What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Information Officer position at Family Initiative?
Job Overview
Family Initiative is a locally founded nonprofit organization looking for an enthusiastic, creative, and dedicated Public Information Officer (PIO) to join our team. The PIO serves as the lead for all public relations, media engagement, and digital communications. This role manages the organization’s public-facing voice—overseeing press relations, social media, and multimedia content—to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and amplify the voices of the autism community.
This role is essential in enhancing our brand's visibility and managing our messaging across various platforms. The ideal candidate will possess strong skills in journalism, public relations, and media relations, with a passion for storytelling and effective communication. This position requires a creative thinker who can engage audiences through compelling content and strategic outreach.
Key Responsibilities:
Media and Public Relations:
Serve as the primary media contact and organizational spokesperson on autism-related issues.
Cultivate relationships with journalists and media outlets covering health, education, disability rights, and human services.
Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and public statements that align with neurodiversity-affirming values.
Coordinate interviews and speaking opportunities with self-advocates, professionals, and organizational leaders.
Public Awareness and Education:
Develop and disseminate clear, compassionate, and inclusive messages that educate the public about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), services, and supports.
Assist in planning and promoting Autism Acceptance Month and other awareness campaigns.
Collaborate with program staff and partners to highlight stories of impact and community voices.
Content Development and Digital Communication:
Write content for newsletters, blogs, websites, and social media that reflects the lived experiences of autistic individuals and their families.
Ensure all messaging is accessible, inclusive, and informed by autistic perspectives.
Create and maintain a consistent tone and brand identity aligned with the organization’s values of dignity, equity, and inclusion.
Crisis and Sensitive Issue Communication:
Prepare and implement strategic responses to issues involving public misunderstandings of autism, legislative matters, or community incidents.
Support the President and Leadership team in preparing public statements and guidance during critical moments.
Strategic Communications and Monitoring:
Contribute to the development and execution of an annual communications strategy focused on advocacy, public education, and engagement.
Monitor news coverage and public discourse about autism, tracking opportunities for response or engagement.
Analyze communication performance metrics to guide improvements.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Media, or related field.
3 years of experience managing public relations and social media, preferably in nonprofit, healthcare, or advocacy settings.
Strong writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint), Canva, and video content creation tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie, CapCut).
Understanding of autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive communication practices.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
Experience using social media management tools
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience with local media and communications market.
Experience working with nonprofit organizations.
Bilingual or multilingual skills.
Join us as we strive to communicate effectively with our audience while promoting our mission. If you are passionate about communication and eager to make an impact, we encourage you to apply!
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $50,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $65,000
