Public Information Officer; SR

Description

Appointment may be made at any rate within the salary range from $6,043 (SR-24-D) to $7,351 (SR-24-I) per month. Plans, develops and conducts a variety of public information activities for the Office of the Mayor and/or the Department of Management; prepares a variety of informational material on diverse subjects for dissemination to the general public or special interest groups in the County of Maui;

and performs other duties as required.

This class is distinguished by the responsibility for providing specialized services in planning, developing and executing a comprehensive public information program for the County of Maui.

Plans, develops and executes the public information program for the County; writes news releases, articles, bulletins and speeches; speaks before government, business and other community groups; investigates and follows up on complaints; answers inquiries or complaints and recommends courses of action; arranges for photographs or other illustration of material; prepares exhibits and demonstrations for public display; publicizes the activities and accomplishments of County agencies and departments through the various media to promote public awareness of the activities and programs of the County;

schedules and arranges for press conferences for the Mayor and the Mayor's staff; establishes and maintains effective relationships with representatives of the press, radio, TV and other community organizations; composes letters and other correspondence for the Mayor or Managing Director; assists in the preparation of annual reports and other reports on special projects; may provide staff assistance to an administrative board;

conducts fact finding studies and surveys and performs staff assignments of an administrative nature.

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with major work in journalism, public relations or a related field and at least four (4) years of experience in public relations or journalism work; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• License requirement:
  None.
• Knowledge of publicity methods and media; principles and techniques used in writing informational material; techniques used in preparing and editing copy for printing; local government organization, functions and operations; local legislative organization, functions and operations; local legislative organization and procedures.
• Ability to write and speak effectively; secure, evaluate and present facts accurately and concisely; gauge public reaction toward various programs; communicate effectively with individuals or with various segments of the public; interpret agency's policies, operations and objectives; maintain effective working relations with governmental officials and representatives of informational outlets.

Persons seeking appointment to positions in this class must meet the health and physical condition standards deemed necessary and proper for performance of the duties. Physical Effort Grouping:
Light.

All applicants, who will enter a safety-sensitive position or certain designated categories that the Personnel Services Director has established or who are required by law to be drug tested, must pass a pre-employment/post-offer drug screening test as a condition of employment. The cost for the drug testing is borne by the County of Maui.

The County of Maui does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy, arrest and court record, assignment of child support, national guard participation or any other basis covered by state or federal laws governing non-discrimination.

Personnel Services Email: personnel.services