Position Title: Public Information Officer

Employee Classification: Public Information Officer

College/Division: DACC Dona Ana CC

Department: 941450-DACC PLANNING AND COMMUNICATIONS

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Doña Ana Community College

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  $ 48,332.54 - $ 60,415.42; Commensurate with Qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  DACC, a responsive, accessible, comprehensive, learning-centered community college is inviting candidates to apply for the following vacant position: Public Information Officer

Classification Summary:
Public information officer responsible for advancing NMSU's reputation through strategic communication consistent with the university's goals. Effectively communicate to key internal and external audiences the most important news about NMSU. Under general supervision executes a variety of broad-based public relations initiatives designed to enhance the relations of the university with its constituents. Produces and disseminates information via multiple media such as audio/video, on-line services including social media, news releases, magazine articles, opinion articles and speeches. Directs, produces, and coordinates the production of publications and other relevant public relations materials. May develop and coordinate website/internet resources.

Classification Standard Duties:
Assists in implementing communication strategies to influence targeted audiences through media at all levels and via the Web. Writes and edits news stories. Develops, coordinates and implements public relations and public information activities; establishes and maintains positive, effective operating relationships with a variety of stakeholders including media representatives, faculty, staff and administration at the university, and the public; responds to media and public inquiries by gathering and disseminating information; completes special assignments in support of the university. May serve as spokesperson to the press or public. Assists and advises administration and staff regarding public relations issues; assists administrative officers in planning and formulating policies, strategies, and responses relative to institutional issues and crisis management. Responds to requests for information from media personnel and the public; disseminates information via the appropriate media. Writes, edits, reviews, and approves public relations materials including news releases, articles, speeches, on-line information services including social media channels. Designs, writes scripts, and oversees production of audio/video and/or printed promotional and public affairs materials; may supervise production budgets. Plans, develops, and/or coordinates production of university publications. Participates as appropriate in the planning, development, and/or implementation of web-based and other emerging communication technologies, methods, resources, concepts, and standards, within overall goals and parameters set by senior management. Coordinates and facilitates publicity activities and related services. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Five (5) years of professional experience related to the standard duties as outlined.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of journalism, public relations and general communications principles and practices. Knowledge of printing procedures and requirements. Knowledge of video and photographic production and editing. Knowledge of electronic communications applications, including the internet and social media platforms.; SKILLS:Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. Skill in developing and utilizing internet information services. Organizing and coordinating skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to develop and deliver presentations. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to provide technical guidance and leadership to professional personnel in area of expertise. Ability to evaluate and edit the content, structure, and format of a range of written material. Ability to use independent judgment and to gather, manage and impart information to the media and various other internal and external audiences. Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials. Ability to write, format, and edit news and promotional materials in various print and electronic media. Ability to develop and maintain documents using various electronic media.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Public Information Officer (PIO) at Doña Ana Community College plays a crucial role in enhancing the institution's reputation through strategic communication that aligns with its strategic plan. This position involves developing and implementing effective communication strategies to convey important news and information to key internal and external audiences, thereby strengthening the college's public relations initiatives. The PIO ensures that these strategies are informed by the Chancellor of the NMSU Community College system. Additionally, the PIO is responsible for producing, writing, and editing a diverse range of public relations materials, including news releases, articles, speeches, and online content for social media and the college website.

Additionally, the PIO establishes and maintains positive relationships with media representatives, faculty, staff, and administration, responding to inquiries and serving as a spokesperson when necessary. They direct and coordinate the production of college publications and promotional materials, ensuring quality and consistency in messaging. The PIO also assists administration and staff with public relations issues and crisis management, providing guidance and developing strategies in response to institutional challenges.

Furthermore, the PIO plans and facilitates publicity activities that promote the college's initiatives, programs, and events while engaging with the public and community stakeholders. The PIO works with student work study and interns to support student leadership and engagement in related fields. They participate in the development and implementation of web-based communication technologies and resources to enhance the college's online presence. The PIO oversees production budgets for public relations projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and effective resource allocation. Finally, they perform related duties as assigned to support the overall mission of the college and its communication goals.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in journalism, public relations, or communications, along with strong interpersonal and communication skills and a solid understanding of media and communication principles.

Special Requirements of the Position
Primary work location is situated at DACC East Mesa campus, specifically in the DAEM 206E Studio. This position operates under an approved Alternative Work Arrangement (AWA) to accommodate the dynamic nature of public information responsibilities. The incumbent is required to maintain a minimum on-campus presence of one day per week for essential office functions, meetings, and in-person collaboration.

Department Contact:  McKenna Garcia, 575-527-7550, mcgarcia@dacc.nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.