Job Description

PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

JOB CODE 06420

Effective Date:	02/96A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to provide professional staff services in support of public information programs and functions. Work involves making decisions within a delegated scope of public information activities, establishing and maintaining effective public relations with media representatives and the public, and providing other professional staff and administrative support. Work is performed under general supervision of a Public Information Officer, deputy department director, or other supervisor, and is subject to review for adequacy, accuracy, and adherence to departmental policies and standards. The frequency and depth of communications and direct contact with the media and public, as well as relatively limited involvement with the more technical aspects of producing various media and audio-visual material, distinguish this classification from Media Productions Specialist.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Reviews and determines needs, defines goals, and recommends steps needed to carry out a planned public information program;
• Manages assigned public information marketing programs;
• Originates, plans, and composes news items, newspaper articles, stories, bulletins, speeches, reports, letters, and radio and television scripts;
• Communicates with and responds to inquiries from City employees, media, and the public regarding City activities;
• Arranges scheduling, briefing, and broadcasting of radio and television programs and participates in these events;
• Researches, prepares, and disseminates materials and coordinates interaction of members of the news media, department, City staff, and general public in presenting information;
• Serves as department liaison with various external groups, such as the media, convention and visitor's bureau, business interests, community groups, and the general public;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Various journalistic styles.
• Current principles, techniques, and objectives of public information and media relations programs.
• City and departmental activities, operations, and services relevant to assigned areas.

Ability to:

• Communicate orally with other employees, members of the media, other agencies, and the public by telephone, in a one-to-one, face-to-face setting, and in a group setting in the English language.
• Produce written documents using proper business English, sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.
• Produce written documents using proper news style English sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation.
• Work cooperatively with other employees, media representatives, and the public.

Additional Requirements:

• Some positions will require the performance of other essential and marginal functions depending upon work location, assignment, or shift.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Three years of experience in journalism, mass media communications, or public relations and a bachelor's degree in journalism, mass media communications, public relations, advertising, marketing or a related field. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.