Public Information Officer

Public Information Officer

Under general supervision, the Public Information Officer performs professional public relations and communications work in planning, organizing and/or public information, media relations, and communication programs for the County of Sacramento.

Knowledge of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of assigned programs and functions
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and other specialized applications related to area of assignment
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
• Principles and techniques to plan, organize, and coordinate local government public relations, communications and media relations programs
• Techniques of preparing, producing and disseminating information to the general public, news media, schools, and the community, utilizing all major media of communication
• Preparation and dissemination of information to the press through a variety of communication media, including photography, graphic arts, copy layout, and radio and television programming
• Principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining good relations with news media and other public groups
• Principles, techniques, and practices of journalism, expository prose, and editing; preparation, composition, layout, production, and dissemination of educational, informational, and promotional materials
• State, federal and local governmental organizations and functions

Ability to:

• Communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Apply customer service skills, including the identification of customer needs and follow up to ensure customer commitments have been met
• Read, understand, apply, and effectively communicate County rules, regulations and procedures, and Federal and State regulations
• Establish and maintain effective relations with the media, community leaders, County management staff, and representatives of a wide range of public agencies and private organizations
• Compose, coordinate, and edit a variety of educational, informational and promotional materials and other materials such as pamphlets, brochures and newsletters for dissemination and use by Department staff, public and private agencies, news media, schools, and the general public
• Prepare written analysis, evaluation, summaries, recommendations, correspondence and reports
• Research and analyze information and issues, formulate recommendations on issues, policies and procedures and programs
• Prepare illustrations, charts, graphs, and other visual aids for presentations
• Speak in public and before groups
• Adhere to deadlines
• Assess political environment and develop appropriate communication strategies

Minimum Qualifications: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Communications, Public Relations, Public or Business Administration, Journalism, English or other field closely related to the intent of the class; AND One year of full-time paid experience providing technical support in a public relations or communications program which included the dissemination of information to internal and/or external audiences through various communications media.