Public Information Director

Full Job Description

Application Deadline: Sunday, April 5, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. P.T.
Accepting Online Applications Only through the City of Eugene Website

Information on How to Apply

Classification: Public Information Director
Salary Range: $44.83 - $60.52 Hourly / $93,246.40 - $125,881.60 Annually
The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).
Department/Division: Eugene Police Department / Office of the Chief
Union Representation: Non-Represented, Exempt
Work Location: 300 Country Club Road. Eugene, OR 97401
Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Full time with flexibility per business need to occasionally work outside of normal working hours and responding to after-hours emergencies.
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits.
Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see “Supplemental Information” at the end of the posting for more information.

Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.

Requirements

• Develop, plan, direct, and monitor communications strategies, trends, and emerging issues to optimize the department’s public communications program and support key City and department goals.
• Serve as primary communication advisor to the chief of police, department leaders, and City officials.
• Develop and implement internal/external communications, community relations, and marketing plans aligned with Eugene Police and City priorities and goals.
• Direct, manage, and oversee implementation of public information activities for the department.

• Direct, manage, and oversee all public information activities and media relations for the department.
• Respond to and lead communications response for critical incidents and high profile events.
• Prepare and disseminate information on complex, sensitive, and high impact topics and incidents; oversee day to day media coordination, and general news production.
• Provide regular media training and coaching for department personnel.
• Give counsel and prepare news strategies and key messaging on complex and emotional topics.
• Serve as an information and reference resource to the public; prepare and deliver presentations to community groups; write speeches for department managers; write and edit articles for publication.

• Develop policies and procedures related to public information, social media, and the release of information
• Follow release of information protocols in conformance with public records law and investigative goals.
• Provide compliance-related guidance and advice to department managers for complex situations.

• Oversee digital communication/social media strategies to enhance public education, trust, and transparency and provide information to the public.
• Manage the department’s social media and website presence to provide timely, accurate, and engaging content.
• Provide regular media training for department members.

• Select, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff; assign work, ensure appropriate training, and manage performance.
• Address personnel matters, investigate complaints, and recommend or administer disciplinary actions.
• Participate in City committees and task teams representing the department.
• Ensure implementation of and adherence to the City’s affirmative action, accessibility, and diversity work; support division-wide diversity initiatives and staff development.

Qualifications

Background

Must pass a police background investigation.

License

Valid Oregon driver’s license (or, the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard.

Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public relations, communications, media relations, social media, and advertising/marketing.
• Well-versed in all aspects and forms of social media.
• Effective public speaking and media relations techniques and strategies. General public safety functions, operations, and organizational structure.
• Ability to learn and follow pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations, and public records law and the release of information.
• Communications issues management and crisis communications protocols and techniques.
• Joint Information Center and Joint Information System response protocols
• Group facilitation methods and techniques.

Ability to:

• Create content for diverse audiences, platforms, and communications channels.
• Develop, plan, and implement a comprehensive public information and public relations program.
• Research, organize, and edit material for internal and external use.
• Exercise sound judgement and safety in sensitive, high pressure, or hazardous situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with tact.
• Coordinate production of informational material in various media forms.
• Respond to and manage an Incident Command System public information section
• Communicate clearly and concisely with news media, public, and staff.
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Exercise good judgment when advising managers on sensitive issues.

Additional Information

Bilingual Pay Benefit

This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City’s Employee Resource Center division.

Non-Represented Retirement Program

Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS).

In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.

From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296.

If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.

What to Expect from our Selection ProcessApplicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training.

The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required.

Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment.

Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations.

PLEASE NOTE: Once the posting closes, the process can take 8-10 weeks to complete.Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment.

We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce.

Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply. The City of Eugene complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at (541) 682-5061.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.

NOTE: The City of Eugene does not participate in the E-Verify program; therefore, candidates requiring E-Verify for employment authorization will not be eligible for employment with the City.