Job Description

SUMMARY: Supervises and coordinates public information functions for the Communications Department; oversees, monitors and writes communications for major publications including brochures, videos, web information and new releases; coordinates, monitors and writes content for website of the County Office of Education; develops, writes and/or edits internal and outsourced speeches as assigned; assists with news media relations and acts as a spokesperson when necessary; and performs all other related duties.

40% PUBLICATIONS/WEB CONTENT
Supervises, coordinates, monitors and prepares major publications; writes and edits communications and other materials both in print and on the web; assists with the setting of departmental policies and procedures relating to publications and communications programs; responds to and works with internal staff to maintain the website of the County Office of Education; edits and prepares web copy; monitors web content, web publications and other online information; ensures the appropriate use and content for the Internet and Intranet of the County Office; ensures that messages in printed, web based and media are consistent with the image of the County Office; responds to requests of employees, district representatives, and community agencies in developing creative, descriptive, technical, and factual articles which deal with current events and timely issues; and compiles, edits, designs, and provides technical and photography services required in developing such articles.

20% MEDIA RELATIONS
Assists with news media relations; prepares news releases and public service announcements as assigned; gathers information from a variety of sources to inform the media about events and activities of the Office; anticipates media responses and acts as a spokesperson when necessary; and provides prompt and accurate public information during emergency or disaster situations.

20% SPEECH DEVELOPMENT
Develops, writes and/or edits internal and outsourced speeches as assigned; coordinates and monitors the work of speech consultants; and conducts research on speech topics as assigned.

10% SUPERVISION
Evaluates and assigns work to support staff.

10% RELATED ACTIVITIES
Plans, coordinates, and promotes special events of the County Office; conducts Office tours; assists in the selection, coordination and evaluation of support staff; and performs all other related duties.

DECISION-MAKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING: Determines content of written, printed and web communications and publications; determines and identifies speech writing resources; and makes recommendations regarding approach, method, evaluation technique, and technological references for media/public relations issues. Develops and implements short-term plans in own program/department; requires some exercise of judgment and discretion in interpreting and adapting guidelines to specific problems; situations are varied and sometimes highly complex; and participates in decisions that have major impact on division and/or its clients.

REQUIRED MINIMUM SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the theories, practices and principles of public information, media/public relations, journalism and mass communication; knowledge of elements of web page design; advanced skill in journalism techniques; ability to write with precision in grammar, spelling, punctuation, document construction and editorial enhancement; advanced skill in conceptualization and creativity; ability to use a variety of word processing, publication, and graphics software application programs; advanced skill in communicating in critical situations orally and in writing with education, community leaders and media representatives; skill in routine data collection, budget monitoring, and report preparation; ability to modify systems, procedures, and programs within area of responsibility; ability to select, motivate, counsel, and evaluate subordinate personnel; and skill in adapting style to divergent situations.

REQUIRED MINIMUM TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND LICENSING: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, public relations, English, or a related field; and a valid California driver's license.

REQUIRED MINIMUM PRIOR WORK EXPERIENCE: Four years job-related experience with demonstrated competence.

INTERACTION (NON-AUTHORITY): Contacts are somewhat unstructured, and are frequently with high-level individuals inside and outside the unit, such as program managers, media representatives, and public officials; and contacts are to gather data for decision-making and problem-solving.

SUPERVISION: Directly supervises highly skilled support staff.

Environment: Indoor, office setting.

Physical Requirements: Hearing and speaking to exchange information and on the telephone; seeing to read, prepare and proofread documents; sitting for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and other office equipment; kneeling, bending at the waist, and reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies; lifting light objects.

Revised: August 3, 1988; July 9, 1998; August 21, 2003; *November 17, 2005, February 15, 2007
Personnel Commission Approval:
Approved by Board of Education: December 7, 1988

*Formerly Supervisor, Communications Services