Job description

The NC Emergency Management (NCEM) Chief of Public Information and External Affairs position develops and administers broad and complex communications and public affairs programs internally and externally with an emphasis on how NCEM efforts fit into the overall NC Department of Public Safety’s mission and goals. This position develops close working relationships with division management and staff in the field as well as county, state, federal and private sector partners and participates in developing public affairs goals, strategies and objectives.

Job responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Providing technical advice to NCEM leadership and staff on complex public relations issues
• Developing and organizing how to best disseminate public safety messages on technical platforms
• Updating and maintaining NCEM's content on the Department of Public Safety's technical platforms, including the Department's public website
• Developing, implementing, and monitoring social media, including following current trends
• Providing online customer service to ensure a positive online presence and reputation for the NC Emergency Management division
• Coordinating with NCEM's leadership and the Department of Public Safety's Communications Office and the Deputy Director for Public Affairs on all activities connected to the website, social media, and with creating public relations campaigns
• Researching, writing, and disseminating articles, speeches, brochures, news releases, and other materials as required
• Serving as spokesperson to the news media
• Acting as liaison and advisor to division leadership and staff on Commuinications topics

North Carolina Emergency Management is a division of the NC Department of Public Safety and works side-by-side with local communities to prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate damage from disasters across the state. The Division of Emergency Management deploys state resources when needed and coordinates with neighboring states and the federal government to augment staffing and resources as appropriate. They are prepared to respond to any crisis with search and rescue teams, emergency response teams, and many other resources at their disposal.

The Chief of Public Information & External Affairs position requires the ability to:

• Work with Communications Office staff in the preparation of written communications and materials for the public and for media contacts
• Exercise sound judgment in appraising and analyzing situations to make reasonable and sound decisions
• Establish and maintain working relationships with the general public and representatives of the communications media
• Write using correct English and accepted standards for media and press publications
• Operate multiple computer programs in areas of word processing, desktop publishing, graphic design, and website creation and editing
• Work under high-pressure deadlines
• Conduct research and generate accurately written materials for publications
• Utilize knowledge of division and departmental policies and operations
• Gather information from subject matter experts or other individuals and translate information into clearly written, understandable language

This position qualifies for teleworking on a part-time basis as part of a State Telework Pilot Program. More information on this arrangement may be obtained at the time of interview. Any telework will be under the conditions of the State Teleworking Program Policy and the employer may end any teleworking arrangement at any time at the employer’s sole discretion.

This is a full-time position (40 hours per week) with State Benefits. This position's typical work schedule is Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm.

Note to Current State Employees:
The salary grade for this position is NC16. State employees are encouraged to apply for positions of interest even if the salary grade is the same as, or lower than, their current position. If selected for this position, a new salary will be recalculated taking into consideration the quantity of relevant education and experience, funding availability, and internal equity. Based upon these factors, a pay increase MAY result.

About the NC Department of Public Safety Communications Office:
The Department of Public Safety Communications Office ensures the people of North Carolina are informed and knowledgeable about programs, events and conditions affecting their safety and wellbeing. The Office of Communications is responsible for the development, coordination and implementation of communications strategies and initiatives that advance the Department’s mission and support internal and external stakeholders’ awareness and understanding of the Department’s policies and functions. Included in these responsibilities are the management of crisis communications, data and records requests and state/national and international media inquiries. Staff works to provide timely and accurate information to news media and to share essential life safety and property protection information during disasters. Members of the Communications Office respond to media inquiries, write speeches and news releases, produce educational materials and post information on various social media platforms. The Office also strives to educate the public about the many services provided and exceptional work done by employees by publicizing accomplishments; profiling programs; and providing traditional and social media outreach. As The Department of Public Safety is a large agency, daily attention on the Department is immense. That attention may come from the media, a legislator, a family member, or a North Carolina resident. Many of these issues are brought to the attention of the Communications Office, and the issues may overlap to reach multiple internal and external stakeholders. Additionally, one role of the Communications Office is to help ensure consistent and accurate messaging throughout the Department, and that all divisions / sections involved are communicating and responding appropriately. The Office may also, at times, be considered an ombudsman for managers bringing attention to issues, policy violations and general ethical or perception concerns.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Competencies

The Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed below, along with the Minimum Education and Experience requirements, are REQUIRED to qualify for this position. We will not review resumes in lieu of Experience and Education listed on the application. Click these links for additional information: Introduction to the Job Application* and *Addressing Knowledge, Skills and Abilities. (Note: These links were created for applicants of Dept. of Public Safety jobs and may not reflect the policies or procedures of other State agencies.)
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To qualify for this position, applicants must document on the application that they possess ALL* of the following: *
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• Knowledge of the methods of planning and conducting a large-scale public relations program
• Knowledge of all technical processes involved in video or film production, and printed media or digital media production
• Knowledge of the journalistic principles and techniques for disseminating information to the public through a variety of media types

Management Preferences:

• Experience working in local, state, or federal government
• Experience working as a public information officer or manager in a law enforcement agency, emergency management department, or correctional or sheriff's office
• Experience with crisis communications
• Experience working in a joint information center during an emergency activation
• Knowledge of the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
• Experience providing messaging and public affairs expertise regarding radiological preparedness planning, training, and exercise guidance
• Experience drafting social media posts for emergency response events, emergency preparedness activities, and/or news stories
• Experience creating and using video to convey important safety messages to the public

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media, journalism, English, or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work;
or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $52,875.00 - $92,531.00 per year

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