Public Information Coordinator
The ARRL Public Information Coordinator (PIC) is a section-level
official appointed by and reports to the Section
Manager (SM) as the section's
expert on public information and public relations matters.
Requirements: Full ARRL membership; professional public
relations, journalism experience, or background in dealing with the public
media preferred.
Responsibilities:
·
The PIC is responsible for organizing,
training, guiding and coordinating the activities of the Public
Information Officers (PIOs) within the section.
·
Goals may range from recruiting potential
hams for a licensing course to improving public awareness of amateurs' service
to the community. A successful PIC effectively conveys a story and generates
the desired results.
·
PR activities must be well-timed and
well-coordinated within the amateur community, so that clubs, Elmers, instructors and so on are prepared to deal with the
interest the PR generates.
·
Effective PICs will convey this goal-oriented
perspective and attitude to their PIOs and help them coordinate public
relations efforts with others in their sections.
·
Advises the Section Manager on building and
maintaining a positive public image for Amateur Radio in the section; keeps the
SM informed of all significant events which would benefit from the SM's
personal involvement and reports regularly to the SM on activities.
·
Counsels the SM in dealing with the media and
with government officials, particularly when representing the ARRL and/or
Amateur Radio in a public forum.
·
Maintains contact with other section level
League officials, particularly the Section Manager and others such as the State
Government Liaison, Section Emergency Coordinator, Affiliated Club Coordinator
and Bulletin Manager on matters appropriate for their attention and to
otherwise help to assure and promote a coordinated and cohesive ARRL Field
Organization.
·
Works closely with the section Affiliated
Club Coordinator and ARRL-affiliated clubs in the section to recruit and train
a team of Public Information Officers (PIOs). With the approval of the Section
Manager, makes PI0 appointments within the section.
·
Works with the SM and other PICs in the
division to develop regional training programs for PIOs and club publicity
chairpersons.
·
Coordinates public relations efforts for
events and activities which may involve more than one section,
and provides input on matters before the League's Public Relations
Committee for discussion or action.
·
Establishes and coordinates a section-wide
Speakers Bureau to provide knowledgeable and effective speakers who are
available to address community groups about Amateur Radio,
and works with PIOs to promote interest among those groups.
·
Helps local PIOs to recognize and publicize
newsworthy stories in their areas. Monitors news
releases sent out by the PIOs for stories of broader interest and offers
constructive comments for possible improvement. Helps local PIOs in learning to
deal with, and attempting to minimize, any negative publicity about Amateur
Radio or to correct negative stories incorrectly ascribed to Amateur Radio
operators.
·
Working with the PIOs, develops and maintains
a comprehensive list of media outlets and contacts in the section for use in section-wide
or nationwide mailings.
·
Helps local PIOs prepare emergency response
PR kits containing general information on Amateur Radio and on local clubs,
which may be distributed in advance to local Emergency Coordinators and
District Emergency Coordinators for use in dealing with the media during
emergencies.
·
Works with PIOs, SM and ARRL staff to
identify and publicize League-related stories of local or regional interest,
including election or appointment of ARRL leadership officials, scholarship
winners/award winners, QST articles by local authors or local
achievements noted or featured in QST.
·
Familiarizes self with ARRL Public Service
Announcements (PSAs), brochures and audiovisual materials; assists PIOs in
arranging air time for PSAs; helps PIOs and speakers
choose and secure appropriate brochures and audiovisual materials for events or
presentations.
·
At the request of the Section Manager or
Division Director, may assist with preparation of a section or division
newsletter.
·
Encourages, organizes and conducts public
information/public relations sessions at ARRL hamfests
and conventions.
·
Works with PIOs to encourage activities that
place Amateur Radio in the public eye, including demonstrations, Field Day
activities, etc. and assures that sponsoring organizations are prepared to
follow-up on interest generated by these activities.
·
With the Section Manager's approval, may
appoint club publicity chairpersons or other individuals recommended by
affiliated clubs as PIOs. Where the responsibility cannot or will not be
assumed by a club, the PIC is encouraged to seek qualified League members who
are willing to accept the responsibility of PIO appointments.