500 word essay sample

1. Running head: THE ROLE OF A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 1
The Role and Responsibilities of a Public Information Officer
Name
Instructor

2. THE ROLE OF A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 2
The Role and Responsibilities of a Public Information Officer
Public Information Officer (PIO) is a messenger for a municipal department, a
government agency, or a large public institution such as a university or hospital. Although may
majorly be visible during big events and crisis, the PIO works behind the scenes and is always
ready to act any time he/she receives notice. The PIO may work on extensive hours including the
evenings and weekends on busy news periods (Hughes & Palen, 2012). The main role of the PIO
is to deliver information by acting as the public face of the organization. He/she plans press
conferences to make major news announcements and offer essential information during crises.
He/she also decides how the information is to be released and answer any questions posed by the
public, and gives updates on any progressing projects (Nimmo & Geyer, 2017).
The PIO also has the role of preparing materials. Press releases, fact sheets, briefs,
brochures, speeches, and other literatures are usually written by PIO. He/she is expected to edit
and review the work done to ensure that information offered is consistent and accurate, and
follow policies throughout. Materials and data are kept up to date by the PIO who ensures they
are distributed in a timely manner (Hughes & Palen, 2012). PIOs also have the role of
developing procedures and guidelines which are used to disseminate information following a
crisis. The procedure guidelines must be reviewed periodically so that any organizational change
is including during press release. The updates made by the PIO should have changes made to
information channels to show the changing technology. In addition, PIOs establish good working
relationships both with the public and the media (Hughes & Palen, 2012). This is achieved
through answering of prompt queries, arranging interviews when requested, and engage in
community events. A PIO establishes good relationship within the organization in order for all
the departments understand why it is important to address the public.

3. THE ROLE OF A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 3
The PIO position requires specific skills and requirements. The individual is expected to
have a bachelor’s degree in communications, business, marketing, or any other related field. This
should be accompanied by five or more years of experience (Hughes & Palen, 2012). The
candidate must have advanced knowledge is the usage of English including composition and
grammar, public relations techniques and principles, accepted materials styles, video techniques
and visual graphics, as well as editing procedures and techniques (Nimmo & Geyer, 2017). The
candidate should also have the ability to write content and edit, organize and gather significant
data, uphold public relations principles, deliver informational presentation, and communicate
effectively both in writing and orally both to the internal and external audiences.
The PIO should have the ability to implement and establish cohesive communication and
plans in regards to the organizational needs. He or she must understand the goals, mission, and
objectives of a key research or educational institution (Hughes & Palen, 2012). This should be
accompanied by strong management skills and strategic planning skills that are required to
examine procures, formulate policies, and implement new strategies. Every PIO is expected to
enhance employee development and manage performance through provision of sufficient
information needed for employee growth in the organization (Nimmo & Geyer, 2017). The PIO
is also expected to be able to give effective advice on critical communication and strategic issues
which are important in making effective judgment. He or she is also expected to have knowledge
on media contacts locally and internationally to enhance relationship development.

4. THE ROLE OF A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER 4
References
Hughes, A. L., & Palen, L. (2012). The evolving role of the public information officer: An
examination of social media in emergency management. Journal of Homeland Security
and Emergency Management, 9(1).
Nimmo, D., & Geyer, G. A. (2017). Newsgathering in Washington: A study in political
communication. Routledge.