TNARRL

Public Information Coordinator (PIC)

Dale Knight, AB4DK

📍 Address: 6209 Nightingale St., Morristown, TN 37914
✉️ Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: (423) 273-0374

Public Information Coordinator (PIC) - Position Description

The ARRL Public Information Coordinator (PIC) is a section-level official appointed by and reporting to the Section Manager (SM). The PIC serves as the section's expert on public information and public relations matters.

Requirements:

  • Full ARRL membership.
  • Preferred: Professional experience in public relations, journalism, or media relations.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Coordination

  • Organizes, trains, and guides Public Information Officers (PIOs) within the section.
  • Works to achieve public awareness goals, such as:
    • Recruiting potential hams for licensing courses.
    • Improving public recognition of amateur radio’s service to the community.
  • Ensures that PR activities are well-timed and coordinated, so that clubs, mentors (Elmers), and instructors are prepared to handle public interest.
  • Encourages a goal-oriented mindset among PIOs to improve the effectiveness of public relations efforts.

Advisory & Reporting

  • Advises the Section Manager (SM) on building and maintaining a positive public image for amateur radio.
  • Keeps the SM informed of significant events requiring their involvement.
  • Counsels the SM on media and government relations, especially when representing ARRL and amateur radio in public forums.
  • Maintains close contact with other section-level League officials, such as:
    • State Government Liaison
    • Section Emergency Coordinator
    • Affiliated Club Coordinator
    • Bulletin Manager
    • Other ARRL leadership as needed

PIO Recruitment & Training

  • Works with the Section Manager and Affiliated Club Coordinator to recruit and train Public Information Officers (PIOs).
  • With Section Manager approval, appoints PIOs within the section.
  • Develops and conducts regional training programs for PIOs and club publicity chairpersons.
  • Ensures that PIOs are well-prepared to recognize and publicize newsworthy amateur radio stories.
  • Helps PIOs handle negative publicity or correct incorrect information related to amateur radio.

Media Relations & Publicity

  • Develops and maintains a comprehensive list of media contacts in the section.
  • Coordinates public relations efforts for events involving multiple sections.
  • Assists with the ARRL Public Relations Committee, providing input on key issues.
  • Establishes and manages a Speakers Bureau to provide effective speakers for community presentations about amateur radio.
  • Assists PIOs in securing airtime for Public Service Announcements (PSAs).
  • Helps PIOs and speakers obtain ARRL brochures and audiovisual materials for events.
  • Supports the development of a section or division newsletter, if requested by the SM or Division Director.

Emergency & Event Public Relations

  • Works with PIOs to develop emergency response PR kits, including:
    • General information on amateur radio.
    • Local club contact details.
    • Materials for Emergency Coordinators (ECs) and District Emergency Coordinators (DECs) to use during crises.
  • Identifies and publicizes ARRL-related stories of local or regional interest, such as:
    • Election or appointment of ARRL leadership officials.
    • Scholarship winners, award recipients, or achievements featured in QST.
    • Notable local contributions to amateur radio.
  • Encourages activities that increase public visibility of amateur radio, such as:
    • Demonstrations and Field Day events.
    • Community engagement activities.
    • Educational presentations.

Recruitment & Membership Growth

  • Recruiting new hams and ARRL members is an integral part of the role.
  • Encourages active participation in Field Organization programs to strengthen public service capabilities.