Communications and External Affairs Director (0941)-Public Works (162563)

City and County of San Francisco • San Francisco, CA

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About The Position

San Francisco Public Works is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as our next Communications and External Affairs Director (0941) . This is a unique opportunity to shape strategic messaging, strengthen community partnerships, and elevate the voice of one of the city’s most impactful and essential departments. San Francisco Public Works has a far-reaching portfolio with a $453 million annual operating budget, an active capital portfolio that exceeds $3 billion and a workforce of 1,700-plus employees. The department operates around the clock, touching every neighborhood in San Francisco. The staff designs and manages the construction of civic buildings and streets; cleans and greens the right of way; maintains civic buildings; manages multi-million-dollar bond programs; trains people for jobs; keeps the right of way free of hazards; paves the roads; repairs bridges and public stairways; expands accessibility; and works at the forefront addressing some of San Francisco’s biggest challenges. With a mission to enhance the quality of life in San Francisco for residents, visitors and business owners, Public Works is committed to providing outstanding public service through an equity lens. Please visit the “About Us” section of our website at https://www.sfpublicworks.org to learn more about the department’s core values, Racial Equity Initiative, leadership team, history, budget and more. The Communications and External Affairs Director serves as the department’s chief strategist and advisor on policy development, legislative affairs, strategic communications, and external engagement. Reporting directly to the Director of Public Works, this position leads initiatives that advance the department’s mission, aligns organizational priorities with Citywide goals, and ensures Public Works communicates effectively with elected leaders, community stakeholders, partner agencies, and the public. The role bridges policy analysis with narrative strategy, overseeing a portfolio that spans public information/relations, external engagement, crisis and response management, executive messaging, and strategic communications planning.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Four (4) years of managerial experience, of which all must include supervisory experience in providing strategic direction, and managing communications workflows including developing strategic messaging, managing media relations and crisis communication efforts, and directing digital/public affairs strategies.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all media relations activities, including drafting and approving press releases, preparing responses to media inquiries, coordinating interviews, developing crisis communication strategies, and crafting proactive narratives that showcase departmental initiatives and achievements.
• Establish and guide the strategic vision for digital communications across social media platforms, newsletters, website content, and public-facing reports—ensuring brand consistency, accuracy, and transparency.
• Serve as the primary communications advisor to the Director and executive leadership, offering counsel on high-profile issues, public positioning, and reputation management strategies.
• Act as the department’s spokesperson at public events and high-visibility meetings, and function as a senior liaison with governmental agencies and community partners.
• Provide oversight for departmentwide policy initiatives, ensuring alignment with the San Francisco Public Works Strategic Plan and the Mayor’s priority objectives.
• Prepare senior leadership for major public appearances, hearings, and media engagements, ensuring messaging is clear, consistent, and strategically positioned.
• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary external affairs team encompassing communications, public information, digital content, stakeholder engagement, and legislative/government relations.
• Oversee research and analysis of municipal policy issues, including legislation, regulatory developments, and emerging trends impacting Public Works operations.
• Direct research, briefings, and analysis related to external affairs priorities, including legislative updates, community impacts, and strategic partnerships affecting departmental operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees