Public Information Officer

Description

Under the direction of the Superintendent, plans, organizes, controls and directs the internal and external communications of the District; consults with the Superintendent, administrators, and District personnel on effective communication practices, including contact with the media and community, serves as liaison with cable broadcasting channel.

CURRENT VACANCY: One full-time position (12 mos/year, 8 hrs/day), with full benefits, in the Public Information Office (Administration Center). Position includes full district-paid benefits. Health and welfare district contribution is $39,790 annually. All GUSD jobs are local and in person.

Examples of Duties

Note: The following is only a partial list of examples of duties. A more complete list of duties and responsibilities for this classification can be found on our web site at

-Plans, organizes, and coordinates the internal and external communications of the District; coordinates and implements effective methods for communicating policies, practices, achievements, philosophies and events to the media, District personnel and the community.

-Communicates with the Superintendent, administrators, and District personnel on effective communication practices, including contact with the media and community; responds to inquiries and provides information and advice; provides training to District employees in dealing effectively with the media.

-Supports the Superintendent and other District administrators in public communication efforts, establishes and maintains positive working relationships with the media; maintains media contact list; assists the press with developing stories; organizes media site visits.

-Manages crisis communications, including maintaining and updating an annual plan of action.

-Provides technical expertise, information and assistance to the Superintendent regarding District communications; assists in the formulation and development of policies, procedures and programs to assure an economical, safe and efficient work environment; advises the Superintendent of unusual trends or problems and recommends appropriate corrective action.

-Supports the development of communication protocols for emergency events.

-Plans, organizes and implements long and short-term programs and activities designed to enhance communication programs and services; develops and maintains quality standards for District publications, social media and other messaging. Monitors and reports progress on District communication goals to the Superintendent.

-Researches information required to manage assignments including reviewing relevant policies, current practices, etc. for the purpose of developing new programs/services, ensuring compliance with relevant requirements, securing general information for planning, taking appropriate actions, and/or responding to requests.

-Monitors communications in multiple languages including employing translation services to ensure District communications are reaching school stakeholders.

-Directs the preparation of writing and design of facts sheets, press releases, brochures, handbooks and a variety of print or electronic newsletters/ communications for District personnel and the community.

-Provides research and writing support to the Superintendent and other District administrators; composes speeches, presentations and/or messaging for the Superintendent as directed.

-Directs the preparation and maintenance of a variety of narrative and statistical reports, records and files related to assigned activities and personnel.

-Develops and prepares the annual preliminary budget for the communication activities, analyzes and reviews budgetary and financial data; controls and authorizes expenditures in accordance with established procedures.

-Develops and reviews content for District website, collaborates with other departments in implementing content.

-Performs other duties as assigned.

Employment Standards

Minimum Requirements:

Education and Experience:

-Any combination equivalent to bachelor's degree in journalism, communication, public relations or related field and five years of experience in the administration of communications, journalism or public relations, public administration or related field.

Desirable:

-Written and oral proficiency in a second language.

License or Certificate:

-Possession of a valid State of California Class C driver's license and the use of personal transportation. Also, ability to be insured at standard vehicle liability and property damage insurance rates, and maintain insurability.

Other:

-Willingness to work evenings, weekends, early mornings and holidays as needed.

-Tolerance for stress; working in a fast-paced environment with time-sensitive deadlines; ability to work on several tasks with frequent interruptions.

Examination Process

To apply: Visit

Step-by-step online employment application guide:

Phone inquiries are welcome at, Ext. 1378.

Incomplete applications are disqualified. Application materials must clearly demonstrate that applicants meet all minimum requirements for the job. Attached resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed district application.

A review of applicants' experience and qualifications will be conducted. Based on the evaluation, those whose qualifications best meet the current needs of the District will be invited to participate in the next step of the selection process. Qualified candidates will be provided with more details at the appropriate time.

Salary: Salary amounts listed above indicate the first and last steps of the range.

Probationary period: One year.

Prior to employment, a candidate must submit proof of freedom from tuberculosis. Also required after an offer of employment are a pre-employment physical exam (district-paid) and fingerprint clearance with the Department of Justice.

Statement of Non-discrimination (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973): The Board of Education is committed to equal opportunity for all individuals in education. District programs, activities and services shall be free from unlawful discrimination, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, and/or bullying based on actual or perceived sex, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, nationality, religion, age, sexual orientation, sexual preference, ancestry, ethnic group identification, gender, gender expression, gender identity, physical or mental disability, marital or parental status, or on the basis of a person's association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics, or sexual harassment in any district service, program and/or activity that receives or benefits from state financial assistance. The Board shall promote programs which ensure that unlawful discriminatory practices are eliminated in all district activities. The District will take steps to assure that the lack of English will not be a barrier to admission and participation in district programs. A copy of the District's Uniform Complaint Policy is available by calling, Ext. 1457. Complaints alleging noncompliance with this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to the following personnel:

Title IX Coordinator: Dr. Kelly King, 223 N. Jackson St.,, Ext. 1209,

Section 504 Coordinator: Dr. Narineh Khemichian, 223 North Jackson,, Ext. 1500,

Title II/ADA: Dr. Kelly King, 223 N. Jackson St.,, Ext. 1209,