Position: Public Information Specialist

Position Summary:

Under the supervision of the Director, serves as Public Information Specialist and performs specialized public and employee communication activities in the day to day operation of the Office of Communications. The incumbent in this class has responsibility for participating in a broad range of activities involving public and employee communications, publications and electronic media, describing policies, program and activities of the Prince George's County Public Schools. Work is characterized by considerable writing, or rewriting of materials, frequently under pressure resulting from deadlines. This is a public contact position requiring skillful handling of telephone and written queries from the public, administrators, supervisory personnel and employees. Assignments are received through the Director, conferences, written instructions/requests, affording latitude for independent judgment and action in the performance of duties. Work is performed under general supervision, and involves considerable knowledge of the school system's organization, policies, regulations and an ability to exercise tact and sound judgment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Disseminates information to the public and school district staff;
• Cooperates with district administrators and other staff members, as appropriate, in publicizing and promoting performances, exhibitions, displays, dedications or special programs sponsored by the schools and open to the public;
• Serves as writer/editor for district web site, newsletters and other publications;
• Generates newsletter stories; oversees the writing and production of the employee newsletter;
• Serves as communications liaison between the media and the district; prepares and distributes news releases, arranges media interviews and conferences and responds to requests for information;
• Determines appropriate communications for target audiences;
• Recommends innovative avenues of communication for external and internal audiences;
• Solicits feedback through formal and informal means on activities, products and purposes of the public relations program and the school district in general;
• Develops and maintains accurate records of the district’s public relations program;
• Expedites responses to inquiries and complaints received by the department from citizens, news media and school personnel;
• Researches and writes articles and speeches for the Superintendent of Schools; and
• Performs related duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Considerable knowledge of public education, the news media, local government, and related political processes;
• Proficiency with current technology for performance of duties, including graphics design and publication/print software;
• Experience in planning, implementing, evaluating, budgeting and personnel management;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working conditions;
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking and judgment skills; and
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills and good physical condition.

Education and/or Experience Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in public relations, mass communications or a related field, and with two (2) years of training and experience in public education and media relations work preferred; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position. 

Certification:

None Required.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Assists the Director in the day to day operation of the office staff and with activities involving public and employee communication.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment:

The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Additional Information:

None.