Do you have expertise in writing and communication skills and an interest in public health and risk communication? If so, we have an opportunity for you! The Department of Health is seeking a Deputy Communications Director/Public Information Officer to be responsible for supporting the Department's emergency preparedness and response structure, in coordination with the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response, to include informing, developing, and presenting key risk communications messages to the media, public, public health professionals, infectious disease specialists, emergency department personnel, and health care providers in preparedness for and response to bioterrorism, potential infectious disease outbreaks, public health threats, and emergencies. If you are an ambitious, confident, multimedia communications leader, this job may be for you! Apply today!
The employee in this position is assigned to the Office of Communications and is responsible for supporting the Department's emergency preparedness and response structure, in coordination with the Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response, to include informing, developing, and presenting key risk communications messages to the media, public, public health professionals, infectious disease specialists, emergency department personnel, and health care providers in preparedness for and response to bioterrorism, potential infectious disease outbreaks, public health threats, and emergencies. This position develops and maintains relevant risk communication plans within the Emergency Operations Plan in the event of any public health threat, emergency, or controversial issue that demands a public health response; as well as detailing policies and procedures for the coordination of communication in the PA Department of Health and among other state and local agencies. This position will work across state government, and with local government and private organizations to coordinate plans for emergency communications efforts. Will serve as the primary media contact for the Department's Bureau of Emergency Preparedness and Response and Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, answering all related media inquiries. This position will, or will support, preparing speeches, talking points, media events (news conferences), articles, reports, news releases, and educational materials for the department, including its website and social media presence.
As part of the incident response team, this position is responsible for communicating with the public, media, and/or coordinating with other agencies, as necessary, with incident related information requirements. The Public Information Officer/Deputy Communications Director 1 is responsible for developing and releasing information about the incident to the news media, incident personnel, and other appropriate agencies and organizations. Depending on the size or complexity of the incident, a lead Public Information Officer may be assigned for each incident and may have assistance, as necessary, including supporting public information officers representing other responding agencies or jurisdictions.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
Three years of experience in preparing public relations promotion through all media; and a bachelor's degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a related field; or
An equivalent combination of experience and training.
Additional Requirements:
How to Apply:
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.