SB County Public Information Officer

San Bernardino, CA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 145662 - 206523

Posted on: 11 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

The Job

APPLICATIONS/RESUMES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED.

APPLY BY MARCH 6 2026 FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

Earn a base Annual Salary up to $206523 Commensurate with Experience!

San Bernardino County is seeking a highly skilled and politically astutePublic Information Officer (PIO) to lead public information and media relations for the County Administrative Office (CAO). Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer this position oversees the Public Information Office and serves as a primary spokesperson for the County supporting the Executive Office and Board of Supervisors on complex high-profile and often sensitive matters.

This is a senior professional position requiring exceptional judgment discretion and executive presence. The incumbent will operate in a fast-paced high-visibility executive environment involving elected officials department executives media representatives and community stakeholders often under tight deadlines and public scrutiny which requires flexibility discretion and responsiveness.

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact and spokesperson for media inquiries related to County Administrative Office and Board matters
Provide strategic communications counsel to executive leadership and elected officials
Lead and manage the Public Information Office including oversight of staff engaged in public relations communications and information dissemination
Respond to and coordinate requests pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) related to County Administrative Office and Executive Office communications working closely with County Counsel and County departments to ensure timely accurate and legally compliant disclosures.
Develop and implement strategic communications plans aligned with County priorities and policy direction
Manage media relations including press releases briefings interviews and crisis communications
Write and review speeches talking points and official communications for government officials
Navigate politically sensitive issues with sound risk assessment and message discipline
Represent the County with professionalism credibility and composure in high-pressure situations

*Official Job Title:Public Information Officer

For more detailed information refer to thePublic Information Officerjob description.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

To review job-specific benefits refer to:

Summary ofBenefits

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The County also offers an alternativeModified Benefits Option(MBO)that provides a wage differential.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-employment Process: Applicants must pass a background investigation which includes fingerprinting physical examination and credit check prior to appointment.

Travel:A valid California Class C Driver License is required to carry out the essential job-related functions of this position. Mileage reimbursement and proof of automobile liability insurance must be maintained.

Sponsorship: San Bernardino County is not able to consider candidates who will require visa sponsorship at the time of application or in the future.

Work Schedule: Evening weekend or on-call availability may be required during emergencies critical incidents or time-sensitive matters.

At-WillStatus:The Public Information Officer is an unclassified position; it is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the County Chief Executive Officer or their designee. The position reports to the Chief Communications Officer.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION:Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in English Journalism Business or Public Administration Marketing Public Relations Mass Communications or Television/Broadcast Production.

-AND-

EXPERIENCE: Five (5) years of full-time equivalent experience performing media relations and public information dissemination for a public sector agency large organization or a news media outlet. Qualifying experience must include one or more of the following:

Media and Public Information Dissemination: Experience preparing writing and editing official communications such as press releases news stories newsletters and informational materials intended for public and media outlets
Media Relations and Spokesperson Support: Experience responding to media inquiries coordinating interviews or press briefings and serving as or supporting an organizational spokesperson
Crisis and Sensitive Issue Communications: Experience supporting or managing communications related to emergencies critical incidents litigation-sensitive matters or controversial public issues
Executive and Interdepartmental Coordination: Experience working directly with executive leadership legal counsel or multiple departments to develop accurate timely and approved public messaging

NOTE:Qualifying degrees or coursework must be completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education. Degrees or coursework completed outside the U.S. must be accompanied with an evaluation report from a reputable credential evaluation service showing equivalency to degrees or coursework completed at a college or university accredited by any accrediting association recognized by the United States Department of Education.(Must be attached if applicable.)For education evaluation services refer toNaces.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

A Bachelors degree or higher in English Journalism Business or Public Administration Marketing Public Relations Mass Communications or Television/Broadcast Production from an accredited college or university
Professional experience managing or supporting crisis communication efforts
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality press releases and official communications quickly and under extreme deadlines
Experience working in breaking news situations involving sensitive and/or controversial media subjects
A demonstrated understanding of news media operations including editorial decision-making and newsroom workflows

Selection Process

Interested candidates must submit:

Compelling cover letter;
Comprehensive resume;
Three (3) professional references.

