What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Information Officer position at College of the Desert?
Public Information Officer
Job Type: Leadership
Department: Institutional Advancement Dept - PO
Basic Function:
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under the direction of the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, the Public Information Officer (PIO) directs the day-to-day operations of the Public Relations and Communication Department, which includes a consistent and favorable representation of the District to internal and external constituencies. Public Information Officer is responsible for creating and overseeing staffs creation of high-quality content and collateral, ensuring it aligns with College of the Deserts mission, strategic goals, supports the brand, and promotes the colleges programs, events, faculty expertise, and student achievements. Directs the general operations of public information, graphics, branding, and all internal and external communication, ensuring that the areas operate efficiently and effectively utilizing the latest technological advances. The PIO must be an exceptional writer and proofreader who is digitally savvy, develops internal and external content for social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, and events, and supports the Superintendent/President and other designated executive team members with talking points, speeches, presentations, and other print and electronic communications. The PIO must also be proficient at photography, videography, and the basics of layout and design. This position serves as a media liaison and may act as a spokesperson when needed.
Under the direction of the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, the Public Information Officer (PIO) directs the day-to-day operations of the Public Relations and Communication Department, which includes a consistent and favorable representation of the District to internal and external constituencies. Public Information Officer is responsible for creating and overseeing staffs creation of high-quality content and collateral, ensuring it aligns with College of the Deserts mission, strategic goals, supports the brand, and promotes the colleges programs, events, faculty expertise, and student achievements. Directs the general operations of public information, graphics, branding, and all internal and external communication, ensuring that the areas operate efficiently and effectively utilizing the latest technological advances. The PIO must be an exceptional writer and proofreader who is digitally savvy, develops internal and external content for social media, websites, newsletters, press releases, and events, and supports the Superintendent/President and other designated executive team members with talking points, speeches, presentations, and other print and electronic communications. The PIO must also be proficient at photography, videography, and the basics of layout and design. This position serves as a media liaison and may act as a spokesperson when needed.
Representative Duties:
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Select, train, assign, supervise, and evalute the work and performance of assigned staff; recommend transfers, reassignments, discipline, terminations, promotions, and other personnel actions as appropriate.
- Provide assistance, advice, and counsel to the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement and other staff in strategic communication, marketing, outreach, public affairs, media, and other related areas.
- Direct community outreach efforts of the District to communicate the Districts mission, relevance, and accomplishments to the community in all forms of media and in person.
- Formulate policies and procedures related to public information and community relations.
- Assist in developmenting and implementing an effective and strategic annual Communications Plan to consistently secure ongoing media coverage of college news and events in local, regional, and national news outlets and in higher education-related publications, including Spanish language media.
- Develop and maintain a broad list of media contacts.
- Maintain internal and external calendar of events to cover and also serve as an event coordinator for assigned special events.
- Conduct research, develop, and write news releases, reports, newsletters, talking points, speeches, presentations, social media posts, video scripts, web-based content, and other communication materials for internal and external distribution.
- Ensure all publications and communications representing the college are adequately proofed for spelling, grammar, print quality, and consistency with the Colleges brand, organizational strategies, and mission.
- Assist in producing the Annual Report, State of the College, Commencement, FLEX, and other major college events and reports, as assigned. Oversee the creation of collateral materials for internal and external audiences.
- Establish and manage positive and effective working relationships with the media and personnel from other organizations, creating good public relations for College of the Desert and assisting the Executive Director in their spokesperson role; respond to media inquiries and create news releases for the appropriate media in a timely manner. Act as college spokesperson as necessary.
- Manage the colleges public information responses per the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and California Public Records Act (CPRA). Maintain records of FOIA/CPRA requests and responses. Develop and update Board policy and procedure for responding to public records requests.
- In coordination with the Office of Information Technology, direct and manage the policies, procedures, standards, presentation, and content of the Districts website and social media outlets, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
- Develop and manage the budget for public information.
- Manage campus fidelity to the college style guide, brand images, logos, stationery, etc.
- Oversee the photography and videography of college events for use on websites, publications, and the colleges image library and archives.
- Assist in providing media guidance to the leadership team and ensure they have the correct information to deliver appropriate messages during interviews with the media.
- Serve as author and reviewer of executive communications, speeches, and letters, as needed.
- Oversee the coordination of the content and consistency of design and branding of college web, portal pages, and social media. Provide input regarding website navigation.
- Assist departments in the preparation, messaging, editing, and dissemination of print and digital public information materials and special event promotion for all college constituent groups while ensuring brand standards and AP writing style are maintained.
- Assist with government and legislative affairs; stay current on and monitor state and federal legislative proposals affecting community colleges; updates and advises College leadership and staff about relevant policy proposals and actions works with College staff to analyze potential impacts on the College; communicates with the College community to inform them of relevant government issues; advocate on behalf of the District with elected officials in support/opposition of legislation, capital projects, and public policy issues both state and federal.
- Coordinate and conduct campus tours for community members and other dignitaries as requested. Provide support as requested to the Foundation for tours for potential donors. Collaborate with the Director of Student Life and Student Ambassadors as appropriate. Develop and oversee college-wide protocol for tours in collaboration with others.
