PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER (Code 06331)
As an unclassified local-government title, Public Information Officer is filled by appointment, and its published pay band is more of a guide than a fixed grade.
Candidates need a bachelor's degree and 3 years of relevant experience. State payroll currently lists about 25 people in the title, led by Law and Public Safety.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. 6 agencies employ it. We don't track live vacancies.
See all 6 employers and how to apply →Why this title is unclassified
This specification cites N.J.S.A. 11A:3-5( R ), political subdivision unclassified service..
(r) In school districts organized pursuant to N.J.S.18A:17-1 et seq., the executive controller, public information officer and the executive directors of board affairs, personnel, budget, purchasing, physical facilities, data processing, financial affairs, and internal audit;
A title in the political subdivision unclassified service sits outside Title 11A unless a provision says otherwise. In practice that means no competitive examination to get the job, and none of the career service protections that come with it: no permanent status after a working test period, and no right of appeal to the Civil Service Commission from a removal. Appointment and removal rest with the appointing authority.
The rule that allocates a title to this service is N.J.A.C. 4A:3-1.3.
Who employs this title
Public Information Officer appears on the State payroll at 9 departments, most of them at Department of Law & Public Safety.
State departments
Showing the largest 8 of 9 departments. All agencies.
Where this title is used
Public Information Officer is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
Check whether an employer is a civil service jurisdiction · How local civil service works
State payroll and independent authority payroll are separate systems and are never merged. See data sources.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 25 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $105,800. The agencies employing the most are:
- Law and Public Safety (8)
- Legislature (6)
- Treasury (3)
- Juvenile Justice Commission (2)
Counts from NJ YourMoney agency payroll. See statewide workforce analytics.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, plans, directs, and performs work involved in the collection, preparation, and dissemination of information regarding the plans, goals, programs, and achievements of the agency or jurisdiction through newspaper, radio, television, flyers, periodicals, and other media; furnishes advice and consultation to management concerning the information needs of the public; does other related duties.
Examples of work
- Determines the objectives of the informational program and the methods by which they will be put into effect in terms of available resources and agency priorities; plans media coverage and methods to present the desired information to the public.
- Plans public information programs and disseminates information to inform the public or affected groups about the work of the agency.
- Writes, edits, or oversees the writing and editing of copy; reviews and evaluates for policy and content; styles informational and promotional materials such as press releases, publications, radio and television programs, and photographs; assesses the value and effectiveness of written material in achieving agency's information and program objectives.
- Incorporates the basic philosophy of management in speeches and in other written or printed material; interprets facts as presented.
- May arrange and direct press conferences, radio, or television interviews of management officials.
- May conduct information programs to inform employees of activities, agency performance, and of applicable administrative decisions.
- Establishes and maintains liaison and cooperative working relationships with media representatives and with interested public, private, and voluntary groups to ensure understanding of the agency's programs and to create and maintain a favorable public image.
- May supervise technical assistants and other employees; may be responsible for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting, and/or disciplining of employees.
- Selects appropriate subject matter; collects data relating to issues from varied sources, draws reasonable unbiased conclusions, and utilizes facts pertinent to specific cases to prepare clear, concise, and informative articles and news releases for publication.
- May arrange for, and/or conduct meeting and public contact programs to familiarize residents, community groups, business concerns, nonprofit organizations, and other government agencies with the activities of the agency; may select speakers for public meetings.
- May conduct or oversee public surveys and other information gathering activities designed to identify public or consumer interests, attitudes, and habits.
- Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Advertising, or Communications.
Experience
Three (3) years of experience in work involving the dissemination of information in the field of news media, public relations, publicity, and/or advertising.
License
Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
- Knowledge of the principles and techniques involved with the use of varied modern media.
- Knowledge of objectives of public information programs.
- Knowledge of the surveys, techniques and other information gathering processes to determine the attitudes and reactions to agency programs.
- Knowledge of the procedures involved to collect, analyze, and interpret complex, factual data.
- Ability to arrange and/or conduct information programs, interviews, press conference, surveys, and other programs utilized to disseminate public information.
- Ability to utilize communication and media for the dissemination of information.
- Ability to evaluate the public information potential of written materials, illustrations, photographs, and television.
- Ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information on a variety of subjects relevant to agency operations.
- Ability to analyze, select, and present information in a suitable form for presentation and use by varied public information media.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct various public information programs.
- Ability to establish liaison and maintain cooperative working relationships with representatives of the press, radio, television, public official, community groups, and officials.
- Ability to organize assignments and coordinate various activities and the individuals involved in committee operations.
- Ability to analyze and interpret basic law, relations, policies, and standards and apply them to specific situations.
- Ability to utilize the English language with the skill and discrimination necessary to prepare written material that is understandable to individuals with varied educational levels, occupational interests, and backgrounds.
- Ability to effectively write and edit brochures, bulletins, and other publications relating to agency activities.
- Ability to review and edit written material, correct, proof, and select illustrations.
- Ability to maintain records and files.
- Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
- Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
- Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The use of this title in the unclassified service is restricted to school districts organized pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:17.1
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.