Within and outside a company or organization, an information officer organizes, evaluates, and distributes information in various formats. In interactions with the public and the media, this person is usually the spokesperson. An information officer may work for a government agency or a private corporation, with the goal of generating positive publicity and responding to negative events. He or she should have prior writing experience and be familiar with how the media works.
The person who fills this role in government is commonly referred to as a public information officer. When an event that affects the agency occurs, the person who fills this position typically monitors current events and determines the best response. He or she usually uses press releases, press conferences, and written material to promote the organization’s actions. As part of his or her responsibilities, an information officer frequently designs and updates the agency’s website.
An information officer may also serve as a public affairs coordinator, depending on the nature of the organization. To attract visitors to these areas, someone working for a park and recreation system might offer tours and educational brochures. When more funding is required or fees rise, he or she may also explain the agency’s history. The information officer may give speeches to schools or community groups in this capacity, educating the public about the agency’s operations.
In the private sector, information officers typically strive for positive publicity that leads to increased profits. These employees may use press releases and personal contact to pitch stories to the media. They may create and distribute marketing materials for the media and the general public, as well as respond to information requests. To reach a large audience, some information officers use social networking sites.
An information officer’s primary responsibility, especially in government organizations, is to provide public information. He or she is usually capable of quickly researching, compiling, and distributing requested documents. Technology allows for the storage and dissemination of massive amounts of data, which may result in more frequent requests from citizens who are accustomed to having instant access to information.
Some people in this field are in charge of information management within a company or organization. They might be in charge of sending out periodic newsletters to all employees to keep them up to date on important information. Another task that some information officers perform is writing articles for magazines or quarterly publications.
Previous experience in the news industry is usually required in this field. In most cases, a bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or public relations is required. A master’s degree in public administration may be required if the job involves working for a large corporation or government agency.
An information officer should be comfortable dealing with a wide range of people and be able to handle any potentially explosive situation with tact. If a crisis arises that needs to be addressed, the job may be stressful and work hours may be irregular. Deadlines on multiple projects may also add to the job’s stress.