POSITION: Senior Public Information Specialist
ORGANIZATION / LOCATION: Office of Communications
REPORTS TO: Director of Communications
REVISION / REVIEW DATE:
JOB CODE:75
UNION: ASASP_III
CLASSIFICATION: ASASP Unit III
GRADE: 30
POSITION SUMMARY:Under the direction of the Director of Communications, the Senior Public Information Specialist is responsible for the overall daily support of the Office of Communications and Community Engagement. The incumbent is responsibility for a wide variety of projects such as assisting with media relations, providing executive-level communications support, responding directly to requests for information and sharing the school system’s story across various communications channels. The Senior Public Information Specialist is also responsible for public contact and skillful handling of queries from the media, employees and other stakeholders.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Drafts media advisories/news releases, blogs, speeches and
articles/op-eds and disseminate information as assigned; Responds to requests for information
from the media and build relationships with reporters; Provides executive staffing at
public engagement events; Collaborates with school-level and
school system staff to identify, publicize and promote key initiatives, student
and staff successes, and other school system news; and Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Considerable knowledge of public
education, news media, coordinating and implementing community outreach
activities, public relations campaigns and programs or similar activities; Must possess considerable knowledge
of the school system’s organization, policies, regulations, and an ability to
exercise tact and sound judgment; Excellent verbal,
written and interpersonal skills; Strong and thorough editing skills; Ability to communicate effectively
with diverse audiences through various communication mechanisms; Ability to utilize digital marketing
tools, including social media, email marketing and content management systems; Ability to manage multiple projects
with strict deadlines; Ability to work successfully in a
team environment; Ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationship; and Oral, reading and written fluency in English required; other
commonly spoken language(s) preferred.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Journalism or related field required. A minimum of five (5) years' relevant experience, preferably in school public relations.
CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: None Required.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: No direct supervisory responsibilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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 frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: None.
Prince George’s County Public Schools • www.pgcps.org • 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772