ASSISTANT PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER DEFINITION:
Under direction, assists in performing the work involved in collecting and disseminating informative materials designed to aid the public information and publicity program of the unit; does related work as required.
NOTE: The definition and examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK:
Assists in gathering informative materials concerning the current and proposed programs of the unit and assists in putting the collected data into useable form.
Assists in performing work involved in the preparation and distribution of news releases, speeches, radio scripts, films, feature news stories, telecast scripts, bulletins, pamphlets, circulars, and other informative materials designed to acquaint the general public with the functions, aims, programs, regulations, policies, and procedures of the unit.
Compiles, writes, edits, and prepares drafts of materials to be used in house papers and bulletins designed for employees of the unit.
Assists in preparing posters, charts, graphs, exhibits, and other visual aid materials as may be required.
Assists in performing the work involved in collecting, compiling, tabulating, and interpreting statistical and other information and putting it into understandable form for the use of the general public.
Attends meetings, conferences, committee hearings, and other group meetings pertinent to the work of the unit and makes full reports of the thinking and conclusions of the group.
Makes speeches and gives talks before adult and school groups.
Prepares correspondence concerning the public information and publicity activities of the unit.
Prepares reports and records.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Six (6) years of professional experience in work involving the collection, analysis, and dissemination of information in the field of news media, public relations, publicity, and/or advertising.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of methods and techniques involved in collecting and analyzing factual data and its interpretation and publication through the media of print, radio, and television.
Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and methods of the unit and their applications to specific cases after a period of training.
Knowledge of the sources from which significant information may be obtained.
Ability to prepare informative articles and news releases for publication via the media of print, radio, and television.
Ability to review and edit written material and to proofread copy.
Ability to utilize available media for the dissemination of news and information.
Ability to give talks before groups of varied ages.
Ability to promote cooperation with the aims of the unit.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
