Los Angeles Community College District

Public Information Officer (#2112)

$47.63-$59.00 hourly / $8,254.86-$10,226.33 monthly / $99,058.32-$122,715.96 annual


Definition

Performs a variety of professional-level staff work in support of a public relations program of a college or the District which includes developing various informational materials to promote and publicize programs, services, activities, and events providing support with the effective presentation of program information, services, and activities, and assisting with media relations.

Typical Duties

Gathers information and writes news releases, fact sheets, press statements, feature articles, special articles, speeches, postings, scripts, and reports, which describe and highlight college and District activities such as educational opportunities, accomplishments, athletics, recreation, fine arts media, and theater arts media.

Develops internal newsletters, bulletins, web site content, and related materials for employees concerning policy and organizational changes, special programs, staff achievements, awards, and news of general interest to employees.

Assists administrators, faculty, and staff in effectively presenting and/or improving information pertinent to their programs, services, and activities to promote understanding and support for the District.

Collects, develops, and organizes information for dissemination to District and community groups through a variety of media such as radio, television, newspapers, magazines, social media platforms, podcasts, email, and Web pages.

Assists representatives of the community and news media in obtaining public information and materials regarding District activities and college programs for the community.

Designs layouts for magazines, brochures, newsletters, posters, and other publications.

Participates in the design and layout of Web pages by making editorial suggestions to improve and clarify text and overall presentation.

Edits and revises materials for publication.

Coordinates publication and/or advertising activities by obtaining bids, planning and maintaining production schedules, finalizing proofs, resolving production problems, ensuring specifications have been met, and tracking results.

Assists administrators with media relations during crisis situations; facilities public safety information during an emergency or natural disasters.

May represent the college and District at internal and external events serving as the spokesperson on designated public relations matters.

Attends various administrative meetings to gather information and identify publicity goals.

Monitors news flow for effectiveness and efficiency.

Arranges news conferences, ceremonies, meetings, and itineraries for District officials and official visitors.

Plans, coordinates, schedules, publicizes, and attends special college, District, and community public relations events.

Updates and maintains content on Web pages and social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Takes photos and/or video records special events and distributes photos and/or videos to appropriate sources in a variety of platforms or formats.

May provide work direction to staff assigned to projects.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

A Public Information Officer performs a variety of journey-level staff work in support of a public relations program of a college or the District which includes developing various informational materials to promote and publicize programs, services, activities, and events, providing support with the effective presentation of program information, services, and activities, and assisting with media relations.

A College Public Relations Manager plans, develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive and effective college marketing and public relations program designed to promote the services and programs of a college and to enhance its image. An incumbent in this class serves as an advisor to senior administrators on campus relations and communication matters and acts as the primary liaison to internal and external stakeholders.

Supervision

General supervision is received from a classified or academic manager or administrator. Immediate supervision may be exercised over assigned staff to projects.

Class Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Principles and techniques of public relations, promotion, publicity, marketing, and advertising

Methods and techniques of writing, composition, layout, and production for mass media

Newspaper, radio, television, social media platforms, and other communications media resources

Activities and interests of community groups, professional organizations, employee associations, and the associated student organizations

Basic techniques, materials, and equipment used in graphic arts design

Websites and Internet environments

Basic website usability concepts and section 508 compliance standards for website design and video captioning, to ensure accessibility to individuals with disabilities

Equipment processes and materials used in the printing industry

Radio and television production techniques

Fundamentals, processes, equipment, and materials used in digital photography/videography

Goals, objectives, and functions of public information programs

Procedures for crisis communications during and emergency or natural disaster

Capabilities of computer applications, systems, and hardware used in the field of public relations including content management systems

Skill in:

Presenting concepts effectively verbally, digitally, and in writing

Desktop publishing using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office Publisher, or similar software

Expert level skills in Microsoft Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook

Ability to:

Obtain, organize, and develop information material for audiences of varied interests

Exercise sound judgment in the release of information and materials to the public and communications media

Write and edit news releases, fact sheets, press statements, articles, reports, and speeches for distribution through appropriate communications media

Communicate and present information effectively both orally and in writing

Establish and maintain positive and effective interpersonal relationships with a diverse pool of college staff and representatives of the community and communications media

Plan, schedule, coordinate, publicize, and travel to public relations events

Evaluate the public relations value of information

Maintain a focus on details, quality, and precision in the performance of duties

Consistently use and promote professional standards and practices related to assignments

Actively contribute to a culture of constructive collaboration and innovation with colleagues

Effectively utilize computer equipment and software in the performance of duties

Recognize and photograph situations which have news value

Plan, organize, and coordinate assignments independently

Entrance Qualifications

Education and Experience:

A bachelor's degree from a recognized college or university preferably with a major in journalism, public relations, or other specialized communications field AND three years of full-time, paid, professional-level experience in news reporting, feature writing, publicity writing, or public relations.

Special:

A valid Class “C” California driver’s license.

Travel to locations throughout the District is required.

Reasonable Accommodations

Our class specification generally describes the duties, responsibilities, and requirements characteristic of the position(s) within this job class. The duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a particular position within this class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Los Angeles Community College District provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with covered disabilities on a case-by-case basis throughout the application, examination, and hiring processes and throughout employment. If an individual is in doubt about their ability to perform the duties and responsibilities of a position or possession of any other requirement noted in a class specification or job announcement, they should always apply for a position and request reasonable accommodation at the appropriate time.


CLASS: 2112; REV: 10/25/2023;