Job Code: OPA-0720
Job Title: Public Affairs Specialist I
Job Type: Full-time job
Department: Office of Public Affairs
Salary: $40,255 - $56,547
Normal Work
Schedule: Monday-Friday Regular
Date Posted: 11/21/2007
Description: Under the general supervision of the Director of Public Affairs, works to coordinate and conduct the public affairs program of the COG. The class of Public Affairs Specialist is a professional position with considerable latitude for individual action and decision making within guidelines set by COG and the Director of Public Affairs and may be filled at Public Affairs Specialist I or II depending on qualifications.. The main responsibility is to assist in disseminating information in various forms. This involves research, writing and editing; providing speeches and other support activities for COG's local governments and requests for information as well as initiating contacts with them on specific COG related topics; and providing support to staff on graphics and printing requests. Major responsibilities include assisting in the production of COG's Regional Directory, quarterly Metropolitan Memo, the monthly employee newsletter and assist with production of special publications as needed; and assistance to COG staff on publication production.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Researches, writes and edits into final form COG press releases and quarterly Metropolitan Memo;
Develops story ideas for the news media, and sees projects through to completion;
Acts as liaison with designers and printers, and can assist with or design layouts on various COG publications and reports;
Uses desktop publishing to produce staff newsletter, report covers, and other miscellaneous printed materials;
Coordinates meetings, press conferences and other special events; promotes COG events by direct contact with the media and Public Affairs offices of the organizations;
Assists in the production of COG's Regional Directory, employee newsletter and publications on specific projects;
Researches, analyzes and interviews COG personnel and other experts and officials as background for press releases and articles,and can translate technical jargon into common English usage acceptable to news media and public at large;
Writes brief speeches for use by public officials at COG functions; Completes research to assist Director of Public Affairs in preparing speeches
Responds to inquiries from the news media or refers to appropriate staff member;
Reviews daily print media for articles pertinent to COG personnel;
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Demonstrated strong writing skills; thorough knowledge of basic public relations goals and practices; demonstrated ability to write for public consumption; basic knowledge of local government organization and metropolitan problems; knowledge and ability to respond to journalistic methods and techniques, including a basic knowledge of journalism; ability to maintain good relationships with co-workers, personnel of other agencies and the news media, elected officials and the general public; tact; good judgement. Ability to manage publications projects and to understand the basic process of printing and printers' jargon; an eye for detail and excellent proofreading skills; capable of working under deadline to produce good quality and high volume and ability to set priorities. Capable of sharing workload, of completing parts of projects on deadline, ability to communicate details of workflow and to make logical notes and files; keenness to share responsibility.
Education and Experience
Three years experience in writing and preparation of publications, including layout; experience in using computers to write and design publications, including use of desktop publishing software; some experience in public relations and/or work involving relationships with the public;local government experience also desirable as well as administrative experience. Bachelors degree in journalism, public relations, or related field; or any equivalent combination of knowledge and training which provides the required knowledge, experience, skills and abilities. Some journalism experience helpful.
Computer Knowledge and Skills
Knowledge of Microsoft Word or other word processing software; experience in using computers to write and design publications, including use of desktop publishing software.
Communication Skills
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedural manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
Mathematical Skills
This job has no mathematical skill requirements.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
No Requirements
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here 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 regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.