Placer County

(Unclassified)

To plan, organize, direct and manage the activities of the Public Information division within the County Executive's Office including preparation and dissemination of information concerning the activities of Placer County; to coordinate Public Information activities with other divisions and departments; and to provide highly complex administrative assistance to the Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

Receives general direction from the Director of Communications and Public Affairs.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned clerical staff; Exercises technical and functional supervision over volunteer public information officers during disasters or emergencies.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Serve as County spokesperson to electronic and print media, including preparing information for use by news media.
• Serve as  public information contact for County agencies during emergencies and disasters.
• Develop and implement divisional goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
  Plan, organize and direct Public Information activities including advising elected officials and department heads about potential issues and/or current topics that require Public Information outreach and/or public response.
• Assist in budget preparation and implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; assist with administering the approved budget.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with reporters, media leaders, co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Represent the County Executive's Office to the public, outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Experience and Training
Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in public communications or customer relations in the public or private sector including emergency response.

Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, journalism, business or public administration or a related field.

Required License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of communications and public affairs.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal rules, regulations and laws.
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of policy development.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.

Ability to:

• Organize and direct Public Information operations.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; problem solve related issues; remember various rules; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel or twist to observe emergency conditions and/or provide on-site public information; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone and use a keyboard to communicate through written means.
• Perform the most complex work of the division.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Interpret and apply County and Department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Assist with budget preparation and administration.
• Operate modern office equipment including computers, copiers, document scanners, fax machines, cell phones and/or other electronic devices.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work odd or unusual hours during emergency or disaster situations requiring Public Information services.