York County Government is seeking an innovative and strategic Public Information Director to lead and elevate our public communications and engagement efforts. As a newly created position, the Director will join a growing team including a Public Information Manager and Media Specialist as well as report directly to the County Manager. The Public Information Director will be responsible for developing, managing, and implementing comprehensive communication strategies aligned with York County’s strategic plan and core values. This leadership role will oversee countywide messaging, ensuring consistency, clarity, and accessibility across all departments.

The ideal candidate will bring local government expertise in public relations, media outreach, digital communications, and community engagement. If you are passionate about public service, storytelling, and strategic communication, and thrive in a collaborative environment where your work directly impacts community connection and trust, we invite you to apply.

Full Salary Range of Pay Grade 127: $91,692.06-$142,105.08. Salary is determined based on experience and/or education. Relocation assistance may be available.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (40 hours per week). May be required to work after hours, weeknights and/or weekends depending on operational needs and/or emergencies that arise.

Recruitment Process: This position will remain open until filled with the first review of candidates on May 30th. If you are selected to interview, you will be contacted directly by the hiring committee.

Recruitment Brochure: For more information, please view our recruitment brochure!

Strategic Plan: we invite you to view our new strategic plan!

Duties and Responsibilities:
Supervises, directs, and evaluates assigned staff, processing employee concerns and problems, directing work, counseling, disciplining, and completing employee performance appraisals.
Develops the County’s brand to align with the organization’s strategic plan, mission and values.
Strategizes, conducts research, writes complex materials, edits documents, writes speeches, creates presentations, and provides design approval and distribution of effective communication techniques.
Monitors and maintains the York County webpages and social media pages to ensure engaging public information campaigns.
Provides comprehensive direction and oversight on all internal and external aspects of the County’s marketing and communications.
Serves as a trusted advisor to Council, County Management and other leaders by providing leadership and guidance on key communication decisions and by developing strategic messaging in regard to sensitive issues and engagement initiatives that will enhance and protect the organizations brand.
Leads and manages the Public Information Department in the curation of high quality and consistent visual content, that tells York County’s story, across all marketing channels ensuring timely and efficient execution.
Plans and organizes media events, new conferences and other related meetings.
Develops and manages the Public Information department’s strategic plan, including identification of measurable strategies, initiatives and milestones.
Establishes strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to advise and collaborate on engagement and communication strategies, messages, and approaches across disciplines, cultures, and departments.
Develops, adapts, and implements long-term and short-term comprehensive strategic communications and engagement plans based on organization strategic goals, changing trends and circumstances, anticipated outcomes and issues, and available resources.
Develops the County’s brand style guide and associated marketing materials in alignment with the County’s strategic plan and Mission and Values to ensure consistent branding across all marketing materials, communication channels, signage, vehicles, etc.
Conducts market research to support branding initiatives and creates various methods for community feedback loops in order to analyze and respond to public feedback.
Develops and manages relationships with media outlets to ensure coverage and to enhance public awareness; as well as manages high profile press events to ensure efficient delivery of York County’s key messages.
Advises Council, County Management, and Emergency Management professionals in developing and executing strategic crisis communication campaigns; as well as serves as the communication point of contact for crisis communication during an emergency.
Develops and manages the Public Information Department's budget, and all associated contracts, to ensure resources are aligned to meet strategic goals and communication and engagement initiatives are delivered on time and within budget.
This position may have to work after hours, weeknights, and/or weekends and driving to multiple locations may be required to attend meetings and other functions related to the position.
Performs related work as assigned.
About you
Experience and Education Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Administration or a related field Required. Master’s Degree in related field preferred.
Eight (8) years relevant experience designing and implementing communications strategies and engagement activities with measurable outcomes for a government agency and/or related organization. Local government experience preferred.
Proven experience creating and implementing comprehensive, strategic communication and engagement plans based on institutional strategic goals with measurable outcomes.
Proven experience creating crisis communication strategies and crisis communication campaigns.

Certifications and Licenses:
Valid driver’s license is required.

Applicants with equivalent experience and/or education may be considered.
Physical Demands / Work Environment / Disclaimer
Physical Demands:

Physical demands refer to the requirements for physical exertion and coordination of limb and body movement.

Performs sedentary work that involves walking or standing some of the time and involves exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular and recurring basis or sustained keyboard operations.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance:

York County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the County to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.