Public Information Specialist

Approximate salary: $6,757.34 - $8,213.59/month. Opening date: 7/20/2026. Closing date: 8/3/2026. Full-time position.

About the role

Under general direction, develops, organizes, coordinates and maintains a comprehensive public information, media relations and communication program for a large County department or agency to inform the public of activities and services of the department by disseminating information through communication media; advises and assists department management in public information activities; responds to media requests for information; and performs related work.

Responsibilities

• Plans, develops and implements a department’s public information program; coordinates with departmental management to disseminate information and increase public awareness regarding department services and programs.
• Researches, analyzes and develops department policies, procedures and other administrative matters related to the department’s public information program; determines their impact upon the department’s operations; recommends alternative methods, policies and procedures.
• Develops and maintains outlets through radio, television, social media and the press for announcements and releases for assigned department; determines the need for public information and educational activities; prepares feature articles on departmental activities, services and programs.
• Plans, writes and coordinates speeches, press conferences, media-enhanced presentations or productions and departmental public relations activities; coordinates radio and television appearances for personnel and assists in preparing materials for their use.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of public information activities and stays abreast of issues affecting department operations, programs and services.
• Makes presentations before various groups to promote knowledge and understanding of department services.
• Researches, designs, and prepares pamphlets, brochures, newsletters, and bulletins; prepares press releases, fact sheets and articles; prepares correspondence to public inquiries on department programs/activities.
• Maintains media logs, press files, publications and media coverage to enhance public’s understanding of department/agency functions.
• Works collaboratively with department staff to review legislation and legislative bills relative to departmental functions; assists in drafting legislation for enhancing departmental objectives and shares that information with members of the legislative branch; provides resources, outreach and educational opportunities for departmental personnel, as well as the community, relating to the legislative process.

Requirements

Knowledge

• Principles of effective public information program components and methods involved in planning, coordinating and implementing such programs.
• Principles and techniques of mass communication, marketing, media relations and outreach.
• Public speaking, fundamentals and principles of written composition, and editing.
• Techniques in developing and producing audio-visual presentations.
• Tools used in the design and development of public information materials.
• Computer operations, including pertinent software and related equipment; web-based communications.

Abilities

• Effectively communicate, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relations.
• Speak effectively in public.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Meet deadlines.
• Use modern photographic and related electronic equipment.
• Use computers, desktop publishing applications, applicable presentation tools, and related equipment.
• Act independently in converting complex information into meaningful format for the targeted audience.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Mobility: Frequent operation of a data entry device; repetitive motion; sitting for long periods, walking; occasional standing, pushing, pulling, bending, squatting; climbing stairs; occasional driving.
• Lifting: Frequently 5 pounds or less; occasionally 5 to 30 pounds.
• Visual: Constant good overall vision and reading/close-up work; frequent color perception and use of eye/hand coordination; occasional use of depth perception and peripheral vision.
• Hearing/Talking: Frequent hearing of normal speech, hearing/talking on the telephone, talking in person and in public.
• Emotional/Psychological: Decision making, concentration, public contact and public speaking.
• Special Requirements: May require working weekends, nights and holidays; occasional travel.
• Environmental: Occasional exposure to varied weather conditions.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Choice of three health plans: Kaiser Plan, Select Plan, and Premier Plan. Employees pay a portion of the cost of the premium. Dependent coverage is also available.
• Dental Insurance: Choice of two dental plans: Delta Dental and United Health Care-Select Managed Care Direct Compensation Plan. No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at the employee’s expense.
• Vision Insurance: Vision coverage through Vision Service Plan (VSP). No cost for employee-only coverage; dependent coverage available at the employee’s expense.
• Life Insurance: Coverage based on years of continuous service:
  • 1 but less than 3 years: $1,000
  • 3 but less than 5 years: $3,000
  • 5 but less than 10 years: $5,000
  • 10 years or more: $10,000
  Employees may purchase additional term life insurance at the group rate.
• 125 Flexible Benefits Plan: Voluntary program allowing employees to use pre-tax dollars for health-related expenses not covered by medical, dental, or vision plans (Health Flexible Spending Account: $2,550 annual limit with a $500 carryover) and dependent care costs (Dependent Care Assistance Plan: $5,000 annual limit).
• Retirement Plan: Covered by the County Retirement Law of 1937. Visit SJCERA for more information.
• Deferred Compensation: Plan under Section 457 of the IRS code. Annual contribution limit: $22,500 (or 100% of includible compensation, whichever is less). Individuals age 50 or older may contribute up to $30,000. Roth IRA (after-tax) also available.
• Vacation: 10 days each year up to 3 years; 15 days after 3 years; 20 days after 10 years; 23 days after 20 years.
• Holidays: 14 paid holidays each year.
• Sick Leave: 12 working days annually with unlimited accumulation. Eligible for eight hours of administrative leave if leave balance equals at least half of the cumulative accrual and the employee is on payroll for the entire calendar year.
• Bereavement Leave: 3 days of paid leave for the death of a qualifying family member; 2 additional days of accrued leave for the death of an employee’s spouse, domestic partner, parent, or child.
• Merit Salary Increase: New employees receive the starting salary. After 52 weeks (2,080 hours) on each step of the range, eligible for a merit increase to the next step.
• Educational Reimbursement Program: Reimbursement for career-related coursework up to $850 per fiscal year. For approved four-year college or university programs, up to $800 per semester ($1,600 per fiscal year).
• Parking Supplemental: County contributes up to $20 per pay period for employees who pay for parking and are assigned to work in the Downtown Core Area.
• School Activities: Up to 40 hours per year (not more than 8 hours per month) to participate in children’s school activities.