Responsibilities

• Write news releases, create informational brochures, coordinate and script public service announcements, and research and author articles for publication and/or to inform the public of activities or items of interest; organize, draft and edit material for printing or publication and distribution; evaluate advertising and promotional materials for compatibility with public relations efforts.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with State and local government officials and media representatives; respond to queries and direct questions to appropriate staff; arrange press conferences and notify media representatives of newsworthy events.
• Develop internal and community relations publicity campaigns designed to build agency morale, community support, and a positive agency image and identity; prepare agency newsletters or brochures; draft and edit articles; layout and design materials for printing; draft speeches for special audiences and attend meetings.
• Collect articles, recordings of radio and television newscasts, and other informational releases pertaining to the agency; maintain informational files of background information; file information in order to monitor and maintain records of press coverage.
• Determine the need for photos or receive photo requests; arrange for appointments or photo shoots; select site and equipment; determine aesthetics and lighting; select poses or angles; print quality photos and/or prepare for publication; write scripts; determine sequence for slide presentations; and create multimedia presentations.
• Plan, organize, coordinate and publicize special events to provide information regarding agency services and activities.
• Develop and maintain the public communications portion of the departmental crisis disaster response plan, serve as the agency spokesperson during crisis or emergency situations.
• Under limited supervision, incumbents develop and manage a complex public relations program and serve as spokesperson for the department, including fielding media and public inquiries of a sensitive or controversial nature, and authorizing appearances or public statements from staff members when highly technical information is required; advise management on the public relations impact of proposed actions, and design an agency-wide public relations program, image and strategy. Positions at this level manage a budget and may supervise staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, English, public or community relations, communications or closely related field and three years of professional experience in administering or directing a public information program including writing media releases and newsletters, preparing and presenting speeches and multimedia presentations, independent media contact, development of public relations strategies and journalistic writing; OR one year of experience as a Public Information Officer I in Nevada State service; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• may require statewide travel; therefore, federally recognized identification is required.