SANTA CLARA COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
Personnel Commission
CLASS TITLE: Communications/Public Relations Specialist
DESCRIPTION OF BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
To perform a variety of professional-level activities involving providing editorial production coordination and support for the Santa Clara County Office of Education publications and the school districts it serves. To gather information, assure compliance with established time-lines and write featured segments. To provide responsible staff assistance in planning and executing recognition functions and special events; and to perform related duties as assigned. This job class requires specialized subject matter expertise in the area of journalism and public relations, as well as some directly related and progressive experience.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The class of Communications/Public Relations Specialist requires specialized subject matter expertise in the area of journalism and public relations, as well as some directly related and progressive experience. Knowledge is applied to the technical aspects of the public information and communications program. No supervisory responsibility for other staff is assigned. Most frequently meets with internal staff for the purpose of providing, obtaining, sharing, or exchanging information.
TYPICAL DUTIES
Assist in the editorial production coordination and support for the internal and external communications provided by the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Research, write, edit and distribute press releases, public service announcements, articles, opinion pieces, brochures etc., ensuring communications are technically correct and error-free to appropriate media and outlets
Write, edit or serve as editor for County Office of Education publications
Write speeches and recognition event scripts
Develop and layout copy for information brochures, pamphlets, and other related materials
Design flyers and handouts for County Office of Education special events and activities
As assigned, perform a variety of research and data gathering functions in relationship to County Office of Education programs, activities, and services
Write, edit and provide quality control for various articles and other publicity materials
Maintain and revise media list and communications production calendar
Attend a variety of meetings and conferences for the purpose of obtaining and disseminating information
Assist with planning and preparation of County Office functions
Perform related duties as assigned.
EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:
Principles, techniques, and practices of public relations, journalism, marketing and advertising methods and techniques
Research and interview techniques, methods, and procedures
Publication design, editing and writing
General organization and services provided by public agencies, particularly in the area of education
Media operations and procedures in the context of information dissemination
Media contacts appropriate to news and feature stories
Oral and written communication skills
Record-keeping techniques
County Office of Education organization, operations, policies and objectives
Operation of a computer and assigned software
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary
Ability to:
Coordinate press releases, publications and public service announcements to inform the public students and participants of the programs, services and events
Write and edit a variety of materials that are creative, descriptive, technical, and factual
Operate a desktop computer and related office equipment such as a copier, fax machine, and printer
Respond to sensitive matters with discretion and tact
Interpret and apply rules, laws, codes, and policies pertaining to the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Assemble information in a creative, informative manner
Communicate effectively, both in oral and written form
Plan and organize work
Work independently with minimal direction
Establish and maintain a cooperative relationship with those contacted in the course of assigned duties.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Generally, any combination of education and experience that could provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical method of demonstrating these qualifications would be:
Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in English, journalism, public relations, or related field; and
Two (2) or more years of related including some progressive experience.
BARGAINING UNIT: Office, Technical, and Business Services (OTBS) Unit
WORKING CONDITIONS: Duties are primarily performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk operating a computer terminal. Incumbents are subject to extensive public contact with external agencies, media officials, and other individuals seeking information.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Use hands and fingers to operate desktop computer keyboard or other office equipment, reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, or crouch to file, speak clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; see to read fine print and operate computer; hear and understand voice over telephone and in person.
Date: 1988 Personnel Commission Approval: 1994
Revised: 1994, 2002 Board Adoption: