County of Alameda

Under general direction, to develop, maintain, and coordinate public information activities within a County Department or Agency; to advise and assist management in public information/relations activities; and to perform related duties as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The class of Public Information Specialist is located in multiple departments/agencies within Alameda County and is responsible for internal and external public information/relations activities. The Public Information Specialist class is distinguished from the next higher class of Departmental Communications Manager in that the latter is responsible for supervising/managing a departmental communications unit and may report to an executive level manager or directly to the department/agency head.

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Creates and develops informative, user-friendly, customer-focused, and visually compelling content across a variety of platforms (i.e., websites, social media, mobile applications, broadcast, video, photography, or print marketing) for internal and external communications.
2. Researches and synthesizes information; develops and edits publications, composes press releases, staff reports, video and slide scripts and interpretative materials; designs such materials and distributes them accordingly.
3. Maintains regular contact with media representatives and community partners and arranges for exposure or explains activities; responds to questions directed to the department/agency.
4. Facilitates editorial meetings to gather departmental/agency news and activities for promotion to a variety of audiences on different platforms; prepares plans and procedures relating to development of information resources and methods for improving their effectiveness and versatility.
5. Monitors and updates organization’s internet, intranet and social media platforms and channels, and coordinates with County ITD and/or departmental/agency IT staff to communicate a variety of information related to the program and services. 
6. Acts as editor of departmental/agency publications and newsletters; develops communication plans; collaborates with others in preparation of publications, website development or maintenance, newsletters, and related matters.
7. Manages multiple projects, prioritizing appropriately and meeting the demands of both highly sensitive and routine communication projects.
8. Serves as a staff writer available to assist in writing applications for grants and projects.  
9. Arranges and conducts facility tours.
10. Makes recommendations on public affairs needs; represents the department/agency before civic and community groups in disseminating public information.
11. Create and maintain media logs, press files, publications, and media coverage that enhance public’s understanding of department/agency functions.
12. Prepares annual reports, newsletters, and media correspondence.
13. Interfaces with media relations and community groups in maintaining strategic marketing relationships and community outreach.
14. Provides risk communications to the public in the event of an epidemic or disaster.
15. Coordinate disaster preparedness documents, and related communications for the department/agency. 
16. May be responsible for training and coordinating the work of other staff.

Education:  

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, English, business administration, or a closely related field.  

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of two (2) years of experience in journalism, public relations, media, social media strategy, marketing, advertising, or closely related field which included the development and editing of a variety of documents, publications and/or new releases and the exposure of working with media representatives in the coordination of public information and other related program activities.   

Substitution:  

Additional experience listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.  

Special Requirements:

• Some positions will require a full background check and fingerprint to determine suitability for assigned work.  A felony conviction may be disqualifying.  

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:    The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:  

• Principles and practices of public information, media relations, community outreach, and program development.
• Understanding of the working media.
• Methods and techniques used in gathering and evaluating public attitudes regarding the program.
• Copyright and trademarks laws pertaining to the use of multi-media.
• Departmental/Agency programs and activities.
• Information dissemination techniques and methods.
• Marketing strategies and techniques.
• Media relations and outreach.
• Risk communications.
• Desktop publishing, basic graphics preparation, presentation applications and equipment.
• Principles, techniques, procedures, and methods used to create and produce a variety of print, social/digital media, and related communications.
• Multimedia communications.
• Current multimedia technologies and digital platform trends and use in the public sector.
• English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation.
• Writing styles for different platforms and audiences.  

Ability to:

• Create and implement a variety of communications, marketing materials, media releases, and outreach products or activities.
• Develop a public information program.
• Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Stay abreast of current communication and marketing trends.
• Provide a high level of customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and staff.
• Manage multiple and changing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Produce accurate information within short timeframes.
• Evaluate and analyze information to reach logical conclusions.
• Organize information in a comprehensive and understandable package.
• Determine potential public information items.
• Collaborate and work effectively across diverse teams.

RR:nw  Revised: 6/7/76

RSS:pb  Updated: l0/86

JH:pb  Revised: 8/88

0072h

co:updated 6/8/00

Newspec/: 0320.doc

CSC Date: 9/21/88

CC:pf Revised 12/5/03

CSC Date:   2/18/04

SK:sa Revised 08/27/2021

CSC Date: 10/20/2021

AC:sa Revised 12/17/2021

CSC Date: 01/12/2022

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.