Public Information Officer

Salary : $72,765.13 – $107,919.31 Annually

Location : 90 W Plato Blvd (Saint Paul), MN

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2023-00301

Department: 22C01-Countywide Communications/Admn

Opening Date: 10/19/2023

Closing Date: 11/1/2023 11:59 PM Central

Basic Function
The current vacancy is in the Communications and Public Relations Department. The eligibility list created by this vacancy may be used to hire other vacancies in the department or County.

We are hiring for a Public Information Officer (PIO/Communications manager) to create, implement and oversee communications programs that effectively promote the county’s service team. A key member of the Communications and Public Relations (CPR) department leadership team, the EGCI PIO (Communications Manager) manages a team of communications associates that provide strategic communications to each of the EGCI departments including: Community & Economic Development, Housing Stability, Library, Parks & Recreation, Property Management, Public Works, and Workforce Solutions.

The basic functions of this position are to plan, direct and coordinate public information activities including strategic and crisis communications; responsibility for developing an overall public information plan; to advise senior management on public information/public relations issues; to supervise and coordinate the activities of staff responsible for public information programming; and to perform related duties as assigned.

Flexible Workplace
This position is identified under the designation of ‘flex work eligible’, meaning that the employee can formally opt to be in-office full-time or work a flex schedule in which at least two-days per week are performed in office and other days can be performed in a remote-first environment. Regardless of selection, the position carries expectations regarding on-site responsibilities and will require schedule flexibility beyond the minimum expectations set forth in the county’s flexible workplace policy. To view Ramsey County’s Flexible Workplace policy, go to: Flexible Workplace policy.

If an internal candidate is selected, salary will be set in accordance with the personnel rules (i.e., promotion, transfer, or voluntary reduction).

To view or print a copy of the complete Ramsey County job (class) description for this position, go to: Once at this page, you can browse the alphabetical list or search for a job description.
Examples of Work Performed

1. Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
2. Assist in developing public information plans and strategies for increasing public awareness of services, activities and accomplishments; coordinate the gathering and analysis of demographic, market and other information necessary for formulating and evaluating the effectiveness of the overall public information plan; evaluate the results of public information activities and ensure that the public information plan addresses the needs and concerns of all the various constituencies and communities.
3. Oversee the development of the various public information activities such as electronic, print, audio and visual materials.
4. Oversee involvement in special events; public relations; presence on the internet and other electronic media; mass mailings, reports, signage and other informational and promotional documents; in order to ensure adherence to the organization’s protocol and standards, and to ensure that a unified, consistent message/identity is delivered.
5. Coordinate and oversee the organization’s presence on the internet and other electronic media.
6. Develop, produce and coordinate communication pieces for the public, employees and other audiences via several mediums including content for the web, newsletters, fact sheets, intranet, newspapers, media, and other communication vehicles.
7. Oversee and produce internal employee communications including e-newsletters and intranet content.
8. Serve as a contact and liaison with media/press representatives; coordinate with Communications leadership on requests from the press for official statements with respect to the county’s position on issues/incidents of public interest; develop contacts with media, community and business representatives to promote coverage of county issues, activities and accomplishments, and ensure involvement by various constituencies and communities.
9. Assist the Public Communications Director in identifying appropriate spokespeople (to include the Public Information Officer) and subject matter experts for interviews with the news media.
10. Ensure a unified, consistent message/theme concerning the crisis/emergency activities is delivered and adheres to protocol and standards.
11. Advise senior leadership in the establishment of policies, procedures, and protocol with respect to public relations.
12. Produce informational products by working with outside vendors to ensure quality, accuracy and tone, locating and hiring skilled translators as needed, preparing bids for printed projects, and arrange for the appropriate distribution of materials throughout the county, region or state to improve communication and education.
13. Develop presentations to brief elected officials and other county personnel about specific projects; make presentations to regional, state, or national audiences about communications issues.

(The work assigned to a position in this classification may not include all possible tasks in this work and does not limit the assignment of any additional tasks in this classification. Regular attendance according to the position’s management approved work schedule is required.)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in English, journalism, marketing, communications, education or a related field.

