Public Information Officer Job Description

The Public Information Officer in the United States

Government public information officers are responsible for creating and enabling communication between a government organization and both news media outlets. It's up to them to make sure that any statements released to the press are accurate and follow agency guidelines. The public information officer is behind the scenes working with other officials to plan what the organization will do next and how information will be handled.

A government publication officer makes a median wage of over $60,000. The median salary for public information officers is between $60,000 and $80,000. Public information officers are often in the middle of a crisis.

Using Social Media to Communicate with the Public

Communicating with the public and the press is a crucial duty of a PIO. Making sure the community knows what is happening is important. The press needs a clear picture and it is important that there are no mistakes that could cause panic or upset.

A bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations or Journalism is often enough to get you a job in the government. Public information officers have a lot of responsibilities. During an emergency, relying on technology can be very helpful.

A mass notification solution can reach a lot of people with a few clicks. A platform that can reach communities via text message, phone call, email, social media, digital signage and more is essential. Communication with the community is important during any event and having the means to do so quickly is important.

Public information officers are the conduits for information for government agencies, municipal departments and large public institutions. PIOs are always ready to act on a moment's notice, even when they're most visible. They work long hours during busy times.

The PIO is often the writer of press releases, speeches, brochures, briefs, fact sheets and other literature. The PIO reviews and edits the work to make sure that the messages are consistent, that the information is accurate and that the policies are followed. Data and materials must be kept up to date so they can be distributed quickly.

Part of a PIO's job is to establish good working relationships with the mediand the public and to maintain those relationships by answering queries promptly, arranging interviews or speakers when requested and being a familiar and involved presence at community events. A hospital PIO might organize a free public health fair, while a police department PIO might talk to children at school assembly. A wise PIO establishes good relationships in-house so other departments understand the need to address the public and are willing to help when asked.

A bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing or a related field is required for most PIOs. Sometimes a PIO has less experience in a public information position than in an industry position. Someone who has worked in the police department for many years might be able to move to the PIO position.

An Online Bachelor of Arts in Communication at Maryville University

Public information officers usually have a bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, or public relations, which they can use to gain experience in creating campaigns. The online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at Maryville University is designed to help people get the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in a public information officer career. Students can choose between two concentrations, Strategic Communication or Emerging Media Strategy and Social Media, and complete internship and client-based courses to build their experience with modern communication campaigns.

Public information officers should be experts in their field. A public information officer working for the forestry department will need to have a good knowledge of land management and natural disasters, as well as areas of oversight and department infrastructure. Prospective public information officers can become certified through the Public Relations Society of America or the International Association of Business Communicators, which will give them credentials and networking resources to further their careers.

The number of public relations manager jobs is expected to grow by 8% from the year of 2018) to the year of 2028. Public information officer careers will continue to evolve as new technologies and audience preferences change. The online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program at Maryville University gives students the skills and experience they need to stay ahead of the curve and lead organizations across the changing media landscape.

Social Media and Public Information

A public information officer has a lot of responsibilities. One of the most common jobs for a public information officer is to host press conferences or other events where they can make announcements about important news or share updates about crisis situations. You can major in journalism, marketing or a related field that will allow you to develop your language and skills, which is important for public information officers.

It is important toFamiliarize yourself with different forms of media while building experience in public relations. Knowing which forms of media the public interacts with can be helpful for a public information officer. It is possible to learn about the different social media platforms that a community uses so you can post information that the public can access and share with their peers quickly.

The national average salary for public relations managers is over $50,000 a year. Public information officers working for the state or local government may be paid more. Previous qualifications and years of experience are some of the factors that may affect salary.