Public Information Officer

Performs a variety of professional-level staff work in support of a public relations program of a college or the District which includes developing various informational materials to promote and publicize programs, services, activities, and events providing support with the effective presentation of program information, services, and activities, and assisting with media relations.

Gathers information and writes news releases, feature articles, special articles, speeches, postings, scripts, and reports, which describe and highlight college and District activities including educational opportunities, accomplishments, athletics, recreation, fine arts media, and theater arts media.

Develops internal newsletters, bulletins, web site postings, and related materials for employees concerning policy and organizational changes, special programs, staff achievements, awards, and news of general interest to employees.

Assists administrators, faculty, and staff in effectively presenting and/or improving information pertinent to their programs, services, and activities to promote understanding and support for the District.

Collects, develops, and organizes information for dissemination to District and community groups through a variety of media including radio, television, newspapers, magazines, social media networks, podcasts, email, and Web pages.

Assists representatives of the community and news media in obtaining information and materials regarding District activities and college programs for the community.

Designs layouts for magazines, brochures, newsletters, posters, and other publications.

Participates in the design and layout of Web pages by making editorial suggestions to improve and clarify text and overall presentation.

Edits and revises materials for publication.

Coordinates publication activities by obtaining bids, planning and maintaining production schedules, finalizing proofs, resolving production problems, and ensuring specifications have been met.

Assists administrators with media relations during crisis situations; facilities public safety information during an emergency or natural disasters.

May represent the college and District at internal and external events serving as the spokesperson on designated public relations matters.

Attends various administrative meetings to gather information and identify publicity goals.

Monitors news flow for effectiveness and efficiency.

Arranges news conferences, ceremonies, meetings, and itineraries for District officials and official visitors.

Plans, coordinates, schedules, publicizes, and attends special college, District, and community public relations events.

Updates and maintains content on Web pages and social networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.

Takes photos and/or video records special events and distributes photos and/or videos to appropriate sources.

May supervise student employees.

Performs related duties as assigned.

A Public Information Officer performs a variety of journey-level staff work in support of a public relations program of a college or the District which includes developing various informational materials to promote and publicize programs, services, activities, and events, providing support with the effective presentation of program information, services, and activities, and assisting with media relations.

A Manager, Public Relations plans, develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive and effective college marketing and public relations program designed to promote the services and programs of a college and to enhance its image. An incumbent in this class serves as an advisor to senior administrators on campus relations and communication matters and acts as the primary liaison to internal and external stakeholders.

General supervision is received from a classified or academic manager or administrator. Immediate supervision may be exercised over student employees.

Knowledge of:

Principles and techniques of public relations, promotion, publicity, marketing, and advertising

Methods and techniques of writing, composition, layout, and production for mass media

Newspaper, radio, television, social media networks, and other communications media resources

Activities and interests of community groups, professional organizations, employee associations, and the associated student organizations

Basic techniques, materials, and equipment used in graphic arts design

World Wide Web and Internet environments

Equipment processes and materials used in the printing industry

Radio and television production techniques

Fundamentals, processes, and materials used in photography

Goals, objectives, and functions of public information programs

Capabilities of computer applications, systems, and hardware used in the field of public relations

Skill in:

Presenting concepts effectively verbally and in writing

Desktop publishing using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office Publisher, or similar software

Expert level skills in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Ability to:

Obtain, organize, and develop information material for audiences of varied interests

Exercise sound judgment in the release of information and materials to the public and communications media

Write and edit news releases, articles, reports, and speeches for distribution through appropriate communications media

Communicate and present information effectively both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain positive and effective interpersonal relationships with college staff and representatives of the community and communications media

Plan, schedule, coordinate, publicize, and travel to public relations events

Evaluate the public relations value of information

Effectively utilize computer equipment and software in the performance of duties

Recognize and photograph situations which have news value

Plan, organize, and coordinate assignments independently

Education and Experience:

Graduation from a recognized four-year college or university preferably with a major in journalism, public relations, or other specialized communications field AND three years of full-time paid professional-level experience in news reporting, feature writing, publicity writing, or public relations.

Special:

A valid Class “C” California driver’s license.

Travel to locations throughout the District is required.

• Medical and dental insurance and vision care plans are provided for employees and their dependents.
• A $50,000 life insurance policy is provided free of charge for each employee.
• New employees receive 12 full-pay days and 88 half-pay days of illness leave.
• At least 15 paid holidays per year.
• Vacation days accrue annually beginning at 10 days and increasing incrementally to 24 days depending on years of service with the District. Vacation days for management and confidential positions begin at 15, 20, or 24 days.
• Other paid time off includes: bereavement leave, personal necessity leave, court subpoena, and jury duty.
• Employees become members of the Public Employees Retirement System. Employees are also covered by Social Security.
• Employee Assistance Program

The examination process may consist of one or more parts which may include a training and experience evaluation, written test, performance test and/or oral interview.

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about his or her ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, he or she should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.