- Act as the campus liaison to KCOD radio, Chaparral newspaper, and other student communication organizations and clubs, as assigned.
- Assist the Executive Director in directing crisis communications and communications related to emergency preparedness/planning. Serve as District Public Information Officer on the district Emergency Response Team.
- Develop and maintain campus signage/wayfinding systems and maps as needed and maintain accuracy of campus signage.
- Maintain accurate and active Speakers Bureau of campus specialists in various subject areas to respond to community requests and to perform outreach activities in the community.
- Meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively and carry out required project details.
- Seek and participate in professional development, and campus committee activities.
- Represent the College at a variety of community and organizational events.
- Work collaboratively with the College of the Desert Foundation, Alumni Association and other auxillary entities to ensure messaging is aligned, accruate and in compliance with College branding guidelines.
- Ensure accessibility of webpages, media, and materials created.
- Perform other work-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
JOB REQUIREMENTS
Experience working in communications, public relations and/or media relations; managing projects; developing and implementing communication strategies; creating targeted content; writing news-style articles, newsletters, news releases, speeches, talking points, social media, etc.; editing and proofreading; taking photos and videos; supervising staff; leading projects; coordinating public events and developing messaging plans;
Skill in organization and planning; meeting deadlines; building collaborative relationships; verbal and written communication; self-motivation; and innovation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination equivalent to:
Experience working in communications, public relations and/or media relations; managing projects; developing and implementing communication strategies; creating targeted content; writing news-style articles, newsletters, news releases, speeches, talking points, social media, etc.; editing and proofreading; taking photos and videos; supervising staff; leading projects; coordinating public events and developing messaging plans;
Skill in organization and planning; meeting deadlines; building collaborative relationships; verbal and written communication; self-motivation; and innovation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination equivalent to:
- Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public relations, journalism, public administration, marketing, or related field and
- Five (5) years of experience developing targeted content in public affairs or communications, preferably in a higher education setting, including at least two (2) years directing the work of others; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to fluently speak and write in Spanish.
Knowledge of:
Knowledge of
Knowledge of internal and external communication strategies; current trends in digital media/social media; AP style; communication practices and techniques, including social media; crisis communications strategies, planning, and implementation; methods and techniques of facilitating meetings and conducting presentations; correct structure and content of the English language, composition, spelling, and grammar; punctuation, media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods, including electronic and print; business and management principles of communication, planning, time management, budget development, and supervising and motivating employees; District board policies, administrative procedures, institutional goals, and their implementation; local, state, and federal policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing community colleges; modern office technology and practices, procedures and equipment including Microsoft Office; understanding and sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds of college personnel, students, and community members; the basics of design, layout, and print production, website development, and content management; photographic and video techniques and operation of digital camera equipment; modern equipment and communication tools, including computers and graphic software programs relevant to work performed.
Knowledge of internal and external communication strategies; current trends in digital media/social media; AP style; communication practices and techniques, including social media; crisis communications strategies, planning, and implementation; methods and techniques of facilitating meetings and conducting presentations; correct structure and content of the English language, composition, spelling, and grammar; punctuation, media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods, including electronic and print; business and management principles of communication, planning, time management, budget development, and supervising and motivating employees; District board policies, administrative procedures, institutional goals, and their implementation; local, state, and federal policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing community colleges; modern office technology and practices, procedures and equipment including Microsoft Office; understanding and sensitivity to the diverse backgrounds of college personnel, students, and community members; the basics of design, layout, and print production, website development, and content management; photographic and video techniques and operation of digital camera equipment; modern equipment and communication tools, including computers and graphic software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
$Ability
Physical Demands:
Working Conditions:
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office environment with frequent interruptions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. Requires evening and weekend responsibility to address media inquiries, attend functions, and complete required tasks.
Office environment with frequent interruptions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. Requires evening and weekend responsibility to address media inquiries, attend functions, and complete required tasks.
Full Time/Part Time: Full Time
Weekly Working Hours: 40
Work Schedule & Hours:
Salary Schedule Range: Classified Leadership Salary Schedule, Range IX: 116,726.16 - $169,034.76 annually
Specific Departmental Needs:
Posting Number: 25-003
Number of Vacancies: 1
Desired Start Date:
Posting Open Date: 01/31/2025
Posting Close Date: 03/17/2025
Open Until Filled: No
Special Instructions to Applicants:
TIMELINE
For initial consideration, please submit a complete application with materials no later than midnight (PST) on the posting close date. The posting may remain open until the position is filled.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled on Monday, April 14, 2025 and Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Interviews are tentatively scheduled on Monday, April 14, 2025 and Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
REQUIRED REFERENCES:
Professional References should include at least: 2 supervisors, 2 direct reports, 2 management level colleagues, 2 faculty. Include name, title, relationship and current phone numbers. Applicants from sectors other than education should submit comparable references.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
- Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start & end dates) for each employer.
- Cover Letter: Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
- College Transcripts: For consideration of college coursework, transcripts must be attached. Transcripts must be from an accredited institution and include institution name, degree awarded, and date degree awarded. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
To apply, visit https://cod.peopleadmin.com/postings/8653
jeid-fd22181e5fb38f4297a604a604e94853
Salary : $116,726 - $169,035
