Public Information Director Onboarding Checklist

Public Information Director Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Public Information Director starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Communications onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Public Information Director, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Public Information Director onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Public Information Director Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The new Public Information Director should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the Human Resources department or a designated company representative.

2. Familiarization with the communication strategy: The new Public Information Director should be given an overview of the company’s communication strategy, including its target audience, key messages, and preferred channels of communication. This task is usually performed by the Director of Communications or a senior member of the communications team.

3. Review of existing communication materials: The new Public Information Director should be given access to and encouraged to review existing communication materials, such as press releases, media kits, website content, and social media posts. This task can be performed independently by the new director, with guidance and support from the communications team.

4. Introduction to key stakeholders: The new Public Information Director should be introduced to key internal and external stakeholders, such as senior executives, department heads, media contacts, and community partners. This task is typically facilitated by the Director of Communications or a designated member of the communications team.

5. Training on crisis communication protocols: The new Public Information Director should receive training on the company’s crisis communication protocols, including how to handle media inquiries during emergencies or sensitive situations. This task is usually performed by the Director of Communications or a designated crisis communication specialist.

6. Collaboration with other departments: The new Public Information Director should be encouraged to collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, sales, and customer service, to ensure consistent messaging and alignment of communication efforts. This task requires coordination with department heads and the Director of Communications.

7. Development of a communication plan: The new Public Information Director should be tasked with developing a comprehensive communication plan that outlines goals, strategies, tactics, and timelines for various communication initiatives. This task is typically performed independently by the new director, with input and feedback from the Director of Communications.

8. Creation of a media contact database: The new Public Information Director should be responsible for creating and maintaining a database of media contacts, including journalists, reporters, and editors, to facilitate effective media relations. This task is performed independently by the new director, with support from the communications team.

9. Review of social media policies and guidelines: The new Public Information Director should review the company’s social media policies and guidelines to ensure compliance and understanding of best practices for engaging with the public through social media platforms. This task can be performed independently by the new director, with guidance from the Director of Communications or a designated social media specialist.

10. Attendance at relevant industry events: The new Public Information Director should be encouraged to attend relevant industry events, conferences, and seminars to stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in the field of communications. This task requires coordination with the Director of Communications and approval from senior management.

11. Evaluation of communication effectiveness: The new Public Information Director should be tasked with regularly evaluating the effectiveness of communication efforts, using metrics such as media coverage, website traffic, social media engagement, and customer feedback. This task is typically performed independently by the new director, with support from the communications team.

12. Ongoing professional development: The new Public Information Director should be provided with opportunities for ongoing professional development, such as attending workshops, webinars, or training sessions related to public relations, media relations, crisis communication, and other relevant topics. This task requires coordination with the Director of Communications and approval from senior management

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Public Information Director checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Public Information Director up to speed and working well in your Communications team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.