PRINCIPAL PUBLIC INFORMATION ASSISTANT

Code: 54454 Unknown Unknown

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 of a supervisory official in a state department, institution, or agency, assists in the formulation, development, and operation of the public relations and information program of the department and its various units; does related work as required.

Examples of work

Takes the lead in planning, organizing, and putting into action public relations and information programs for the department and its various units. Prepares and may supervise the preparation of news releases, speeches, radio and television scripts, bulletins, pamphlets, brochures, exhibits and displays, and other informative materials designed to acquaint the general public and specifically affected groups with the aims, functions, responsibilities, policies, and services of the department. Plans, organizes, and assigns the work of the organizational unit and evaluates employee performance and conduct, enabling the effective recommendation of the hiring, firing, promoting, and disciplining of subordinates. Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationship with representatives of the press, radio, television, labor, government agencies, and employers groups concerned with and affected by the programs of the department to collect and disseminate accurate current information Assists department officials in the preparation and distribution of essential data and information, in the preparation of agenda of meetings, and in the recording and distribution of minutes of such meetings. Compiles materials for and prepares news releases, informational bulletins, and brochures. Supervises varied advertising and/or information programs of the department. Reviews and evaluates the results of varied public relations and information activities of the department. Prepares statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Drafts correspondence in the course of official duties. Supervises the establishment and maintenance of essential 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 procedures involved in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting factual data and statistics. Knowledge of regulations, policies, objectives, and services of the department after a period of training. Knowledge of the conventions, form, and style used in writing materials for newspaper, radio, and television use. Knowledge of problems encountered in using factual data obtained from various sources, in drawing reasonable and accurate conclusions therefrom, and in making use of pertinent facts in articles and news releases for publication. Knowledge of methods most likely to be useful in securing the cooperation of civic, industrial, business, labor, and other groups concerned with department programs. Knowledge of methods used in preparing copy for the printer and in arranging for illustrations, including photographs and charts. Ability to write effective public relations and informative materials specifically for the department. Ability to analyze and interpret basic law, regulations, policies, standards, and procedures in a manner understandable by the general public. Ability to use the English language with skill and discrimination and to prepare written material appealing to varied age levels, occupational interests, ethnic backgrounds, and intellectual levels. Ability to read and correct proofs. Ability to prepare informational material for newspaper and other publications, for radio and television programs, and to plan and write brochures, pamphlets, bulletins, and other publications. Ability to prepare official minutes of meetings and conferences. Ability to work cooperatively with associates and with those individuals and groups interested in or concerned with the operations and services of the department. Ability to draft correspondence in the course of official duties. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative statistical and other reports. Ability to supervise the establishment and maintenance of 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. CODE: (P-24) 11/01/1995

Note

The definition and 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. Seven (7) 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 three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or English; and two (2) years 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.