Public Relations

Description

Jobs in this family are responsible for the coordination and administration of a public awareness program, including news media relations, for an agency. These positions increase awareness of agency responsibilities by providing information and participation opportunities to the public.

Typical functions

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

  • Identify public information and internal communication needs.
  • Provide relevant informational services to the public and internal audiences.
  • Perform news and/or publication writing, graphic and/or website design, photography, videography, and social media work.

Positions allocated to this series may perform the duties described, or specialize in areas of multimedia, public relations, or communication strategies. The work assigned to positions in this series ranges from conducting basic research to coordinating legislative matters and controlling a budget.

Public Relations Specialist

This is a first-level professional position responsible for conducting basic research to identify public information needs in order to draft relevant and routine agency communications (letters to constituents, press releases, standard presentations, etc.) for review. May perform advanced level graphic design, photography, and videography work, assist with agency social media efforts, and provide relevant informational services to the public. Employees at this level follow specific guidelines in doing clearly defined tasks and procedures.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

Knowledge of industry and/or community resources and organizations. Knowledge of marketing and advertising practices. Knowledge of agency specific programs and concerns. Knowledge of Associated Press (AP) style and ability to write appropriate copy or news material. Ability to use a variety of graphic and web design software. Ability to operate a motor vehicle and maintain a valid vehicle operator’s license.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 0-2 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G7

Senior Public Relations Specialist

This is a second-level professional position responsible for ensuring the execution of a public affairs function for an agency or program. Duties may include acting as a lead worker to assign, coordinate, and review research, communications, multimedia products, and social media work produced by lower level professionals. An employee at this level may participate in developing high profile news releases and representing the agency to the public. May act as an agency liaison, disseminating information to newspapers, radio, television, communication networks, and internet-based media.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous level: Ability to advise staff in public relations methods and techniques.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2-4 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G9

Public Relations Coordinator

This is a professional position responsible for directing and overseeing a public affairs function for a division or program within a state agency and/or overseeing an agency’s multimedia production activities. Duties may include drafting policy, creating new approaches to solve complex public affairs issues, and informing strategic planning activities. An employee at this level may also be responsible for assisting with planning, organizing, and coordinating legislative matters relating to an agency’s programs. May supervise the writing and production of publications about agency programs and represent agencies and/or programs on high impact assignments such as a crisis task force, legislative proceeding, court testimony, etc. May also supervise a small number of professional employees.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Knowledge of agency and/or program activities. Knowledge of the legislative process. Ability to collaborate with subject matter experts and immediately respond to high-impact media inquiries. Ability to supervise, plan, and evaluate the work of employees.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G10

Public Relations Director

This is a senior-level manager position responsible for coordinating communication strategies, projects, and programs for the State. Typically the Public Information Officer at a state agency, who reports to the Department Director. Duties may include collaboration with communication peers across State agencies and advising or recommending various communication strategies to executive staff. At this level, employees develop and recommend communications for high-level government entities with the intention of having specific and unique impact on various constituent groups (e.g. other agencies, the public, non-profits, other governments, legislature, tribes, etc.), as well as implementing ongoing internal communication strategies. May supervise staff and/or be responsible for setting and controlling a budget.

This is a professional position that may be responsible for planning, organizing, and coordinating legislative matters relating to an agency’s programs. Duties may include preparation of public information, legislative research and technical preparation, analysis and tracking, and testifying before legislative committees. Serves as an educator to public and private interests to properly inform them of the purposes of programs and legislative initiatives.

Knowledge, skills & abilities

In addition to those identified in the previous levels: Ability to plan, develop, and implement a diversified public relations and information program. Ability to stimulate public interest and gain support for agency programs.

Typical qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 4-6 years of relevant experience. (Substitutions may be allowed.)

Pay grade
G11