Temporary Public Information Specialist

Full Job Description

The County of Riverside’s Human Resources Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) is seeking a Temporary Public Information Specialist to support the Animal Services Department in the Coachella Valley. This position will plan, coordinate, and execute social media activity using emerging trends; create and publish multimedia content across digital platforms; and develop clear, engaging messaging for diverse audiences. The role will inform the public about the organization’s services and activities, implement specialized public information and education programs aligned with government mandates and organizational goals, and support crisis communication needs. The position will also serve as a spokesperson for media inquiries and community events, use storytelling to increase adoptions and community engagement, and collaborate on innovative communication strategies. Additional responsibilities include problem-solving with minimal oversight, learning new skills, taking ownership of emerging projects, and performing other related duties as required.

Schedule: Tuesday - Hours: 5/40: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-5pm (Must be available for after-hours events)

Location: Coachella Valley (Thousand Palms)

Meet the team:

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has a vision for promoting an environment of responsible pet ownership through progressive animal welfare initiatives, community outreach, and humane education in a culture of compassion, creativity, and integrity.

The Department of Animal Services believes the character of their organization is best reflected in the strong dedication of each one of their employees who strive to meet the highest standards of performance and compassion on behalf of the animals and people that they serve.

The Department of Animal Services operates four shelters located in Blythe, Jurupa Valley, San Jacinto and Thousand Palms.

About TAP
The Temporary Assignment Program (TAP) recruits and hires temporary employees for all County departments. TAP assignments are a great way to learn about working for the County while working on a temporary, at-will basis.

Click here to learn more about TAP:https://rc-hr.com/temporary-medical-assignment-program-tapmap

TAP Benefits: https://rc-hr.com/files/users/user81/2024%20TAP%20Flyer.pdf(Download PDF reader)(Download PDF reader)

Benefits of Working for the County of Riverside

Requirements

• Establishes and maintains regular contacts with the press, community groups, and government officials to meet the organization's public information, awareness, and education needs.

• Develops and determines effectiveness of distribution and outreach media plan; makes recommendations for modifications as required.

• Writes feature articles and press releases on organization's activities, services, programs, and functions; prepares pamphlets and brochures.

• Coordinates release distribution to the media; organizes and arranges public information campaigns and press conferences.

• Plans, coordinates, and implements specialized public information and education programs pursuant to government regulations; determines program goals.

• Locates and utilizes existing resources available for special public information programs; writes Requests for Proposals to secure funding for specialized public information and education programs.

• Assists in preparing the program's budget; monitors program expenditures; initiates and answers correspondence related to public inquiries and citizens' problems and complaints.

• Performs public speaking activities; writes scripts, slide shows, and other presentations; coordinates activities with audio visual specialists, graphic artists, or other related staff.

• Provides writing support to the organization; coordinates and edits the organization's newsletter; may monitor the work of consultants; may supervise volunteer staff.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college with a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Public Relations, Public/Business Administration, or a closely related field. (Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the education on the basis of one year of full-time experience equaling 30 semester or 45 quarter units of education.)

Experience: Two years of full-time experience developing and writing printed materials and/or press releases for use in print and electronic media; or in public or community relations which included the dissemination of information to internal and/or external audiences through various communications media.

Knowledge of: Methods of planning, coordinating, and implementing an effective public information program; methods and techniques used in planning press conferences; techniques in developing and producing audio-visual presentations; styles and techniques in speech writing.

Ability to: Complete assignments within strict time constraints; evaluate and apply government regulations to program planning; maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; establish and maintain effective working relations with staff, public, and representatives from outside agencies; coordinate public information and education programs with other jurisdictions; coordinate the activities of audio-visual specialists, graphic artists, or other specialists in preparing public information medium; recognize problems and develop effective solutions; act independently in converting complex technical information into a meaningful and applicable format for the targeted audience.

Additional Information

Contact Daniel Kimbrough at 951-955-1695 or at dkimbrough@rivco.org.

For General inquiries, please allow up to two business days to receive a response.

Based on the number of applications received this posting may close early with or without notice.