PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR                                                         0983

 

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general direction, an employee in this class plans and conducts a public relations program to stimulate public awareness for a large department or agency, and may also perform other general administrative duties as assigned.  This work requires the exercise of considerable independent judgment and initiative in selecting and planning effective programs and presenting them through diverse media.  Supervision is exercised over a small clerical and/or technical staff.  The work is reviewed by an administrative supervisor through conferences, written reports and the effectiveness of the publicity produced.  Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

            Prepares and distributes news items, speeches, articles, pamphlets and other publicity materials to the media;

            Develops materials: to recruit personnel; to encourage residents to participate in the agency's programs and services; and to serve the public relations needs of other agencies;

            Writes press releases and submits them to newspapers;

            Speaks at community meetings and gatherings;

            Performs general administrative duties when assigned;

            Evaluates public reaction to the agency's policies, services and activities;

            Supervises a small clerical and/or technical staff.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public relations and advertising; good knowledge of the programs and services provided by the employing agency or municipality; ability to plan and direct promotional campaigns; ability to supervise a small staff in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale, and to carry out other administrative functions as required; ability to develop original and effective approaches to the unique problems of a public service agency; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain cooperative relationships with media representatives; ability to analyze facts and arrive at sound conclusions; tact; good judgment; persuasiveness; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

            OPEN COMPETITIVE

            Either:

            (a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Advertising or Liberal Arts, and six (6) years of experience in newspaper, magazine, marketing, managerial sales or public relations work which regularly involved writing or editing responsibilities; or,

            (b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma, and ten (10) years of experience in newspaper, magazine, marketing, managerial sales or public relations work which regularly involved writing or editing responsibilities; or,

            (c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

           

NOTE: Additional relevant education beyond a Bachelor's Degree from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State will be substituted for experience on a year-for-year basis.

 

            PROMOTIONAL

            Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Community Relations Director; or,

            Four (4) years of permanent competitive status as a Public Relations Assistant or Public Relations Specialist.

 

R03/11/15

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive