The Role of a Public Information Officer
Public information officers (PIOs) administer public relations activities on a large and complex scale. The PIO may provide these services for many departments, citywide or local and state governments. The public information officer develops and implements these activities through major media, advertising campaigns and marketing programs. Public information officers also participate in various special project ventures.
Other People Are Reading
-
Function
-
A public information officer researches, develops, writes and coordinates media campaigns for the various departments. He also coordinates public relations activities for governments and selected departments. The officer is responsible for preparing budgets in relation to marketing ventures and public relations programs. He creates illustration and printing of public relations material. He prepares reviews and edits news conferences, news releases and newsletters. The public information officer is the spokesperson for departments by participating in interviews with the media. This person is also responsible for supervising the work of public information specialists or aides.
Education
-
Persons in this position typically hold a bachelor's degree in mass media communication or public relations with coursework focused on public or business administration.
-
Knowledge
-
Public information officers are knowledgeable in a variety of journalistic styles, current principles, techniques and objectives of public information and relations programs. The officer is also knowledgeable in effective supervision.
Skills
-
In this position, public information officers must be skilled in office procedures, including word processing, spreadsheets and databases. They are skilled in managing records, handling supervisory responsibilities, accounting, data collection, and researching and report preparation. Public information officers also know the practices of budget preparation along with organizational skills.
Salary
-
According to Indeed.com, as of 2010, public information officers earn about $70,000 a year. Public information officers who are self-employed may earn less or more based on client load. Salary is also based on experience, location and educational credentials.
-
References
- Photo Credit newspaper image by AnVer from Fotolia.com
