outreach objectives .
You will serve as a department spokesperson and oversee customer, public, and media relations for the Hillsboro Utilities Commission and the Water Department while working closely with the City's Communications Division.
This position also serves as the PIO and lead communicator for the Joint Water Commission (JWC) and the Barney Reservoir Joint Ownership Commission (BRJOC)for which City of Hillsboro servesas Managing Agency.
Key Responsibilities

• Work with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to collect, refine, and communicate departmental program, project, and initiative information, as well as water program communication tools and strategies.
• Assist the Water Department Director with continued internal communication efforts to ensure department employees are informed and engaged with current and planned departmental operations and Citywide communications.
• Assist the Water Department Director with the production and development of required reports to staff, Utilities Commission, City Council, regional water supply boards of commissioners, and stakeholders.
• Work with other City departments on coordinated communication strategies, including utility rate streamlining initiatives, affordability, and communications regarding the City Utility Bill. Partner with other departments on opportunity communication projects.
• Explore traditional and non-traditional methods of community engagement to support meaningful public participation and development of positive relationships with community members.
• Develop relationships and serve on communications committees with intergovernmental partners and other external agencies to achieve communication objectives.
• Respond to media requests for information and/or interviews.
• Develop and implement outreach tools and materials for furthering water utility communications.
• Ensure that City communications are effective in reaching culturally specific audiences, including underrepresented and underserved communities of color.
• Oversee the Water Department's and Joint Water Commission's social media and website development and content.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive proposed biennial rate proposal communication plan that includes community engagement components, a public hearing, and multi-faceted methods for bilingual communication of proposed adjustments.
• Plan and coordinate community and internal events for Water Department, such as open houses, neighborhood outreach, community advisory panels, tours, and City-sponsored events related to general water education and high-profile projects.
• Develop communication plans and lead crisis communications for water supply and water quality emergencies, among others, for the community in response to both planned and unplanned, or emergency repairs and work.

Current and Upcoming Projects

• Work closely with Willamette Water Supply Program/System communications team as preparations are made to begin integrating the new water supply into the Hillsboro water distribution system in 2025.
• Lead the communications implementation on the new water supply integration for Hillsboro water service area including community education and celebration of the new water supply completion.
• Lead the development and completion of a website update for the Joint Water Commission including updated content development and ADA compliance.
• Support the Department on required regulatory communications for the Lead and Copper Revised Rule from the Environmental Protection Agency
• Update and implement communications plans for Water Department's public hearings on changes to water rates and fees.

Acceptable Experience and Training
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field, and five years' experience in public relations; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job, such as those listed above. Oral and written bilingual (Spanish) skills are ideal.
Licensing/Certifications

• Valid Driver's License and safe driving record
• FEMA ICS (Incident Command System) Coursework: 100, 200, and 700; or ability to take course within one year of assignment or when most immediately available.

For more information regarding the job duties, scope of work, and requirements for this position, read the full classification descriptions here: Public Information Officer
Additional Information
Hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas. Employment Type: Full Time