PUBLIC INFORMATION MANAGER

BASIC PURPOSE:

Positions in this job family direct a public information program for an agency and/or prepares and markets agency-generated publications.

TYPICAL FUNCTIONS:

The functions in this job family will vary by level, but may include the following:

• Plans public information programs and projects; prepares budget for the informational program; develops and implements special projects.
• Plans, supervises, and coordinates staff projects, including assessment of staff needs and assignment of work.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with officials and agencies; maintains liaison with the media.
• Represents the agency at public programs, on official business and at professional conferences and seminars.
• Advises management on matters concerning agency's public image.
• Serves as a public information consultant to agency clients.
• Provides in-service training to staff.
• Develops and implements the marketing plan for a publication, regardless of media; develops budget for publication; evaluates sales and promotional programs; prepares contracts. 

LEVEL DESCRIPTORS:

The Public Information Manager job family consists of two levels of work which are distinguished by specificity of assignment.

LEVEL I:                                   Code:  E45A                             Salary Band:  L

This is the specialist level where incumbents are responsible for editing and marketing state publications.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include advances knowledge of English usage, including grammar and composition; of marketing techniques; of all aspects of public information, public relations, and advertising principles and techniques; of editorial methods; of publishing techniques and procedures of various media; of supervisory principles and practices; and of research methods and techniques.  Ability is required to practice and uphold public relations principles and codes of ethics; to conduct research and write; to plan, organize and direct the work of support staff; and to plan and monitor budgets.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of a bachelor's degree in journalism, English or a related field and three years of professional-level experience in writing, editing, radio and/or television, public relations or serving as a public information manager; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

LEVEL II:                                  Code:  E45B                             Salary Band:  M

At this level incumbents are responsible for the management of a public information program for an agency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of public relations principles and techniques; of gathering and analyzing data; of planning, composing and editing; of various media used to present information to the public; and of supervisory practices and techniques.  Ability is required to communicate effectively; to analyze situations and make decisions; to develop and monitor a budget; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of those identified in Level I plus three additional years of qualifying professional-level experience.