Positions at this level work independently and under general direction and typically lead or coordinate activities. Positions plan, organize, schedule and carry out informational and/or public relations activities. Positions determine the need and most appropriate methods and techniques to publicize and promote programs, develop and implement changes for program effectiveness and resolve complex issues or problems.

Performs writing and editing duties relative to major communication projects; gathers information and writes, edits, lays out, and proofreads materials for reports, newsletters, magazines, news releases, web content, social media, speeches, advertising, marketing materials, radio and television announcements;

Edits copy for a wide variety of work submitted for printing and e-publishing; reviews copy for correctness, clarity, form of presentation and suitability for submission; confers with departments regarding faults and rewrites as necessary;

Determines need for publicizing, interpreting or promoting interest in programs, policies and services; selects methods and techniques of disseminating information; evaluates effectiveness of information program;

Consults with and advises departments on most efficient and most suitable means of producing work submitted, including possible cost-saving alternative methods;

Meets with, and writes letters to, individuals and representatives of other organizations to furnish information about activities and to solicit participation in educational and promotional programs; addresses and shows films to governmental, civic, fraternal, service and other groups; plans and participates in conferences and workshops;

Maintains relations with departments, public and private organizations to exchange information and promote communications programs; maintains liaison with administration to assure professional ethics and policies are observed;

Establishes and maintains publication schedules and coordinates schedules with production personnel to assure conformance with publication specifications; represents department when special handling or unusual production schedules are required; serves as department’s agent in resolution of matters;

May supervise lower level staff;

Performs other duties as required.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Positions typically require a Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, journalism, humanities, public relations, or related field and three years of writing/editing experience; or equivalent education/experience.

New class effective January 1, 2006; Communications Consultant 3 (replaces 3772 Editor III – Publications, 3757 Editor III – Research Publications, 26320 Public Information Officer 2, 3776 Information Specialist III).
Revised typical work, adopted June 13, 2019; effective July 1, 2019.
Revised typical work, adopted June 22, 2023; effective July 1, 2023.

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.