NJSBA MANUAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF JOB DESCRIPTIONS		
											B-3
Central Management Support							NONCERTIFIED

TITLE:		PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

QUALIFICATIONS:	

1.	Degree in communication, journalism or related field
2.	Minimum experience as determined by the board
3.	Demonstrated knowledge of public relations and communication programs for an educational organization
4.	Strong communication and interpersonal skills
1.	Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status 
2.	Current residency in New Jersey, approved residency waiver or candidate agrees to obtain residency within one year of employment

REPORTS TO:	Superintendent
SUPERVISES:		The district's public information program
JOB GOAL:		
To develop and maintain a climate of open communications between the school district and the community‑at‑large and to promote strategies to provide information about the schools and evaluate public opinion regarding them.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Publications and Contact with the Public

1.	Serves as information liaison within the school system and with the news media and school/community organizations.
2.	Responds to requests for public information about the district's policies and programs.
3.	Supervises and coordinates the preparation and distribution of all school district publications and news releases.
4.	Works with chief school administrator, school principals and technology services to coordinate the creation of a “Reverse 9-1-1” system to contact the public, to supplement and enhance open methods of communicating urgent messages.
5.	Assists the superintendent in interpreting public opinion about education issues and the school system and in developing policies that promote good public relations. 
6.	Plans and supervises the periodic polling of public opinion regarding the district’s schools and/or current issues in education.
7.	Maintains a current mailing list of residents and community groups with interests in educational affairs.
Meetings
1.	Arranges for press conferences as required and prepares press kits for distribution to reporters covering board meetings.
2.	Develops and maintains a speakers' bureau and a listing of volunteer resource specialists to serve community organizations.
3.	Speaks at public meetings on matters related to the district's programs and policies as requested by the superintendent.
4.	Meets regularly with PTA/PTO representatives, community leaders and business groups to encourage community involvement in the schools.
Planning and Goal Setting

1.	Is responsible for the development and implementation of a plan for internal and external communication to keep all stakeholders informed of district policies, programs, and special events. Participates in review of communications with parents, staff, other agencies, and the community that are required by law or administrative code to ensure compliance.
2.	Sets objectives for the district's public information program and periodically updates those objectives. 
3.	Stays current with communications, policies and procedures at other schools and districts, in order to be familiar with new technologies and with alternative ways of effectively communicating with students, parents and the public.
Budgets

1.	Plans an annual budget in consultation with school administrators.
2.	Serves as an advisor for the development of school budget/referenda presentations and prepares related publications.
3.	Informs the chief school administrator about cost-effective ways to communicate with the public and helps prepare a communications budget to accomplish those goals.
Other

1.	Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:	Salary and work year to be determined by the board.

annual 
evaluation:  	Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with NJ State 				law and the provisions of the board’s policy on evaluations. 

Approved by: 
Date: 
Revised:  

Legal References:
N.J.S.A. 18A:6‑7.1 	Criminal history record
N.J.S.A. 18A:7A-11    	Annual report of local school district; contents; annual report of 	commissioner; report of improvement of basic skills 
N.J.S.A. 18A:16‑1	Officers and employees
N.J.S.A. 18:16‑2	Physical examinations; requirement
N.J.A.C. 6A:30	Evaluation of the performance of school districts
N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6	School employee physical examinations

Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, 8 U.S.C.A. 1100 et seq. 

Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. 114-95, Title 1,  20 U.S.C.A. 6301 et seq.