Public Information Representative 1

General Description of Class

The PUBLIC INFORMATION REPRESENTATIVE 1 prepares and presents
public information to promote public awareness, understanding and acceptance of an organization's programs, activities,
policies, and procedures.

Distinguishing Features

This is the second level of a three-level series of classes.
Greater independent decision making and the regular responsibility to respond directly to public and media inquiries
distinguish it from the lower level. The absence of responsibility for an entire public information program for
a department, division, or major operational unit of State government distinguishes it from the higher level. These
distinguishing responsibilities include advising administrative staff regarding public policy and procedural issues;
serving as the primary media contact; and, as needed, coordinating the work of a media relations staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties listed below are not inclusive but characterize the
type and level of work associated with this class. Individual positions may do all or some combination of the duties
listed below as well as other related duties.

1. Public Relations. Maintain
   information resource, media representative, and material/production resource files. Talk with media contacts to
   keep current with their interests and needs for information.

   Talk with staff and management to keep informed. Consult with
   management regarding sensitive or controversial issues to assure correct and consistent responses to inquiries.
   Track, review, and report to management on legislative activity. Participate in planning and presenting staff training.

   Research and prepare background studies, special reports or management
   response letters. Write or edit management and staff speeches. Make presentations before public gatherings. Respond
   to written or telephone inquiries about organization activities. Cooperate with other agencies on common or shared
   projects.
   

2. Information Gathering. Meet
   with management to identify information needs and procedures for gathering, packaging and presenting information
   to meet information objectives and regulations. Search agency files and public documents to find background information
   in subject area. Interview staff and management about current activities.

   Compile statistics or other data to show agency or unit successes
   or progress in attaining goals. Research similar activities in other governmental or private organizations to learn
   about their experience. Use photographs, motion pictures or videotapes of agency or unit activities to emphasize
   accomplishments in subject area.

   Design and use questionnaires or surveys to learn about staff
   or public understanding and acceptance of agency programs, policies or procedures. Attend public meetings or conferences
   to obtain information.
   

3. Production. Design,
   write, edit, and produce publications (e.g., pamphlets, magazines, directories, newsletters, etc.) to explain and
   promote agency or unit activities. Edit proposed legislation, administrative rules, and policy and procedure manuals.

   Write or record media news releases. Assure correct and effective
   format, timing and distribution of releases. Arrange for press conferences. Brief agency spokesperson about expected
   media concerns. May serve as agency spokesperson at press conferences and public meetings.

   Edit films, video or audio tapes. Write scripts for radio, audiovisual,
   motion picture, or video presentations. Operate cameras, developers, tape recorders, editing machines, projectors,
   and related equipment. Maintain library of graphics, tapes, films and publications for staff or public reference.
   Order and maintain supply inventory.

   Advise management and staff on planning and production of information
   materials. Prepare cost estimates for projects and productions. Monitor production process to assure costs are
   within budget.

   Give technical advice and assistance to information specialists
   and student interns. Oversee their work for technical quality. Coordinate printing, graphics and other production
   work for timely project completion.
   

Relationships with Others

Employee has frequent in-person, telephone, or written contact
with members of the public and the media. These contacts are to provide information about organization's programs,
activities, polices or procedures. There is frequent contact with agency management and staff to obtain information
or coordinate public information projects. There is regular contact with printers, photographers, designers, etc.
to coordinate production of information materials.

Supervision Received

Employee receives general supervision from a unit manager or
supervisor. Makes day-to-day task decisions with considerable independence. Supervisor reviews completed work for
accuracy, timeliness, and effectiveness in meeting or promoting organization's goals, and conformance to rules,
policies and procedures. Consultation with management and technical staff; review of laws, rules, policies and
procedures related to organization operations; and professional references and standards guide work.

General Information

Positions occasionally require working irregular hours and statewide
travel.

Minimum Qualifications

• three years experience in
  gathering information, writing/producing materials, presenting information
  to the public and public relations.  One year of this experience must
  have included responsibility for press releases and interaction with the
  news media.
• a Bachelor's degree in
  journalism, communication or closely related field may substitute for up to
  two years of the general experience.