Experience: Five years experience in public relations, marketing or a related field.

Substitution: Masters Degree in English, journalism, marketing, communications, education or a related field, may substitute for up to two years of experience in public relations, marketing or a related field.

Associates Degree in English, journalism, marketing, communications, education or a related field and seven years of experience in public relations, marketing or a related field may substitute for the education required.

Nine years of experience in public relations, marketing or a related field may substitute for the education required.

Preferred: Two years experience in a public (governmental) setting.
Exam/Screening Process Information
The examination process will consist of the following section with each section weighted as indicated:

• Training and Experience Rating = 100%

The examination for Public Information Officer will consist of a training and experience rating, comprised of the questions in the attached supplemental questionnaire. Not all applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will pass the training and experience rating. The rating on this supplemental questionnaire will depend on your answers to the questions – do not mark “see resume” or “see work history” as a response. Please answer all your questions clearly and completely. Failure to respond could affect your score and final rank on this examination.

Eligible List: The names of all applicants who filed a properly completed application and passed the examination/screening process shall be placed on the eligible list for an employment opportunity as a Public Information Officer. This list will be certified to the appointing authority which may use this list to conduct interviews to fill a vacancy. Candidates will remain on the list for three months or until hired, whichever occurs first. A notice will be sent to applicants at the time the eligible list is posted, informing them that the list has been posted and their rank on the list.

Veteran’s Preference: This is a classified position requiring an open, competitive selection process. Veteran’s Preference points will be applied after a candidate passes the examination process. Applicants who are eligible for veteran’s preference should update their veteran’s DD214, and other supporting documents, and submit them as an attachment at the time of application.

Criminal Background Checks: All employment offers are conditioned upon the applicant passing a criminal background check. Convictions are not an automatic bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits and the type of work sought. However, making false statements or withholding information will cause you to be barred from employment, or removed from employment.

E-Verify Participation: Ramsey County participates in the federal E-Verify program. This means that Ramsey County will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Ramsey County is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact DHS and/or the SSA before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants and may not limit or influence the choice of documents you present for use on the Form I-9.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Ramsey County provides equal access to employment, programs, and services without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, sex (except when sex is a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification), disability, familial or marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, public assistance status, place of residence, political affiliation, or national origin. Ramsey County is deeply committed to advancing racial equity and promoting diversity and inclusion within all areas of our workforce.

To print a paper application for this posting click You will need to print this posting and answer the supplemental questions associated with this exam and submit them with your completed paper application.

For further information regarding this posting, please contact

Ramsey County provides a wide range of employee benefits to support health and well-being, and work/life balance. Benefits eligibility can vary depending on union status/contract language. To view our Total Rewards Guide click or see below:

• Medical and dental insurance.
  • Medical and dental insurance is available through HealthPartners for single or family coverage. The county covers 92.5% of single health insurance coverage, 76.8% of family health insurance coverage, and 50% of both single and family dental insurance coverage.
  • The Healthy Benefits program is available to help lower office visit copays for employees and dependents each year.
  • A health care savings plan and health flexible spending accounts are also available to maximize tax savings on health expenses.
• Paid time off.
  • Vacation hours, accrued based on years of service, ranging from 12 to 25 days per year (pro-rated for part-time employees).
  • 11 scheduled holidays and one floating holiday.
  • Up to three weeks of 100% paid parental leave, plus additional use of sick time as noted below.
  • Sick hours accrued at a rate of three weeks per year, which can be used for medical and dental care; injury or illness for you, your spouse or children; the birth or adoption of a child (up to 80 hours) or the death of a family member (up to 40 hours).
  • Wellness incentive allowing you to convert unused sick time to vacation or pay.
• Retirement benefits.
  • Pension – The county contributes at least 7.5% of your salary to your pension, depending on bargaining unit. Unlike other retirement investments, pension payments are a lifetime benefit once you start collecting payments.
  • New employees become vested after five years. For the Police and Fire union, employees are vested after 10 years.
  • Deferred compensation – 457(b) account with employer match.
• Transit and parking.
  • Metropass program for a discounted monthly bus pass for commuters, saving employees $34.50 per month.
  • Flexible spending accounts for parking/transportation expenses.
• Employee well-being.
  • Employee assistance program, including telephone counseling, financial counseling, rideshare benefits, etc.
  • Wellness programming.
  • Flexible spending account for dependent care.
  • Flexible work policy with hybrid work options for eligible positions.
• Career development.
  • Tuition reimbursement, up to $4,000 per year.
  • Professional development opportunities through the Learning & Development Center.
  • County employment qualifies as a public service organization for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
  • Employee resource groups – help employees build connections through common bonds with colleagues.
• Disability leave.
  • Long-term disability – Coverage replaces 40% of your lost income after six months of disability.
  • Short-term disability – Optional short-term disability coverage provides 60% income replacement.

