Kerr Together Seeking Public Information Officer
Job Title: Public Information Officer (PIO)
(Kerr Together) Long-Term Recovery Group
Reports To: Long-Term Recovery Executive Director
Location: Kerr Together Operation- Kerrville, Texas
Job Type: [Full-Time /1 year contract-1099]
Salary Range: [$70,000- 75,000 annually- DOQ No benefits]
Application Deadline: [October 15, 2025]
Job Summary:
The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the primary liaison between the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group and the public, media, and other stakeholders. The PIO is responsible for working with management to develop and deliver accurate, timely, and engaging information to promote understanding, transparency, public trust, and support of the organization’s mission and initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Serves as the official spokesperson and responds to media inquiries on behalf of the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Operation.
Develops and disseminates press releases, media kits, public service announcements, newsletters, official statements and information fact sheets. Manages media relations by cultivating positive relationships with community leaders, journalists, news outlets, and other media professionals.
Coordinates press conferences, interviews, public briefings, and community outreach events. Monitors news coverage and public sentiment; analyze media trends and provide recommendations. Collaborate with internal committees to gather accurate and up-to-date information for public release. Works with management to oversee content creation for the organization’s website, social media platforms, branding, graphics and digital communications.
Develops and implements strategic communications plans for outreach campaigns, and various educational programs, to respond to the Kerr County crisis situation. Ensures all public messaging is consistent with organizational branding and policy.
Assists in emergency and crisis communications planning, including developing incident response protocols. Performs other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. On the job professional experience in disaster response may be substituted for educational requirement on a one for one basis. Three (3+ years) of work experience in media relations, journalism, or public communications.
Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Experience with public speaking and serving as a spokesperson. Strong knowledge of media platforms, tools, and digital communication channels.
Ability to work under pressure, especially during emergencies or high-profile situations.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in government, nonprofit, or public safety sectors. Knowledge of crisis communication protocols and FEMA/NIMS communication standards. Proficiency with social media management tools and graphic design software. Bilingual or multilingual capabilities are a plus but not required.
Demonstrated Key Competencies:
Strategic thinking and planning
Media and public relations expertise
Strong interpersonal, team work and collaboration skills
Crisis communication and problem-solving
Attention to detail and deadline-driven
Ethical judgment and professionalism
Work Environment and Conditions:
May require irregular hours, including evenings and weekends during emergencies.
Office-based with occasional travel to press events, meetings, or field sites.
Must be available on-call in certain situations, especially during emergencies or public crises.
Application Instructions:
Please email a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references to Mr. William R. Whitson, Senior Advisor at the Kerr Together Long-Term Recovery Group:
By not later than 3:00pm CST on TUESDAY, October 15, 2025.