Job Description of a Public Information Officer

Being interviewed by the media can be part of a public information officer's job.

Public information officers (PIOs) keep citizens informed about the activities of government agencies. PIOs may be spokespersons, or they may serve as advisers to those who will appear on camera. They perform media and public relations duties for police forces, health departments and other local, state and federal agencies.

Working with Media

Public information officers serve as a liaison between their government agency and the media. They write news releases, plan news conferences and respond to inquiries from the media. They may escort reporters and photographers who come to a government facility for interviews or photographs. PIOs may be expected to maintain an archive of news clippings about the agency. They may also respond to open records requests submitted by reporters.

Informing the Public

In addition to facilitating media stories, PIOs keep the public informed through direct communication. They maintain government websites and develop informational videos. They prepare printed and electronic newsletters, brochures and posters and may write/place newspaper, radio and/or television ads. PIOs also answer phone calls from citizens and may operate government access channels on cable television. They may represent the agency at public meetings and plan for the agency's presence at conferences, state fairs or community events.

Internal Communication and Planning

A public information officer may also have responsibilities for communication within her agency. She may prepare employee newsletters and maintain the organization's intranet. A PIO may make presentations to department heads about plans for internal and external communication activities. She may also work with agency staff to gather information requested by a reporter or citizen.

Employers may expect PIOs to develop long-range communication plans that include measurable goals. A PIO may prepare crisis plans that detail how the agency will handle communication during natural disasters and public health emergencies. He may also develop and manage an annual budgets for his department.

Skills, Abilities and Personal Traits

Public information officers need strong writing skills and should be proficient in Microsoft Office products. Photography skills are a plus, as is familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and/or Illustrator. PIOs should have strong grammar, spelling and punctuation skills and may also need to be fluent in Associated Press style.

PIOs need to be outgoing, detail-oriented individuals with strong communication abilities. They must work well under stress and be able to meet tight deadlines. Agencies with multiple communications employees may require PIOs to supervise other staff.

Education and Experience

Employers usually expect public information officers to have a bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, public relations or a related field. Four or more years of work experience in one of these fields is also a common job requirement.

References

• City of Phoenix.gov: Job Spec---Public Information Officer
• City of Chandler.gov: Job Descriptions

Resources

• United States Department of Labor: Public Relations Specialists