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Job Standard for Public Information Specialist

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Employee Name:

Employee ID:

Employee PCN:

How to use this Job Standard:

  1. The Purpose, Scope, Qualifications and Job Functions are specific to this job title and can not be edited.
  2. Click “View in Google Docs/Download” and download to Word.
  3. Under Essential Functions you may add an additional 35%, specific to your department needs.
  4. Complete this standard before creating the job announcement and posting the position.
  5. This standard will be used as the new Job Description for the prospective employee.
  6. After hire is complete, insert Employee Name and PCN#

Public Information Specialist Overview

  • Person Group: Classified
  • Job Code: 05582
  • Pay Grade: J
  • FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
  • Career Level: Level 2
  • Family: Communications & Marketing
  • Function: General Communications

Purpose

To perform public information activities in support of a department’s operations and public relations; perform related work.

Level Scope

Applies skills and job knowledge in area of specialization; may adapt procedures, operations, techniques, tools, materials, and/or equipment to meet needs of area of specialization; may work on non-routine tasks; resolves issues/makes working decisions within area of specialization or responsibility with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience: writing news releases or preparing general interest pieces for publication; researching composing, editing, and laying out informational material; interpreting and translating technical or specialized material into information usable by the public; producing or editing material using electronic word processing.

Score within the top 25 on exam.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Some knowledge of: organization, structure and ethics of the electronic or print media; audiovisual production techniques or computer generated graphics.
  • Some positions require experience performing desktop publishing using software packages exclusively designed for that purpose.

Essential Functions

Key Responsibilities

60% of Time the Public Information Specialist must:

  • Information preparation and dissemination. Typical responsibilities: writes and distributes routine releases covering programs, meetings, and scheduled events; develops and maintains a variety of media and campus contacts
  • May hire and oversee the work of consultants and vendors such as printers, graphic artists and photographers; arranges for department personnel to make media appearances; writes speeches and program scripts.
  • Researches background data and interviews sources to write for newsletters; produces or edits informational and educational material such as newsletters, handbooks, brochures, and other publications through traditional paste-up methods or desktop publishing.
  • Makes public presentations and represents the department at meetings and conferences.
  • Information and public relations planning. Typical responsibilities: provides input for department information and public-relations goals and priorities; may propose information budget to management; may monitor and evaluate information and public relations efforts for value and cost-effectiveness.
  • May draft department position statements; develops displays, exhibits, and educational programs.
  • May advise and train department staff regarding communication issues and methods

35% of Time the Public Information Specialist

Determined by department needs

5% of Time the Public Information Specialist

Perform other duties as assigned

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Campus and various external sites, inside, office

Travel Requirement

Not applicable for Public Information Specialist

Career Path

Community Resources Coordinator, Communications Coordinator

Additional training/education or equivalent experience, as well as business need, are required for movement into higher level jobs.

Disclaimer

Incumbent must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work.  Final employment offers are  contingent upon a Final Candidate’s successful completion of a Background Verification, and a determination by the University that the information derived from the Background Verification does not disqualify the individual.  In addition, a Financial History Check and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check may be required.