Plans, develops and directs a comprehensive informational and/or educational program at a large state agency or institution.
Positions in this class are responsible for the direction of all public relations and information programs at a large agency or institution, including the news bureau, periodicals and publications units, information services department and printing services department.
Plans, develops and directs communication strategies and long-range public information and/or education programs designed to promote and explain agency goals, activities and objectives. Directs a professional public information staff in complex and varied assignments including the production and distribution of news and feature releases, publications for internal and external uses and multimedia presentations. Assists in evaluating public awareness and acceptance of agency activities; develops programs to increase awareness and to promote public relations. Directs the planning and operations of the publication program, to include all informational, promotional and periodical publications. Directs printing department operations; procures commercial printing contracts. Serves as liaison between the public information department and agency personnel, outside organizations and the general public. Plans and coordinates special promotional and publicity programs. Develops and manages the public information budget.
Knowledge of journalistic principles and practices and techniques of disseminating information to the public through news media. Knowledge of principles and methods of planning, conducting and supervising large-scale public relations programs. Knowledge of agency programs, policies, procedures, objectives and goals. Ability to gather, organize and present oral and written information in a clear, concise and accurate manner. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with agency personnel, communication media and general public. Ability to supervise subordinate personnel.
A bachelor's degree and public relations experience in an administrative capacity.