For general information about Ramsey County’s benefits packages, please visit our website at:

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening process. The supplemental questionnaire will be used as a scored evaluation of your knowledge, skills and experience. Provide complete information for each question. Do not write “see resume” as it is not an acceptable answer. The experiences you indicate in your responses will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Select “yes” if you have read and understand.

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have or have you ever held a professional license?

• Yes
• No

03

If you answered “Yes” to the previous question, please list the type of license(s) and the State or jurisdiction the license is or was held; also indicate the status of your license(s). If this does not apply to you, please write “N/A” in the space provided.

04

Have you completed or currently participating in any of the following Public Sector Partnership Programs at Ramsey County? Examples may include a program in partnership with HIRED, Project for Pride in Living (PPL), Ramsey County Workforce Solutions, or an internship (including Right Track Plus), fellowship, limited duration assignment, provisional assignment, temporary opportunity or participating in a work experience like the Young Adult Career Academy, or job shadow experience. Answer No, if none of the above.

• Yes
• No

05

Select the option that best describes your highest level of education completed.

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associates Degree in English, journalism, marketing, communications, education or a related field.
• Bachelor’s Degree in English, journalism, marketing, communications, education or a related field.
• Masters Degree or higher in English, journalism, marketing, communications, education or a related field.

06

If you indicated in the previous question that you have a degree, please list when and where you obtained your completed degree(s). Include the name of the institution and the name of the degree area.If this does not apply to you, write “N/A” in the space below. Do not write “See Resume” or “See Application”.

07

Which option best describe your years of experience in public relations, marketing or a related field.?

• At least five years or experience.
• I have seven years of experience.
• I have nine years of experience.
• None of the above.

08

Please describe the experience indicated in the previous question.Include the name of the organization where this experience was obtained, the position title (if applicable), and the duties that you were responsible for and whether it was a full-time or part-time position.If you do not have this experience, please write “N/A” in the space below. Do not write “See Resume” or “See Application”.

09

Describe your experience in a supervisor position, performing such tasks as assigning work, providing work direction, monitoring performance, completing performance evaluations, setting goals, and coaching staff. Include in your answer the name of the employer you worked for; your job title; your dates of employment (mo/yr to mo/yr). Do not write “see resume” or “see application.”

10

Describe your experience developing and implementing strategic communications campaigns. Include in your answer an example of a specific campaign you developed including the goals, the outcomes, your role and the name of the employer you worked for during the campaign. Do not write “see resume” or “see application.”

11

Describe your experience building relationships and partnering with external organizations/agencies around communications programs. Do not write “see resume” or “see application.”

12

Describe your experience leading and/or working on communications projects with cross-functional teams. Do not write “see resume” or “see application.”

13

The work performed by this position requires developing communications solutions that serve all Ramsey County residents. The most frequently spoken home languages in Ramsey County are English, Hmong, Spanish and Somali. What is your experience in developing communications for a diverse audience? Describe past work, volunteer or life experiences that you believe have made you culturally sensitive to persons of diverse populations (ethnic, religious, economic, etc.). Do not write “see resume” or “see application.”

Required Question