Agency: Florida Department of Health

Working Title: Public Information Specialist II

Position Number: 64051306

Salary: $60,000 to $80,000

Posting Closing Date: August 28, 2026

Job Posting Category: Open Competitive

Your Specific Responsibilities:

The Statewide Public Information Officer (PIO) for the Florida Department of Health (Department) reports to the Director for the Office of Communications. This position is responsible for helping fulfill the Department's mission to protect and promote the health of all residents and visitors in the state through organized state and community efforts, including cooperative agreements with counties, as well as promoting county health departments (CHDs) and Office of County Health Systems (CHS), through internal and external communications.

 

Responsibilities include:

 

• The Statewide Public Information Officer is a highly professional and administrative position responsible for implementing various public information functions to support and assist the Communications Director for the Department of Health. 
• Provides strategic communications oversight for all County Health Department Public information offices, ensuring alignment with statewide priorities, messaging and leadership directives
• Review and approve press releases, media responses, talking points and public advisories
• Updates, prepares and addresses responses to social media public inquiries in real time by providing information, researched links, contact information, statistics and technical assistance.
• Assists in the development and coordination of public awareness campaign activities.
• Under the guidance of the Communications Director, assists in developing, managing, and implementing a comprehensive statewide communication strategy.
• Oversees aspects of the Department's communication, external affairs, and public relations effort.
• Assists with day-to-day operations and activities for the Office of Communications, including tracking assignments and providing direct and indirect supervision of communications staff responsible for designing and producing communications for events, community engagement, outreach, project information, education, internal communications, and digital media.
• Performs emergency duty before, during, and/or beyond normal work hours or days as needed.
• Travels for events as needed.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of best practices, principles, and techniques in public relations, public information, mass communication, external affairs, marketing, and emergency communication.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects, as well as to plan, organize, and coordinate work assignments with staff.
• Ability to use independent judgment in handling internal and external inquiries.
• Ability to maintain composure and meet deadlines in stressful situations.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite and other commonly used programs.
• Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices to maximize use.
• Knowledge of AP Style.
• Ability to understand and apply applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, and strategies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Qualifications:

Preferred: A bachelor's degree in communications or public relations and four years of verifiable related experience in communications, media relations, public affairs