Public Information Officer (PIO) at North Metro Fire Rescue District – Broomfield, Colorado

General Duties and Responsibilities:

Crisis Communications and Incident Response:

1. Responds to emergency scenes and handles all media inquiries, media staging, interviews, public information releases, social media, and capturing of incident via photo/video. Oversees delegation of assignments, as needed, when unable to respond personally. Works with emergency personnel to gather facts and determine what information can be provided to the media. Coordinates communication with other PIOs and essential personnel during situations that involve multiple agencies or departments. Informs internal audience and leadership of situations as warranted.

2. Serves as a fire district liaison to city and county agencies, which includes participating in city emergency planning sessions and serving in the field or Joint Information Center/System as a PIO during large-scale emergencies. Works with the district’s emergency manager and alongside city, county, and police PIOs to ensure all emergency planning documents are up to date. Collaborates on various multi-agency trainings throughout the year.

3. Serves as the on-call PIO 24 hours, seven days a week, to respond to emergencies, when necessary, except when on vacation or when covered by backup on-call PIOs during pre-arranged times. Responsible for overseeing and training backup on-call PIOs.

4. Develops and continuously assesses crisis communication plans for a variety of threats, including cybersecurity attacks, large-scale incidents, and personnel-related events.

Media Relations:

1. Establishes working relationships with local news media and proactively pitches stories to enhance the reputation of North Metro Fire and educate the public regarding safety and relevant issues.

2. Serves as primary spokesperson for the fire district, which includes handling media calls and crisis communications as previously outlined.

3. Maintains online newsroom and archives incidents and events through photographs, video, and media clips.

Community Relations:

1. Produces information and content on the districts' activities, events and emergency incidents to enhance public awareness and promote positive community relations.

2. Serves as primary liaison for partnerships with other organizations and local governments, which includes, but is not limited to planning and overseeing community events with area groups to foster a safer community, fulfilling community requests for North Metro Fire’s participation/presence at events, managing community volunteers as part of event coordination, and coordinating various community drives benefiting local residents in need. The tasks are overseen by the PIO but may be delegated to and coordinated by other personnel.

3. Produces annual reports to the community for distribution through various outlets to keep the community informed of the district’s progress and priorities.

4. Promotes North Metro Fire’s services and programs to residents, such as the Ambulance Membership Program, CPR classes, and car seat installations. Maintains and distributes up-to-date informational material (brochures, flyers, etc.) on services and programs offered through the district.

5. Manages and produces content for the district’s website and social media channels to keep residents, media, and employees informed.

6. Handles requests for district speakers and presentations and delegates to appropriate personnel as necessary.

7. Oversees aspects of citizens’ lifesaving award program that recognizes citizens who have shown bravery in assistance to fellow citizens during an emergency.

8. Assists fire and life safety educator with safety events in the community and the delivery of public safety messages.

Internal Relations:

1. Disseminates timely information to employees through SharePoint, newsletters, emails, and other modes of communication to keep them apprised of important district news and to recognize employees for outstanding work.

2. Provides updates and presentations to the board of directors regarding the district’s community outreach programs, public education efforts, and newsworthy incidents.

3. Serves on various district committees that focus on employee/organizational development and customer service. Takes on leadership roles when appropriate.

4. Manages employee volunteer opportunities to fulfill community requests.

5. Produces multimedia presentations and other presentation materials for internal events such as the annual awards ceremony, retirement functions, promotions, etc.

6. Documents and archives North Metro Fire’s history via photos, videos, news clips, etc.

General Communications and Support:

1. Serves as social media expert, developing and executing innovative social media strategies across multiple platforms (e.g., Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, NextDoor) to drive engagement, brand awareness, and audience growth. Must have deep knowledge of platform algorithms, trends, analytics, and content optimization.

2. Writes and produces publications, speeches, grant applications, reports, presentations, and other materials for the district.

3. Develops strategies that utilize all modes of communication to engage the public and enhance internal and external communications.

4. Ensures all communications comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and oversee the Accessibility Plan for the district.

5. Manages North Metro Fire brand, editorial, and style guidelines, and continues program development that promotes the fire district’s services and aligns with its mission.

6. Accurately analyzes data, and customer service research, and identifies public relations trends to enhance communications.

7. Assists with internal communication training, special academies, and other programs.

Leadership:

1. Supervises the Community Outreach Team consisting of the Life Safety Education Officer.

2. Develops and manages annual budget for public information and community outreach.

3. Plays a key role in the development, implementation, and management of the district’s strategic goals, priorities, and organization development plans.

4. Creates a healthy and inclusive work environment in which people feel valued and want to do their best; can motivate and empower many kinds of direct reports and team or project members; invites input from each person and shares ownership and visibility.

5. Interprets and enforces district procedures, rules, and policies. Assists with formulating additional policies, procedures, and practices.

6. Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of work methods, technology use; and resource allocations to continually identify and implement process changes to improve the delivery of district services.

7. Coordinates special projects and programs with the Executive Management Team, internal divisions, committees, and other agencies; coordinates, prepares, and oversees the development and issuance of special reports, plans, and studies.