PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION OFFICERPUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION OFFICER CLASS DESCRIPTION General Responsibilities: This is professional public relations and promotional work to plan, coordinate, implement and supervise a comprehensive communications program for the Madison Department of Public Health. The work involves developing and implementing publicity, public relations, materials and activities that disseminate public health information within a strategic context. Work involves proactive efforts in identifying the need for recommending and implementing public information campaigns. Work is performed with a high degree of independence, under the general supervision of the Director of Public Health, who is responsible for making final decisions on overall strategy and editorial content. Examples of Duties and Responsibilities: Work with the Director and the management team to foster and recommend public information campaigns in a strategic context, consistent with the department’s mission and goals. Work with the Communications Committee to evaluate marketing plans. Manage the planning, development, implementation and promotion of public health products and public information campaigns. Supervise interns and staff related to development and promotion of public health products and information campaigns. Develop ongoing media relationships and serve as liaison and primary contact for media and other external agencies in public information matters. Set-up media on call system, using trained staff. Conduct media training sessions for staff likely to respond to the electronic and print media inquiries. Prepare and distribute news releases, information packages and public service announcements to media, external agencies and the public. Develop information messages and speaking points for department strategic planning. Conduct Crisis Communications training for agency spokespersons. Identify the need for and develop risk and information messages for bioterrorism, public health emergencies or other emerging health issues in conjunction with appropriate staff. Participate in related state and county-wide emergency exercises. Participate in Public Information Officer training, communication training, public education training and trainings for bioterrorism and other emergencies as provided by State and Federal programs. Review and evaluate Departmental publications and Audio Visual projects for quality and effective communication of health information. Perform related work as required. QUALIFICATIONS Knowledges, Skills and Abilities: Thorough knowledge of applicable promotional, public relations, and journalist theories, techniques, and practices. Working knowledge of print and broadcast media. Ability to develop, recommend and promote public information materials in keeping with the department’s missions and goals. Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and orally. Ability to cultivate and maintain beneficial relations with the media. Ability to produce and promote public information events, write accurate news releases, and public service announcements and to review and edit the related work of others. Ability to compile promotional information about Public Health. Ability to organize activities, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to maintain adequate attendance. Training and Experience: Two years of responsible professional public relations experience either within an agency or in the print and/or broadcast media (or other closely related public relations or promotional activities which involved the creation of written materials and the development and implementation of public relations campaigns). Such experience would normally be gained after graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in public relations, communication, journalism or a closely related field. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledges, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work will also be considered. Department/DivisionComp. GroupRange Public Health1808 5/2004