JOB TITLE: DEPUTY COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR 2

JOB CODE: 05830

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Communications Director job series describes professional work in the management and support of an agency’s communications functions.

DEFINITION: This is advanced professional and/or supervisory staff public relations work in the Press/Communications Office of a commonwealth agency.

An employee in this job develops, prepares, and transmits internal and external information through all public relations media to further public understanding of the objectives, functions, and accomplishments of a state agency. Work includes preparing news releases to explain department activities; developing responses to media requests for information; assisting the Communications Director in developing the agency’s communications strategy; and writing speeches, talking points, and other internal and external communications. Much of this work is of high visibility and sensitivity and involves the application of discretion and tact in divulging highly sensitive information. Work may include supervising subordinate staff. Employees work independently in the development, preparation, and assembly of materials for presentation, and receive supervision from a professional supervisor who reviews work through conferences and evaluation of results.

   DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

      This job is distinguished from the Deputy Communications Director 1 job by the increased visibility and sensitivity of issues, which include highly publicized and emotionally charged issues, or by the supervision of subordinate staff that includes at least one Deputy Communications Director 1 position.

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.):

Prepares a wide variety of media to be used in presentation of informational and educational material in the largest, most diverse agencies.

Prepares news releases and other information concerning government programs of high visibility and immediate input upon the public.

Participates in the collection, assembly, and preparation of agency program information for internal or external release.

Writes booklets, brochures, and news releases; television, radio, and film scripts; and brochures, pamphlets, reports, publications, and similar written and graphic public information and promotional material.

Studies and evaluates agency programs from the viewpoint of public relations, and plans, supervises, and coordinates the informational and educational activities of the agency.

Conducts and coordinates special Press/Communications Office projects to provide specific program information on issues of immediate public concern.

Assists the Communications Director in planning, organizing, and coordinating the agency’s communications strategy.

Writes speeches for the Secretary and other top departmental officials.

Assists in the development and implementation of media events including press conferences, tours, and availabilities.

Edits copy prepared by others.

An employee in this job may participate in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational or organizational requirements.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of principles and methods of planning and conducting a large scale public relations program.

Knowledge of all media used in public relations.

Knowledge of writing and editing techniques.

Ability to analyze and evaluate written material.

Ability to communicate effectively orally.

Ability to speak effectively in public.

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):

Four years of experience in preparing public relations promotion through all media; and a bachelor’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.