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Public Information Officer, Senior

Posting Begin Date: 2025/09/19

Posting End Date: 2025/10/05

Category: Communications

Sub Category: Natural Resources

Work Type: Full Time

Minimum Salary: 38.50

Maximum Salary: 38.50

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Description

NOTE: This is a non-classified position and exempt from classified state service, the Idaho Personnel Commission, and the rules of the Division of Human Resources

All applicants must apply by 4:59 PM MST on the closing date.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is seeking a Public Information Officer, Senior, to join our executive management team.

This position leads the agency’s communications, marketing, and advertising efforts with the goal of increasing visitation, building awareness, and driving registration of outdoor recreational vehicles such as OHVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, and RVs. Revenue generated from these efforts directly supports the protection and enhancement of Idaho’s parks, trails, and waterways.

As the communications leader for the agency, you will play a pivotal role in advancing organizational goals by planning, directing, and implementing comprehensive strategies that reach both internal and external audiences. The work ranges from managing social media campaigns and developing website content to producing newsletters, publications, and brand collateral. You will also represent the agency at key events and conferences while fostering strong relationships with media partners, stakeholders, and the public.

This position is situated at our Headquarters Office in Boise, located just steps from the Boise River Greenbelt. Work is performed in an office setting with continuous computer use, supplemented by occasional in-state travel using agency vehicles and periodic out-of-state travel to attend conferences.

To learn more about the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, please visit https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/ .

EXAMPLES OF DUTIESThese are not exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned.

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

+ Establishes and maintains statewide communication and public information standards, goals, operational plans, and customer service.

+ Develops and implements policies, procedures, and marketing/communications plans to support strategic communication and public engagement.

+ Prepares, manages, and tracks the communications program budget.

+ Monitors program performance and cost-effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed.

+ Develops timetables, assigns responsibilities, and ensures accessibility of communication materials.

+ Assesses public perception of department policies, initiatives, and operations to improve communications.

+ Hires, supervises, and evaluates communications staff, ensuring alignment with agency priorities.

+ Coordinates with the Director and executive team on strategy, legislative messaging, Board communications, and public engagement.

+ Supports agency-wide initiatives with consistent messaging and public-facing materials.

+ Creates and maintains an editorial calendar aligned with agency goals.

+ Identifies industry and market trends to guide communications and marketing strategies.

+ Assists with concessionaire recruitment and related promotional efforts.

+ Oversees promotions and advertising (TV, radio, print, signage, research, digital media, point-of-sale, and branding) in collaboration with the Director.

+ Manages product and brand advertising, including visitor center product inventory with Park Managers and fiscal staff.

+ Coordinates with designers, photographers, and vendors to produce high-quality communications.

+ Works closely with the Interpretation Team to develop and distribute accurate information and medial content to promote educational programs outreach events, and messaging to engage customers.

+ Ensures interpretive content aligns with agency goals and accurately reflects natural, cultural, and historic resources.

+ Review and approve interpretive plans, signage, brochures, and digital content.

+ Participate in scheduled Interpretation Team meetings.

+ Oversee the Interpretive Team annual budget

+ Performs other duties as assigned.

PUBLIC INFORMATION & MEDIA RELATIONS

+ Serves as the official spokesperson for the agency at the Director’s discretion.

+ Manages media inquiries and public records requests in accordance with Idaho law.

+ Prepares and distributes news releases, media statements, public notices, talking points, and digital content.

+ Coordinates press conferences, interviews, podcasts, and other public events.

+ Leads communication during emergencies (e.g., weather events, closures, safety incidents) and focuses on customer service both internally and externally.

+ Reviews and edits department publications, newsletters, brochures, and social media content for accuracy and compliance.

+ Produces video, print, and digital media communications.

+ Develops and oversees agency-wide advertising, outreach, and marketing campaigns to increase visitation, education, and participation.

+ Provides media and communications training to staff, including public speaking and stakeholder engagement.

