Senior Public Information Officer - Birmingham City Council

TARGET CLOSE DATE:

08/21/2026

PAY GRADE:

POL

TYPE:

Full time

JOB SUMMARY:

As the Senior Public Information Officer for the Public Information Team of the Birmingham City Council, the primary role is to lead, develop, and plan for the dissemination of information to the general public and key stakeholders.

Overall, this role is important to ensure that the Birmingham City Council’s advocacy and engagement are presented to the public accurately, timely, and consistently with widely accepted professional communication standards.

Disclaimer: This position is not included in the Classified Service of the Personnel Board Merit System and, as such, is not governed by the Personnel Board’s Rules and Regulations or afforded Merit System rights.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $75,000.00 - $95,000.00 + voluntary participation in the defined and fringe
benefits plans.

Education and Experience Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with at least ten (10) years of public information, journalism, corporate communications, and management experience. We reserve the right to consider applicants with a master’s degree from an accredited college/university, consistent employment history, and seven (7) years of management experience.

• Communication Skills: Superior written and verbal communication skills. Ability to translate complex, technical data into easily understood information for the general public. 

• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrable experience with digital content management systems, social media analytics, and basic desktop publishing or multimedia software.

• Temperament: Ability to work well under pressure, meet tight deadlines, flexible work schedule, and navigate stressful situations with tact and professionalism.

Core Responsibilities

• Media Relations & Strategy: Act as the official department spokesperson in the absence of an elected official (i.e., city councilor). Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and broadcasting professionals. 

• Crisis Communications: Lead communication efforts during critical incidents, emergencies, or public relations crises. Draft timely and effective awareness campaigns, alerts, and statements to mitigate reputational risks and refute inaccurate information. 

• Content Creation & Management: Oversee the drafting and distribution of press releases, speeches, newsletters, executive communications, and social media content.

• Ensure all outgoing materials are accurate and reflect the desired public image of the Birmingham City Council.

• Team Leadership: Supervise and train other Public Information team members as appropriate. Assign tasks, monitor the quality of work, and ensure deadlines are met efficiently.

• Public Outreach: Develop and implement community outreach initiatives and public awareness campaigns in partnership with the Birmingham City Council. Oversee the Birmingham City Council's website, video production, social media platforms, and digital presence.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

EEO STATEMENT:

The Personnel Board of Jefferson County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment with the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  Each Merit System member city/agency operates its own equal employment opportunity policies available on the individual city/agency website.

ACCOMMODATION:

NOTE:

This job posting may close before, or be extended beyond, the listed Target Close Date based on the employment needs of the Merit System. More detail regarding this job is available by clicking Apply.

DISCLAIMER:

This job posting is not meant to be an all-inclusive list of the job duties, responsibilities, or skills and abilities required for this position and may be changed at the discretion of the Personnel Board at any time.