CITY OF PHILADELPHIA PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
2J02
PUBLIC RELATIONS SPECIALIST I
Specialties
( Bilingual )
( General )
GENERAL DEFINITION
This is public information and promotional work at the intermediate level. Employees in this
class prepare promotional and informational materials of limited complexity. A progressively expanding
range and complexity of projects is assigned as employees gain experience in the work. Work is
performed under the supervision of a technical superior.
ALLOCATING FACTORS:
(The following conditions must be met for a position to be approved for this class.)
- Positions in this class must perform public information and promotional work of limited scope
and difficulty.
TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)
Bilingual Specialty
- Participates in obtaining information on current issues affecting non-English language speaking
community; maintains a mailing list of persons active in the various foreign language community groups;
writes and/or translates informational and educational newspaper articles, radio scripts, pamphlets,
leaflets, speeches and brochures.
Both Specialties
- Receives general instructions in the techniques of gathering information, writing and arranging
for publication of newspaper articles, pamphlets, bulletins and other materials on the objectives,
functions, and accomplishments of the department; assists higher level informational officers in the
planning of informational programs for publicizing departmental functions utilizing a variety of news
media.
- Develops proficiency in the preparation of materials for printing; proofreads galley and page
proofs; works with printers obtain materials in accordance with specifications.
- Continues to develop and improve techniques useful in the arrangement of materials for the
release of materials to reporters, and editors and newspaper and broadcasting media; participates with
higher level informational officers in working with advisory committees, local, civic and governmental
officials on planning publicity programs and arranging materials for publication.
- Performs related work as required.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
KNOWLEDGE OF:
- English usage, grammar, rhetoric, punctuation and spelling.
- modern journalistic principles and practices.
- the methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public and of the print and
electronic media available for such activities.
- public relations principles and practices.
ABILITY TO:
- prepare interesting and informative news releases, articles, speeches, bulletins, reports and other
informational material.
- evaluate various subject matter materials critically from the standpoint of listener, viewer or
reader interest.
- establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, the public, local, civic and
business officials, and representatives of the news media.
- speak, read and write fluently in a specified non-English language and the English language for
the Bilingual specialty.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
(The following statement represents the
minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests.
Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience
requirements as approved on 12/91.)
- Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major
course work in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or a related area.
AND
- One year experience in print or electronic media newswriting, the preparation of informational
material for popular release, or serving as informational representative for a governmental or private
agency.
Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the
Personnel Department which includes a bachelor's degree as an education minimum.
Bilingual Specialty
- Sufficient training to be able to read, write and speak effectively in the specified non-English
language required by the job assignment.
PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS
-
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this
class.
PAY RANGE: EP13
Class Established: 7/1967
Latest Spec. Revision:
CSC - 10/1991 ; Ad Board - 12/1991
SK/deb/sb
END OF JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION - 2J02