STRATEGIC & STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS

+ Directs high-profile communications campaigns (e.g., America 250, Foster Families in the Parks, facility openings), including event planning and follow-up outreach.

+ Provides communication support for legislative forums, interpretive programs, and statewide initiatives.

+ Prepares and manages Board reports, legislative communications, and executive presentations.

+ Collaborates with federal, state, and local partners, stakeholders, and public-private partners to support agency goals.

+ Oversees public hearings and ensures compliance with open meeting and notice requirements.

+ Monitors legislative activity affecting IDPR and advises leadership on communications responses.

+ Develops internal and external communications strategies that strengthen employee engagement, morale and customer service.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This job is performed in an office environment, continuous use of a computer, with occasional use of agency vehicles, including periodic in-state travel. Occasional out-of-state travel attend various conferences.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

+ Considerable knowledge of news media organization, structure and ethics, journalistic techniques, terminology, and media writing standards. Typically gained by the successful completion of a bachelor's or master’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a closely related field; AND at least two years of full-time professional experience working in media relations, journalism, or as a spokesperson. This includes demonstrated understanding of ethical journalism practices, media protocols, organizational structure of news agencies, and practical experience writing press releases, speeches, or other media-facing materials. OR four years of progressive experience in public communications where these skills were routinely applied.

+ Good knowledge of audiovisual production, media layout, and content editing practices. Typically gained by the successful completion of one college-level course or workshop in media production, photography, or design; AND at least six months of work experience creating, editing, or publishing professional content across print or digital platforms, including proofreading and ensuring compliance with organizational standards.

+ Good knowledge of the legislative process. Typically gained by at least one year of experience supporting legislative affairs, preparing briefings, tracking legislative activity, or advising leadership on legislative communications.

+ Good knowledge of supervisory practices. Typically gained by successful completion of a college-level or agency-sponsored supervision course; AND at least one year of experience supervising or leading staff, interns, or contractors in a communications setting.

+ Experience developing public information policies and strategic communication frameworks in accordance with applicable laws. Typically gained by at least one year of experience of responding to or developing formal public information, strategic communication plans, messaging protocols, or related organizational and legal frameworks.

+ Experience advising management on public impact of policy and managing major public information projects. Typically gained by at least one year of experience providing communication guidance to senior leaders on the public implications of policy or organizational changes; AND leading high-impact public information projects involving multiple stakeholders, deliverables, and media or legislative exposure (e.g., crisis communications, campaigns, or public engagement initiatives).

+ Experience writing news releases and speeches, conducting journalistic research, and speaking publicly on behalf of an organization. Typically gained by at least one year of experience drafting media content such as news releases, speeches, and talking points; AND conducting journalistic research to prepare factual content for public or media consumption; AND at least six months of experience speaking in public settings, such as media interviews, press briefings, or stakeholder events.

DO WHAT YOU LOVE, LOVE WHAT YOU DO

WHY IDPR? We are innovators in outdoor recreation, committed to excellent service and resource stewardship. We foster experiences that renew the human spirit and promote community vitality. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in Idaho through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship. IDPR manages 30 state parks, trails and attractions throughout every region of Idaho and the registration programs for boats, snowmobiles and other off-highway vehicles (OHV). Money from these registration programs goes back to users to develop and maintain trails, facilities and programs. IDPR also provides free education courses for boaters and OHV operators. To learn more about Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation please visit : https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/

BENEFITS: We offer a competitive benefits package which includes excellent medical, dental and vision insurance. There is generous vacation and sick leave accrual that begins as soon as you start. There are eleven paid holidays in a year; participation in one of the nation's best state retirement systems; multiple saving plans and optional 401K; life insurance; wellness programs; ongoing training opportunities and more. For additional information related to benefits and/or State programs, please visit: https://dhr.idaho.gov/information-for-state-employees/.

EEO/ADA/Veteran: The State of Idaho is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, political affiliation or belief, sex, national origin, genetics, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email[email protected].

Preference may be given to veterans who qualify under state and federal laws and regulations.