Salary: $76,704.00 - $126,423.00 Annually
Location : 107 N Kent. St., Winchester, VA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 00747
Department: COUNTY COMMUNICATIONS
Opening Date: 08/10/2026

Description

We are looking for a strategic Public Information Officer to develop, implement, and evaluate public information, media relations, and digital communications strategies that support County operations and strategic priorities. This role serves as a trusted advisor to County leadership on communications matters, planning and coordinating initiatives that inform and engage the public. The ideal candidate exercises sound judgment, political awareness, and discretion while communicating effectively in routine, sensitive, and rapidly evolving situations.
What You'll Do:

As a Public Information Officer, you will:

• Public Information and Media Relations
  • Serve as the County's primary media contact and advise leadership on communications strategies.
  • Develop press releases, public statements, and crisis communications while managing media inquiries and coverage.
• Communications and Digital Content
  • Create and manage content across the County's website, social media, digital, print, and other communication channels.
  • Ensure consistent messaging, branding, and public engagement through strategic communications.
• Community Engagement
  • Represent the County at meetings, events, and outreach activities while building relationships with residents, media, and community partners.
  • Maintain a visible and active presence in the community to support transparency and trust.
• Strategic Communications
  • Develop and evaluate communication strategies, recommend improvements, and leverage communication tools and analytics to support County priorities.
• Availability
  • Respond to media and public inquiries and provide communications support during evenings, weekends, emergencies, and other high-profile situations as needed.

What We're Looking For:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, public administration, journalism, marketing, or a related field.
• Must possess a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector communications, public relations, or media relations, including experience serving as an organizational spokesperson.
• Ability to develop and implement communications strategies; prepare clear, accurate, and accessible content for multiple audiences and platforms; and communicate effectively in high-pressure, sensitive, or rapidly evolving situations.

Supplemental Information

Working Conditions: Work is generally performed during normal business hours; however, evening and weekend meetings, community events, emergency activations, and after-hours communications support may be required. This position operates in a fast-paced environment where priorities can shift quickly, requiring flexibility and timely response to emerging issues.

Physical Demands: Work requires prolonged sitting with occasional standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying up to 30 pounds. The position requires the ability to communicate effectively, hear conversations and other sounds, and use visual acuity to review documents, operate office equipment, and perform assigned duties. Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment with a moderate noise level.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled office environment, with occasional work in public, outdoor, or emergency-response settings during meetings, events, and time-sensitive situations.
To learn more about Frederick County, Virginia employee benefits, please visit the following webpage:

There are a wide variety of benefits available to Frederick County employees. These benefits include: health, dental, vision, life insurance, optional life and disability plans, flexible spending account for health care, dependent care assistance program, an employee assistance program and a deferred compensation program.

Please click to view our Frederick County Employee Benefits information page with full details on all insurance plans offered.