SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT DEFINITION:
Under direction of a Principal Public Information Assistant or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, assists in the drafting, selection, editing and dissemination of informative materials designed to aid the public relations and information program of the department; does related work as required.
NOTE: The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Gathers informative materials concerning the current and proposed programs of the department and assists in putting the data collected into usable form.
Personally does and/or assists in the work involved in the preparation and distribution of news releases, speeches, radio scripts, films, feature news stories, telecast scripts, bulletins, pamphlets, circulars, and other information materials designed to acquaint the general public with the functions, aims, programs, regulations, policies, and procedures of the department.
Compiles, writes, edits, and makes final drafts of materials to be used in house papers and bulletins designed for employees of the department.
Assists in and, as required, may supervise the work involved in collecting, compiling, tabulating, and interpreting statistical and other information in putting it into understandable form for use by the general public.
Attends meetings, conferences, committee hearings, and other group meetings pertinent to the work of the department and makes full reports of the thinking and conclusions of the group concerned.
Prepares posters, charts, graphs, exhibits, and other visual aid materials as required.
Makes speeches and gives talks before adult and school groups.
Composes delegated correspondence concerning the public relations and publicity activities of the department.
Prepares essential reports of varied types.
Maintains essential public relations and information records and files.
Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.
Six (6) years of professional experience in the collection, analysis, preparation, and dissemination of information in a public relations and/or public information program in a public or private agency or organization.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience.
OR
Possession of a master's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or English; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES Knowledge of the methods and techniques involved in collection and analysis of factual data and its interpretation and publication through the media of prints, radio, and television.
Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, programs, and methods of the department and their application to specific cases.
Knowledge of modern public relations and advertising techniques and devices and of the conventions and the form and style required for press releases for print, radio, and television.
Knowledge of the sources from which significant information may be obtained.
Knowledge of the methods and procedures likely to be useful in securing the cooperation of civic, business, professional, and other groups and agencies interested in or concerned with the work of the department.
Ability to create and carry out advertising ideas and promotional programs.
Ability to prepare and assist in preparing informative articles and news releases for publication via the media of print, radio, and television.
Ability to review and edit written material and to proofread copy.
Ability to utilize available media for the dissemination of news and information.
Ability to give talks before groups of varied ages and to promote cooperation with the aims of the department.
Ability to maintain essential records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
