Public Information Director

Public Information Director

Application Deadline: Sunday, May 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. P.T. Accepting Online Applications Only through the City of Eugene Website
Information on How to Apply
Classification: Public Information Director Salary Range: $44.83 - $60.52 Hourly / $93,246.40 - $125,881.60 Annually The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials. This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA).
Department/Division: Eugene Police Department / Office of the Chief Union Representation: Non-Represented, Exempt Work Location: 300 Country Club Road. Eugene, OR 97401 Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; Full time with flexibility per business need to occasionally work outside of normal working hours and responding to after-hours emergencies.
Benefits: The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more information, select the Benefits Tab, or view benefits summaries as well as see information about all employee benefits . Bilingual Pay Benefit: This position qualifies for up to an additional 5% of base salary for bilingual pay. Please see "Supplemental Information" at the end of the posting for more information.
Living & Working in Eugene: Information about living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more can be found on our website.
Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following

Strategic Communications and Leadership:
Develop, plan, direct, and monitor communications strategies, trends, and emerging issues to optimize the department's public communications program and support key City and department goals.
Serve as primary communication advisor to the chief of police, department leaders, and City officials.
Develop and implement internal/external communications, community relations, and marketing plans aligned with Eugene Police and City priorities and goals.
Direct, manage, and oversee implementation of public information activities for the department.
Public Information & Media Relations:
Direct, manage, and oversee all public information activities and media relations for the department.
Respond to and lead communications response for critical incidents and high profile events.
Prepare and disseminate information on complex, sensitive, and high impact topics and incidents; oversee day to day media coordination, and general news production.
Provide regular media training and coaching for department personnel.
Give counsel and prepare news strategies and key messaging on complex and emotional topics.
Serve as an information and reference resource to the public; prepare and deliver presentations to community groups; write speeches for department managers; write and edit articles for publication.
Policy Compliance and Development:
Develop policies and procedures related to public information, social media, and the release of information
Follow release of information protocols in conformance with public records law and investigative goals.
Provide compliance-related guidance and advice to department managers for complex situations.
Digital and Social Media:
Oversee digital communication/social media strategies to enhance public education, trust, and transparency and provide information to the public.
Manage the department's social media and website presence to provide timely, accurate, and engaging content.
Provide regular media training for department members.
Administration and Supervisory:
Select, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff; assign work, ensure appropriate training, and manage performance.
Address personnel matters, investigate complaints, and recommend or administer disciplinary actions.
Participate in City committees and task teams representing the department.
Ensure implementation of and adherence to the City's affirmative action, accessibility, and diversity work; support division-wide diversity initiatives and staff development.
Perform related duties as assigned. To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: Public Information Director
Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferable skills from a variety of sources and experiences. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.
Minimum Qualifications Experience Four years of experience in public relations, and two years of supervisory experience. Experience as a public information officer for a public safety agency or working closely with public safety issues from a media perspective is desirable. Education Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
Background Must pass a police background investigation.
License Valid Oregon driver's license (or, the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS 803.355).
The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Principles and practices of public relations, communications, media relations, social media, and advertising/marketing.
Well-versed in all aspects and forms of social media.
Effective public speaking and media relations techniques and strategies. General public safety functions, operations, and organizational structure.
Ability to learn and follow pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations, and public records law and the release of information.
Communications issues management and crisis communications protocols and techniques.
Joint Information Center and Joint Information System response protocols
Group facilitation methods and techniques.
Ability to:
Create content for diverse audiences, platforms, and communications channels.
Develop, plan, and implement a comprehensive public information and public relations program.
Research, organize, and edit material for internal and external use.
Exercise sound judgement and safety in sensitive, high pressure, or hazardous situations.
Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive issues with tact.
Coordinate production of informational material in various media forms.
Respond to and manage an Incident Command System public information section
Communicate clearly and concisely with news media, public, and staff.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Exercise good judgment when advising managers on sensitive issues.
Supplemental Information

Working Conditions Regular focus on a computer screen. Daily standing and sitting for prolonged periods. Regular attendance at meetings or activities outside of normal working hours. Occasional operation of a motor vehicle on public roads.
Bilingual Pay Benefit This benefit compensates non-represented employees up to 5% of their base salary. To qualify for bilingual pay, the employee must demonstrate fluency in an eligible language and pass a language proficiency test that is administrated by the City's Employee Resource Center division.
Non-Represented Retirement Program Upon eligibility, the City will contribute an employee contribution of 6%, as well as the employer contribution, to a retirement program administered by the Oregon Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). In addition, the City will pay a 3% contribution to a deferred compensation program if the employee contributes at least 1%.
From January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2034, most retirees may work for a PERS-participating employer for an unlimited number of hours while continuing to receive their pension benefit based on HB 2296. If you have questions about your specific situation, including any restrictions to hours, please refer to the PERS: Work After Retirement.
What to Expect from our Selection Process Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training. The selection process varies according to