Public Information Officer

Buckeye Hills Regional Council is a council of governments dedicated to improving the lives of residents in southeast Ohio. By working collaboratively with elected officials across Athens, Hocking, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, Perry, and Washington counties, we grow strong communities through our four divisions: Aging & Population Health, Community Development, Planning, and Home Care.

Buckeye Hills Regional Council is currently seeking a full-time Program Manager – Public Information Officer (PIO) . This exempt position serves as the agency’s official voice for formal public communications and media relations. The PIO is responsible for drafting crisis communications, messaging for sensitive topics, and communications-related compliance and best practices.

The essential duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· Public notices and official postings: Draft, coordinate, and distribute meeting notices and other public notices (e.g., hearings, opportunities for comment, service changes, and official postings) in accordance with applicable law, funding requirements, and agency policy.

· Timelines and documentation: Ensure required timelines, distribution channels, and documentation are maintained (e.g., proof of posting/publication when applicable).

· Records and archiving: Maintain an organized archive of final notices and related publication/communication records consistent with agency practices and records retention requirements.

· Procurement and public-facing content: Maintain and provide approved agency language (mission, service area, disclaimers) for RFQs/RFPs and related documents; edit public-facing sections for clarity, consistency, and plain-language readability.

· External communications: Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, program announcements, fact sheets, issue briefs, and partner-facing communications as needed, with appropriate review/approval.

· Messaging resources: Develop and maintain approved messaging tools (e.g., talking points, FAQs, standard program descriptions) to support consistent communications across departments.

· Media relations: Serve as a designated media contact; respond to media inquiries and deadlines in coordination with leadership, and route sensitive issues appropriately.

· Interview coordination: Coordinate interview requests, including intake, scheduling, spokesperson preparation, and briefing materials.

· Statements and briefing materials: Draft official statements, approved quotes, and briefing memos; prepare Q&A and talking points for leadership and subject-matter experts.

· Media lists and outreach: Maintain media contact lists and support press opportunities and outreach as appropriate.

· Crisis communications: Support and/or lead internal and external communications during emergencies, service disruptions, incidents, or sensitive situations consistent with the agency’s incident response protocols.

· Crisis planning: Maintain crisis communications plans, templates, and rapid-response workflows; conduct periodic updates and readiness checks.

· Internal alignment: Coordinate cross-department communication alignment to promote consistent, accurate public information.

· Government relations support: Prepare partner-ready issue summaries and briefing materials for meetings with federal, state, and local officials as directed by leadership.

· Committees and policy support: Support communications for executive-level committees and policy/government relations meetings as needed.

· Compliance: Help ensure public communications and postings meet government expectations, including accessibility, official posting practices, and archiving/retention requirements.

· Other duties: Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills Required:

· Strong communication, public relations and documentation skills

· In-depth understanding of regulatory frameworks for public programs

· Ability to analyze complex regulations and implement practical solutions

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

· Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism

· Capacity to work effectively with the public and state/community leaders

Education/Experience Required:

· Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, or related field

· Minimum of three (3) years’ experience

OR

· A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered

Additional Requirements

· Certificates/Licenses: Valid driver’s license due to travel required.

· Screening: Fingerprinting, background check, and pre-employment drug screen required.

Starting salary range: $60,357 - $74,466

We offer an excellent benefits package including but not limited to:

· Health, vision, dental, and life insurance

· 35-hour workweek

· Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate

· Generous paid sick, personal, and annual leave

· Participation in the Ohio Public Employee Retirement System (OPERS)

· Optional Deferred Compensation plans

Please email a resume, references, and Buckeye Hills Regional Council application to Angie Lawrence at [email protected] no later than April 3, 2026 . Employment applications can be found on the Buckeye Hills Regional Council Careers Page: buckeyehills.org/careers.

Angie Lawrence
Buckeye Hills Regional Council
1400 Pike Street
Marietta, OH 45750

Buckeye Hills Regional Council is an equal opportunity employer.

Pay: $60,357.00 - $74,466.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person