Applications are submitted online until the position is filled and/or the posting is closed. After reviewing this job announcement, please click on the link at the bottom of the page to apply online. A resume is required with the application. Further instructions on submission of documents are available in the online application. A resume may not be substituted for an application.

As a member of the department’s senior leadership team, the candidate reports directly to the DHS Director and works closely with their team, including the Director of Equity and Engagement and Senior Advisor to the Director; program leaders across the Department; the County Marketing team; and public information officers across other County departments. The candidate works collaboratively with internal and external partners to uphold DHS’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community connection. This position will direct a multi-faceted communications function, including media relations, internal communications, social media, and marketing and events, through a combination of personally producing content and overseeing contracted resources with the County Marketing team and external contractors.

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services is seeking an experienced, strategic Senior Public Affairs Officer to lead and elevate the agency’s communications and public engagement efforts. This senior leader will be responsible for shaping and executing the department’s overarching communication strategy—ensuring consistent, compelling messaging across all audiences, platforms, and initiatives.

• Supervises the Public Information Officer in the day-to-day responsibilities.
• Develops and oversees a comprehensive communications strategy that supports DHS’s mission, priorities, and programs and consistently reports measurable progress on key indicators.
• Ensures consistent, clear messaging across all communications from policy announcements to public outreach to internal updates.
• Serves as the department’s chief spokesperson and communications advisor to executive leadership; serves as a spokesperson and trusted ambassador for the Department of Human Services.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with media outlets, county officials, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Develops and disseminates clear, accurate, and compelling content including press releases, talking points, media statements, and public-facing materials.
• Translates complex policies and data into understandable, relatable language for a broad audience.
• Oversees DHS’s crisis communication efforts, including messaging for emergencies, high-profile issues, or policy changes.
• Collaborates cross-functionally with program teams to source and share compelling stories and program outcomes.
• Oversees contracts, internal and external, for marketing and events functions. This includes managing an intragovernmental contract with the County’s central marketing team to provide communications support to the Department of Human Services. 

• Knowledge of human services, government operations, or public policy.
• Strategic communications in a large, complex public sector or nonprofit organization.
• Media relations, public affairs, and marketing strategy.

• Microsoft Office Suite

• Assess complex issues and translate them into accessible narratives.
• Shape communications that build trust, inspire action, and reflect agency values.
• Be a flexible and adaptive leader who welcomes feedback, innovation, and collaboration.
• Demonstrate executive-level advice and cross-agency coordination.
• Be a culturally competent communicator committed to equity, inclusion, and authentic community voice.
• Work effectively with elected officials, department heads, media, community members, and frontline staff.
• Display a strong command of grammar, tone, and structure with experience writing for diverse audiences.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and absorb complex information on-the-spot.
• Understand public policy concepts and the impact on vulnerable populations and translate them into simple, actionable messages.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Create and deploy content across various mediums such as e-blasts, social media, written statements, etc.
• Set up organized, data-driven systems for monitoring and reporting on outcomes; manage teams and vendors, including contracts and service agreements.
• Produce data-informed communications strategies using analytics to refine outreach and engagement.