SENIOR PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT
Senior Public Information Assistant is a competitive state title, the kind you test for: the exam result, not a hiring manager's pick, decides where you land in line.
You can qualify with a master's degree or, if you do not have one, by piling up more experience instead. Pay on the FY2027 schedule runs $66,592 to $97,354, and state payroll currently lists 3 people in the title, led by Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
How to apply
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Exam
This is an application to sit an exam and be placed on an eligible list for this title, not an application for a specific job. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. There may be no current vacancy behind it, and the list it produces may not be certified for months or years.
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Exam
Open to permanent employees in the competitive division who hold a qualifying lower title in the same unit. A $35 application fee applies to Non-Public-Safety announcements issued on or after 2026-02-01. Like the open competitive exam, this places you on a list; it is not itself a job offer.
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Agency posting
Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Department of Environmental Protection posts its own vacancies directly, often before (or instead of) any civil service exam announcement. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
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Agency posting
Motor Vehicle Commission's employment page may require a click-through to see specific openings. Provisional appointment against a posted vacancy is how most people are actually hired into this kind of title.
Who employs this title
State payroll records show 3 people working under this title. The median actual salary is $79,201. The agencies employing the most are:
- Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness (1)
- Environmental Protection (1)
- Motor Vehicle Commission (1)
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.
Definition
Under direction of a Principal Public Information Assistant or other supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, assists in the drafting, selection, editing and dissemination of informative materials designed to aid the public relations and information program of the department; does related work as required.
Examples of work
Gathers informative materials concerning the current and proposed programs of the department and assists in putting the data collected into usable form. Personally does and/or assists in the work involved in the preparation and distribution of news releases, speeches, radio scripts, films, feature news stories, telecast scripts, bulletins, pamphlets, circulars, and other information materials designed to acquaint the general public with the functions, aims, programs, regulations, policies, and procedures of the department. Compiles, writes, edits, and makes final drafts of materials to be used in house papers and bulletins designed for employees of the department. Assists in and, as required, may supervise the work involved in collecting, compiling, tabulating, and interpreting statistical and other information in putting it into understandable form for use by the general public. Attends meetings, conferences, committee hearings, and other group meetings pertinent to the work of the department and makes full reports of the thinking and conclusions of the group concerned. Prepares posters, charts, graphs, exhibits, and other visual aid materials as required. Makes speeches and gives talks before adult and school groups. Composes delegated correspondence concerning the public relations and publicity activities of the department. Prepares essential reports of varied types. Maintains essential public relations and information records and files. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and computerized information system used by the agency, office, or related units.
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 methods and techniques involved in collection and analysis of factual data and its interpretation and publication through the media of prints, radio, and television. Knowledge of the rules, regulations, policies, procedures, programs, and methods of the department and their application to specific cases. Knowledge of modern public relations and advertising techniques and devices and of the conventions and the form and style required for press releases for print, radio, and television. Knowledge of the sources from which significant information may be obtained. Knowledge of the methods and procedures likely to be useful in securing the cooperation of civic, business, professional, and other groups and agencies interested in or concerned with the work of the department. Ability to create and carry out advertising ideas and promotional programs. Ability to prepare and assist in preparing informative articles and news releases for publication via the media of print, radio, and television. Ability to review and edit written material and to proofread copy. Ability to utilize available media for the dissemination of news and information. Ability to give talks before groups of varied ages and to promote cooperation with the aims of the department. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to learn 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, or 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 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. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Six (6) years of professional experience in the collection, analysis, preparation, and dissemination of information in a public relations and/or public information program in a public or private agency or organization. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or English; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.