06/01/1989 05720

INFORMATION WRITER

DEFINITION: This is professional work in the preparation and distribution of informational materials concerning the activities of a state agency or program.

Employees in this class are responsible for writing and editing informational materials that depict and explain the activities of state agencies and programs. Work is performed with considerable independence with only general supervision from an administrative superior who reviews completed work for acceptability.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Writes, edits, and releases newspaper stories, feature articles, bulletins, reports, pamphlets, and other publications of the department.

Writes speeches on assigned topics for delivery by departmental officials.

Prepares press statements and news releases for Pennsylvania newspapers and periodicals.

Conducts research on assigned topics.

Prepares spot announcements and scripts for radio and television stations.

Maintains files of photographs, clippings, and agency publications.

Reads and corrects printers' galley proofs.

Digests magazine articles for special reports to administrative officers.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of journalistic principles and practices and of the techniques of planning, composing, and editing informational materials.

Knowledge of good English usage and composition.

Knowledge of effective public relations techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of the various media of publicity.

Ability to prepare and edit all kinds of copy.

Ability to seek out pertinent and newsworthy information.

Ability to read proof using standard proofreaders' marks.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Such training as may have been gained through graduation from a four year college or university, with major course work in journalism or English;

                                                                                                                                                       or

Any equivalent combination of experience and training.