DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

The work involves responsibility for serving as the public spokesperson for various governmental agencies or large municipal departments in political subdivisions of government through the communication of the entities philosophy, goals, programs, and objectives by the release of information via press releases, media information meetings/events. The employee not only acts as spokesperson but may be required to research and write materials for release. The job activities are dependent upon the agency/department where employed. Emphasis lies in the preparation of newsletters, websites, advertisements and printed material which will be effective in both promoting, publicizing and clarifying the agency's function. An incumbent evaluates or assists in the evaluation of information materials and projects to determine effectiveness and clarity of same and whether these materials meet the informational needs of the public. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Designs and implements public information program;

Coordinates and maintains direct contact with elected officials regarding the agency's activities.

Researches and writes news releases, brochures, newsletters and narrative reports describing the agency's activities and objectives;

Collects, assembles and compiles information on departmental activities;

Assists assigned governmental units in planning special publicity programs;

Compiles and maintains mailing lists for distribution of agency or department activities;

Prepares exhibits and other public displays for presentations;

Assists officials and staff in editing articles, speeches ad correspondence;

Develops specifications issue bids, evaluates proposals, negotiates and

initiates contracts, performing contract and project oversight of public relations

under contract to the agency or department.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of all media used in public relations, their characteristics and applicability;

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of effective written communications;

Good knowledge of proper English usage, spelling and punctuation;

Working knowledge of the organization, the agency or program objectives,

and its operations as they relate to activities of this position.

Skill in writing various forms of informational material;

Ability to speak to various groups;

Ability to prepare and deliver news and feature material;

Ability to plan and prepare exhibits;

Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

Tact, initiative, resourcefulness, imagination and good judgment;

Physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered College or University with baccalaureate degree and two (2) years of professional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, in public relations, marketing or communications; or,

B. Six (6) years of paraprofessional or professional level work experience, or its part-time equivalent, two (2) years of which must have been professional level work experience in public relations, marketing or communications; or,

C. An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined by the limits of (A) and (B).

NOTE: Successful competition of graduate semester credit hours in public relations, marketing or communications from a regionally accredited college or university or one accredited by the New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees may be substituted for work experience as follows: Thirty (30) graduate semester hours is equivalent to one (1) year of work experience; sixty (60) graduate semester hours is equivalent to (2) years of work experience.

12/07 Revised