PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST
#1613
General Characteristics:
A Public Information Specialist is responsible for handling sensitive public relations issues college-wide and/or community-wide; writes and/or edits news releases from departments, answers inquiries and serves as a liaison between the news media and the College; writes, edits and produces specific college-wide publications which describe College offerings, promote College programs in the community, advise students and enable them to register; provides for internal College staff communications; does related work as required. Work requires exceptional skill in writing, editing, graphics and desktop publishing. Work requires considerable judgment, tact, communication skills and knowledge of marketing strategies and media relations to enable the College to recruit students and to ensure a positive image for the College.
Examples of Work:
Plans, edits and produces the College's quarterly class schedule and annual academic calendar, working to ensure that the publications provide accurate information, meet students' needs and advance College marketing priorities; coordinates input from instructional and service areas; writes or obtains articles and photographs; oversees photography, typesetting, paste up, printing and distribution; prepares bid specs and makes arrangements with vendors; coordinates with staff, edits and produces major College brochures; works closely with the director to develop marketing communication strategies by designing and producing promotional materials.
Plans, promotes, coordinates and implements College media relations with staff of television and radio stations and newspapers, on a local, statewide and national basis; discusses policy issues with key administrators and handles media inquiries concerning sensitive information; plans and coordinates news conferences; arranges interviews, photo opportunities and other media events; writes news releases; advises spokespersons or acts as spokesperson in interactions between the College and the press.
Coordinates and edits the College staff newsletter, including setting editorial policy, taking photographs, layout, printing and distribution; writes and edits feature and news articles for College newsletter and other publications; plans, implements and evaluates internal communications priorities such as reporting on shared governance activities, on actions of the Board of Education, College Council and other task forces; coordinates speakers service; oversees production of the annual staff directory; maintains staff public relations biographical files; recruits, trains and monitors the performance of hourly staff, student assistants and volunteers; edits the writing of College staff.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of and skill in writing, editing and producing a variety of public information materials including newsletters, news releases, course catalogs, class schedules and brochures; knowledge of and skill in disseminating information via print media, radio, television, web based technology, personal appearances or other means; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with College officials and employees, representatives of the media and production firms used in the information preparation process; ability to use good judgment in communicating on sensitive issues with the media, administration and staff; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing; ability to communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds; ability to work independently and as a team member; ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines; ability to plan, coordinate and prioritize work; ability to produce creative audiovisual materials; ability to coordinate production of complex publications; ability to provide input into budget preparation; ability to visualize and create high quality graphic images for publications; ability to drive; ability to use wordprocessing or desktop publishing software to compose or edit material for publication; ability to photograph varied subjects using 35 millimeter and polaroid cameras; ability to use image scanner; ability to operate office equipment such as microcomputer, typewriter, copier, calculator and printer; ability to work safely.
Supervision:
Reports to and works under the general supervision of a division chair or director. Work is performed independently based on previous experience and training in the field and according to College and departmental policies or stated objectives of the supervisor. Work is reviewed by the supervisor through periodic meetings and review of work products.
This position has responsibility to assign tasks, provide priorities, train and monitor the work of student assistants, volunteers, service contracts and hourly employees.
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field is required. Two years of experience in writing, editing and producing information for distribution to a wide public audience is required. A current Oregon driver's license is required.
Equivalent combination of training and experience will be considered qualifying.
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