Deputy Public Information Officer (Assistant to the City Manager)

City of San Jose•San Jose, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The City Manager’s Office of Communications is recruiting for an Assistant to the City Manager who will serve as Deputy Public Information Officer and report to the Director of Communications. The Deputy Public Information Officer manages a portfolio of City departments; serves as a media contact and/or spokesperson; and serves as a Deputy Emergency Public Information Officer during emergencies. Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are essential for this position. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about marketing and public relations techniques, technologies, and platforms, including digital and social media and visual storytelling, and will keep equity at the forefront of all communications. The Deputy Public Information Officer will also advise senior-level managers and elected officials about communications, news media, and the community implications of decisions, policies, and programs, as well as potential alternatives. Previous experience in local government and/or at a public relations or advertising agency is preferred.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a discipline related to the business performed by the department.
Six (6) years of management and/or administrative experience in government or private business/industry.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
Knowledgeable about marketing and public relations techniques, technologies, and platforms, including digital and social media and visual storytelling.
Ability to keep equity at the forefront of all communications.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
Ability to demonstrate empathy when working with diverse audiences and colleagues on a range of sensitive and controversial topics.
Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information.
Ability to delegate effectively and encourage the development of staff throughout the organization.
Ability to remain flexible and adapt to change.
An understanding of and appreciation for the complexities of local government processes and practices.
Ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations.
Ability to learn quickly, take initiative, solve problems creatively, manage multiple assignments and deadlines, and work well under pressure.
Proven record of building capacity and directing organizational change to achieve goals.
Strong project management experience.
Strong administrative, organizational, and planning skills.
Detail-oriented, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and the day-to-day management of multiple projects.
Proven ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including team members, internal and external executive stakeholders, and the diverse residents of San José.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree.
Previous experience in local government and/or at a public relations or advertising agency.

Responsibilities

Manages a portfolio of City departments.
Serves as a media contact and/or spokesperson.
Serves as a Deputy Emergency Public Information Officer during emergencies.
Advises senior-level managers and elected officials about communications, news media, and the community implications of decisions, policies, and programs, as well as potential alternatives.
Assist with the day-to-day operation of citywide communications programs and projects.
Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies.
Support coordination with City departments.
Identify and promote the City’s achievements, innovations, and public policy goals across all appropriate channels.
Coordinate speaking opportunities and thought-leadership programs, presentations, advertising, and special events.
Develop targeted awareness or behavior-change campaigns and communications plans.
Develop and implement regular measurement and reporting tools.
Manage publications, including planning, graphic design, production, and distribution.
Manage service vendor contracts and track the Office of Communications budget.
Oversee the performance of the organization in meeting the City’s goals and carrying out directives of the City Manager.
Establish and maintain relationships with a diverse range of individuals, community groups, and organizations to help ensure that the City’s programs are carried out effectively.
Prepare reports and recommendations to the City Manager.
Represent the Director of Communications as assigned.
May supervise professional and/or support staff as assigned.