Electronic version of all submittals is requiredto be sent to:or candidates may complete the online application and upload the required documents.

Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. This is a confidential process and will be handled accordingly throughout all stages of the recruitment process.

Questions should be addressed to:Aisha Weaver HR Analyst III (Employment Manager) at

APPLICATIONS/RESUMES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL POSTION IS FILLED.

APPLY BY MARCH 6 2026 FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

If you require technical assistance please click HERE to review the Government Jobs online application guide or contact their Toll-Free Applicant Support line at . Please note that Human Resources is not responsible for any issues or delays caused by the internet connection computer or browser used to submit the application.

EEO/ADA:San Bernardino County is anEqual Employment Opportunity (EEO)and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants.

ADA Accommodation:If you have a disability and require accommodations in the testing process submit theSpecial Testing Accommodations Request Formwithin one week of a recruitment filing deadline.

Veterans Preference:Eligible veterans and their spouses or widows/widowers who are not current County employees may receive additional Veterans Preference points. For details and instructions on how to request these points please refer to theVeterans Preference Policy.

For more important details review the Applicant Information and County Employment Process guide.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority

The JobAPPLICATIONS/RESUMES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED.APPLY BY MARCH 6 2026 FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATIONEarn a base Annual Salary up to $206523 Commensurate with Experience!San Bernardino County is seeking a highly skilled and politically astutePublic Information Officer (PIO) to lead ...

The Job

APPLICATIONS/RESUMES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL POSITION IS FILLED.

APPLY BY MARCH 6 2026 FOR PRIORITY CONSIDERATION

Earn a base Annual Salary up to $206523 Commensurate with Experience!

Key Responsibilities

Serve as a primary point of contact and spokesperson for media inquiries related to County Administrative Office and Board matters
Provide strategic communications counsel to executive leadership and elected officials
Lead and manage the Public Information Office including oversight of staff engaged in public relations communications and information dissemination
Respond to and coordinate requests pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA) related to County Administrative Office and Executive Office communications working closely with County Counsel and County departments to ensure timely accurate and legally compliant disclosures.
Develop and implement strategic communications plans aligned with County priorities and policy direction
Manage media relations including press releases briefings interviews and crisis communications
Write and review speeches talking points and official communications for government officials
Navigate politically sensitive issues with sound risk assessment and message discipline
Represent the County with professionalism credibility and composure in high-pressure situations

*Official Job Title:Public Information Officer

For more detailed information refer to thePublic Information Officerjob description.

EXCELLENT BENEFITS

To review job-specific benefits refer to:

Summary ofBenefits

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

The County also offers an alternativeModified Benefits Option(MBO)that provides a wage differential.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Pre-employment Process: Applicants must pass a background investigation which includes fingerprinting physical examination and credit check prior to appointment.

Minimum Requirements

-AND-

Media and Public Information Dissemination: Experience preparing writing and editing official communications such as press releases news stories newsletters and informational materials intended for public and media outlets
Media Relations and Spokesperson Support: Experience responding to media inquiries coordinating interviews or press briefings and serving as or supporting an organizational spokesperson
Crisis and Sensitive Issue Communications: Experience supporting or managing communications related to emergencies critical incidents litigation-sensitive matters or controversial public issues
Executive and Interdepartmental Coordination: Experience working directly with executive leadership legal counsel or multiple departments to develop accurate timely and approved public messaging

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

A Bachelors degree or higher in English Journalism Business or Public Administration Marketing Public Relations Mass Communications or Television/Broadcast Production from an accredited college or university
Professional experience managing or supporting crisis communication efforts
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Demonstrated ability to develop high-quality press releases and official communications quickly and under extreme deadlines
Experience working in breaking news situations involving sensitive and/or controversial media subjects
A demonstrated understanding of news media operations including editorial decision-making and newsroom workflows

Selection Process