Public Information Officer at Treasure Valley Community College (OR) – Ontario, Oregon

The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the primary spokesperson for Treasure Valley Community College, leading strategic communications to enhance the College’s public image and engagement. The PIO contacts the media on newsworthy items and acts as a liaison between news media and college staff. The PIO will be visible in the communities TVCC serves and will attend key events.

Reporting to the President, the PIO works closely with the administrative team and cross-functional departments to develop and implement proactive media relations, crisis communication, and public outreach strategies. This role is responsible for crafting and disseminating key messages that highlight TVCC’s mission, achievements, programs, and initiatives, ensuring clear, consistent, and effective communication with the press, community stakeholders, and the general public.

• Public & Media Relations: Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, regional media to effectively share the college’s story. Draft and distribute press releases, coordinate media interviews, and secure placements that highlight the college’s programs, achievements, and initiatives. Proactively identify opportunities for positive media coverage and ensure consistent messaging that aligns with the college’s mission and strategic goals.
• Crisis Communications: In coordination with the legal department, develop and implement crisis communication strategies to ensure timely, accurate, and transparent messaging during emergencies or sensitive situations. Prepare contingency plans and response protocols to address potential issues proactively. Monitor public sentiment and media coverage to manage reputation and mitigate risks. Coordinate with leadership and key stakeholders to craft clear, consistent messaging that upholds the college’s integrity and public trust. Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries during crises, ensuring a swift and strategic response. Serves as a member of the Emergency Management Team.
• Speechwriting & Thought Leadership: Craft compelling speeches, op-eds, messaging, and presentations for the President and key leaders to effectively communicate the college’s vision, priorities, and achievements. Develop thought leadership pieces that position the college as a vital contributor to education, workforce development, and community growth. Use storytelling to engage diverse audiences, highlighting student success, faculty expertise, and institutional impact. Align messaging with strategic goals to strengthen community connections and enhance the college’s public presence.
• Internal Communication: Support executive communications, internal reports, and key updates to ensure alignment with institutional strategic goals and priorities. Support leadership in delivering messages that foster transparency, collaboration, and a strong college community.
• Web Content Management: Responsible for overall web presence and appearance which includes keeping the websites up to date and the college intranet.
• External Communication: Oversee creation and dissemination of college newsletters, news releases, e-mails, and other forms of social media messaging.
• Brand Consistency: Works in collaboration with the marketing department to ensure brand consistency.
• Legal and Sensitive Issues: Works in coordination with legal counsel in response to College issues, complaints, investigations, contracts, or other areas as needed.
• Legislative Liaison: Serves as the Oregon Community College Association (OCCA), Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC), and Oregon legislature communications liaison in matters related to legislative issues. Responsible for researching local, state, and federal legislation impacting community colleges.
• Data Analysis: Research, review, and analyze data related to educational performance, enrollment trends, and other key metrics to inform decision-making.
• Information Synthesis and Interpretation: In collaboration with the Institutional Effectiveness and Planning department, analyze and contextualize educational performance indicators, enrollment trends, and related metrics to guide messaging strategies. Deliver clear, actionable insights for public communication and dissemination.
• Accreditation Support: Support the Accreditation Liaison Officer (ALO) by ensuring all accreditation-related public disclosures are accurate and up to date. Maintain consumer information, publish the College’s accreditation status, and issue required notifications for the Year Seven Evaluation of Institutional Effectiveness to invite public comment. Assist in preparing College communications and coordinate scheduling of forums for faculty, staff, and students in advance of accreditation visits.
• Professional Development: Stay current on industry standards and innovation through a commitment to ongoing professional development in the fields of PR and communications and issues affecting higher education.
• Budget and Department Goals: Plan, implement, and monitor the annual department budget and goals.
• Serves as a member of the Administrative Team and attends weekly meetings.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• Minimum of five years of experience in public relations, communications, or a directly related role
• Demonstrated experience leading strategic communication efforts, including media relations and crisis communication
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with experience crafting press releases, speeches, and executive messaging
• Experience managing media inquiries, securing press coverage, and maintaining relationships with journalists and community stakeholders
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field
• Previous experience in higher education communications or public affairs
• Familiarity with government relations, policy communications, or advocacy initiatives
• Experience developing and executing internal communication strategies for large organizations

TVCC values professionalism in its employees. The following attributes and behaviors are identified as examples of what is expected of an employee:

• Display empathy and positive regard for others in written, verbal and non-verbal communications.
• Work effectively with colleagues and students by practicing punctuality, respect for deadlines, collaborative problem solving, and honest communication.
• Build trusting relationships by acting with integrity, courtesy, and responsibility, even in the face of stress or demanding workplace conditions.
• Maintain proficiency as needed and approved by attending trainings, reading job-related materials, and meeting with others in area of responsibility.
• Dress appropriately for a workplace with frequent customer service interaction and community outreach.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Usual office working conditions. The noise level in the work environment is typical of most office environments. Daily contact in person and by phone with students, staff, and the general public. Occasional travel, evening and weekend hours may be necessary to attend meetings, and public relations events.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

May be responsible for the supervision of 1 full-time employee and/or part-time employee(s). Responsible for annual performance evaluations, supervision, and carries out other supervisory responsibilities in accordance with college policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the President.