Communications & Public Information Specialist

Description

Communications & Public Information Specialist

Big Country. Close Team.

Tell Our Story. Connect Our Community. Make Information Matter.

Gunnison County Government

Position Title: Communications & Public Information Specialist

Department: Administration | Communications & Emergency Management
Position Type: Full-Time | Non-Exempt
Pay Range: $33.66 - $44.21 per hour
Schedule: Monday - Friday | Occasional evenings, weekends, and emergency response as needed

Location: Onsite | Gunnison, Colorado

Great Communication Connects Communities. Help Us Make It Happen.

Every community has a story to tell, important information to share, and people who depend on clear, accurate communication. At Gunnison County, we're looking for a creative, collaborative, and adaptable Communications & Public Information Specialist who can turn complex information into meaningful messages that inform, engage, and connect our community.

In this role, you'll help shape how Gunnison County communicates with residents, employees, businesses, and community partners. From developing engaging digital content and sharing County initiatives to supporting public health education and communicating critical information during emergencies, your work will have a direct impact on the people we serve.

You'll collaborate with departments across the County, including Health & Human Services and Emergency Management, to make important information accessible, understandable, and timely.

If you're a strong storyteller, a skilled communicator, and someone who thrives on variety, creativity, and meaningful public service, we'd love to hear from you!

What You'll Do

Tell the County's Story:

• Develop engaging and informative communications that highlight County programs, services, initiatives, and community resources.
• Write and edit news releases, newsletters, articles, public notices, talking points, presentations, and other communication materials.
• Translate complex government, technical, and public health information into clear, accessible messages for diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with County departments and leadership to support communication strategies and organizational priorities.

Create Engaging Digital Content:

• Develop, publish, and maintain content for County websites, social media platforms, email communications, and other digital channels.
• Create graphics, infographics, photography, video, and other visual materials that help bring information to life.
• Maintain consistent messaging, branding, and communication standards across County platforms.
• Monitor digital communication channels, identify emerging issues, and recommend opportunities to improve public engagement.

Connect with Our Community:

• Support public outreach campaigns, community events, public meetings, and engagement initiatives.
• Help departments communicate programs, services, and resources in ways that are understandable and accessible.
• Develop public education materials supporting health, safety, prevention, and community well-being.
• Work with community partners and departments to support inclusive and effective communication.

Support Media & Public Information:

• Assist with media inquiries, news releases, public statements, and other public information activities.
• Build positive working relationships with local and regional media organizations.
• Coordinate interviews, briefings, and public information materials as assigned.
• Support timely, accurate, and consistent communications in coordination with County and departmental leadership.

Communicate When It Matters Most:

• Support emergency preparedness, public safety messaging, and crisis communications in coordination with Emergency Management and other responding agencies.
• Help develop emergency alerts, public safety updates, evacuation information, and other time-sensitive communications.
• Participate in emergency planning, training, exercises, and incident response activities.
• When assigned and appropriately qualified, support Public Information Officer (PIO) functions within established emergency management and incident command structures.
• Assist with monitoring and addressing misinformation and emerging public information needs during emergencies.

Full Job Description: Job Description: Communications & Public Information Specialist 

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a creative thinker, exceptional communicator, and collaborative problem-solver who understands the power of clear, accurate, and engaging information.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable crafting a compelling story, developing digital content, collaborating with diverse teams, and communicating important information under tight deadlines.

What Makes You Successful in This Role:

• Exceptional Writing & Storytelling: You can take complex topics and turn them into clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate messages.
• Creativity & Digital Communication: You enjoy developing engaging content using social media, websites, graphics, photography, video, and other communication tools.
• Strong Judgment & Accuracy: You understand the importance of reliable information, attention to detail, confidentiality, and thoughtful communication—especially when handling sensitive or high-profile topics.
• Collaboration & Relationship Building: You work effectively with leadership, employees, community partners, media representatives, and the public while respecting established decision-making and approval processes.
• Adaptability & Problem-Solving: You can shift priorities, respond to emerging issues, and remain calm and effective when circumstances change.
• Organization & Initiative: You manage multiple projects, competing deadlines, and communication needs while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Community-Focused Communication: You recognize that effective communication means reaching people where they are and making information accessible, understandable, and useful.

Why Gunnison County?

Big Country. Close Team. Real Impact.

At Gunnison County, public service is more than a job. It's an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the community where you live, work, and play. As a Communications & Public Information Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to tell meaningful stories, support important community initiatives, and help residents access the information and resources they need.

You'll work alongside dedicated professionals across County government, bringing creativity, collaboration, and purpose to work that directly impacts our community.

And when the workday ends, you're surrounded by everything that makes the Gunnison Valley extraordinary—from mountain trails and rivers to world-class skiing, biking, and a strong sense of community.

Here, your creativity matters. Your voice makes a difference. And your work helps keep our community informed and connected.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation: $33.66 - $44.21 per hour [starting pay will be determined based on qualifications and experience.]

The County pays monthly on the last weekday of the month.

Benefits: Gunnison County offers a comprehensive benefits package, subject to position eligibility, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Vacation leave beginning at 8 hours per month, based on years of service
• Sick leave at 8 hours per month
• 12 Paid holidays
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options, including Dependent Care FSA
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance
• Employer-paid basic life insurance
• Optional supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Employer-paid Norton LifeLock membership
• Employee wellness programs and events
• Discounted pet insurance and gym memberships
• Potential access to County employee housing, subject to availability
• Annual performance and merit review, with opportunities for pay advancement based on performance

Retirement Benefits – Colorado Retirement Association (CRA) through Empower

• Mandatory 3% employee contribution to a 401(a) retirement plan
• 3% County employer contribution to the 401(a) plan
• Voluntary pre-tax or Roth 457(b) retirement contributions
• County employer matching contributions of up to 3% to the 457(b) plan, subject to applicable plan provisions

All benefits are subject to employment classification, eligibility requirements, and applicable plan documents.

Ready To Make An Impact?

Bring your creativity, communication skills, and commitment to public service to Gunnison County!

If you're passionate about connecting people, sharing important information, and making a difference through meaningful communication, we encourage you to apply.

Apply Today. Tell Our Story. Connect Gunnison County.

Full Job Description: Job Description: Communications & Public Information Specialist 

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026

Hiring Manager

Hiring Manager: Patty Dowd Schmitz, Communications Director

Hiring Manager email: [email protected] 

Equal Opportunity Employment: Gunnison County is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a workplace free from discrimination and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion or creed, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.   

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Public Administration, Emergency Management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, journalism, media relations, public information, digital communications, community engagement, emergency communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience writing and editing professional communications for public audiences.
• Experience using websites, social media platforms, digital communication tools, and content-management systems.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.

An equivalent combination of education and experience that Gunnison County deems appropriate to perform the duties of the position may be considered.

Preferred:

• Experience in government, public-sector, emergency, crisis, health, or community communications.
• Experience creating graphics, photography, video, maps, infographics, or other visual communication materials.
• Familiarity with design and digital communication tools such as Canva, Adobe products, or similar platforms.
• Knowledge of emergency communications, NIMS/ICS, or public information functions within an emergency response environment.
• Experience supporting public outreach, media relations, or community engagement initiatives.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Colorado driver's license and satisfactory motor vehicle record.
• Completion of ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800 within the first year of employment or another County-established timeframe.
• Completion of additional FEMA PIO, NIMS/ICS, crisis communications, or emergency management training as required by assigned duties.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, or outside normal business hours during emergencies or significant events.
• Occasional travel throughout Gunnison County and Colorado.