JOB TITLE: PRESS ASSISTANT

JOB CODE: 05810

DEFINITION: This is professional public relations work in the Press/Communications Office of a commonwealth agency.

An employee in this job assists departmental staff in developing, implementing, and coordinating media and public relations activities to further public understanding of the programs, products, and services of a commonwealth agency. Work involves assisting in writing, editing, and distributing press releases, newspaper articles, brochures, pamphlets, or other educational materials; compiling briefing packets; sending out press clips; monitoring media; assisting in planning and scheduling media events; and creating presentation materials. An employee in this job must use discretion in the presentation of information due to potential impact on agency programs. Work may also involve providing administrative support to the office when necessary. Routine work is performed with independence, but changes in operational standards, procedures, and work policies are discussed with an administrative supervisor prior to implementation. Work is assigned in the form of projects, initiatives, and objectives and reviewed through conferences, results achieved, and attainment of objectives.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.):

Assists in the preparation of news releases, feature articles, and other promotional and educational materials relating to the agency.

Prepares and distributes written and visual information, including fact sheets, brochures, displays, exhibits, videos, and manuals for internal and external use.

Assists with the development of speeches and talking points related to department activities.

Assists with the coordination of public relations activities such as scheduling events and speakers and preparing media advisories and press releases.

Conducts research, compiles information, and provides briefing packages to senior staff and the Press/Communications Office for agency media events.

Reviews and distributes news advisories and press releases to the media.

Maintains newspaper clip and photographic files regarding agency activities.

Monitors media, including news and social media, and distributes relevant information to the communications team and senior staff.

Tracks press requests and ensures timely responses.

Responds to routine requests for information from the public and media.

Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the techniques of planning, composing, and editing informational materials.

Knowledge of English usage and composition.

Knowledge of effective public relations techniques and procedures.

Knowledge of the various forms of media.

Ability to prepare and edit all types of copy.

Ability to conduct research and analyze and evaluate written materials.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities):

One year of professional experience in public relations, editing, or journalism and an associate’s degree with major course work in journalism, communications, English, or a related field;

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An equivalent combination of experience and training