Public Affairs Manager

City of Fremont•Fremont, CA

18h•Onsite

About The Position

The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of Public Affairs Manager. The Department is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through emergency response, prevention, preparedness, and community engagement. Serving a diverse and dynamic community in the heart of the Bay Area, the Department values innovation, professionalism, and strong partnerships both within the organization and throughout the community. The Department is seeking a strategic and highly collaborative Public Affairs Manager to lead communications, public information, and community engagement efforts for the Fremont Fire Department. This position serves as the Department’s primary Public Information Officer (PIO) and plays a critical role in shaping public messaging, supporting emergency communications, and strengthening community trust and preparedness. This is not a traditional communications role. The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist, communicator, collaborator, and problem-solver; someone who can move seamlessly between executive briefings, community outreach events, emergency response communications, and operational coordination. This role reports directly to the Fire Chief and works closely with all divisions throughout the Fremont Fire Department, as well as the City’s Communications Director, to ensure coordinated and effective public messaging. The Public Affairs Manager oversees a broad range of communications, outreach, and public engagement functions for the Department.

Requirements

Thrives in a fast-paced public safety environment
Is politically savvy and exercises sound judgment under pressure
Builds strong relationships across divisions, departments, and community groups
Understands the importance of consistent, accurate, and timely messaging during emergencies and critical incidents
Is comfortable preparing messaging, briefing materials, and communication strategies for executive leadership and elected officials
Can confidently and professionally respond to media inquiries and serve as a trusted public information resource
Knowledge of principles of program management
Knowledge of State and local laws and ordinances as it relates to assigned duties
Knowledge of principles and practices of communications and public information techniques through different mediums, including print, Internet, television, and PowerPoint
Knowledge of writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences
Knowledge of typical City services, structure and programs
Knowledge of working with graphic design software
Knowledge of research and problem solving techniques
Knowledge of principles and practices of effective employee supervision including selection, training, evaluation, discipline, motivation, and team building and employee development programs
Knowledge of principles of appropriate conflict resolution techniques
Knowledge of Work load forecasting and staffing models in an extended hours environment
Knowledge of developing and implementing goals and objectives and in applying them to guide and define both communications operations and employee performance through the use of work plans
Skill in preparing clear, concise and complete analysis, proposals, reports and other written materials
Skill in maintaining accurate records and meeting critical deadlines
Skill in researching and analyzing complex problems, evaluating varied information and data, either in statistical or narrative form, and exercising sound judgment within established guidelines
Skill in communicating effectively with other professionals and members of the public
Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, and working collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups
Demonstrated working knowledge of common office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, and acquire skill in utilizing specialized automated systems
Ability to develop, plan, direct and manage a public information function
Ability to understand and communicate technical data to the public and the media
Ability to analyze issues and draw logical and sensitive conclusions
Ability to write proposals, press releases, articles, etc.
Ability to prepare presentations
Ability to design and layout electronic and print newsletters and website pages
Ability to use desktop publishing and printing techniques
Ability to learn the use of specialized computer software applicable to the position
Ability to work independently with limited supervision and under multiple deadlines
Ability to collaborate and bring key stakeholders together and work with the public tactfully, courteously and effectively
Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of City staff, agencies, organizations and vendors
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, journalism, public relations, public administration, or a related field
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in public affairs, public communications and/or public relations
Two years in a lead or supervisory capacity
Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holidays.
Requires possession of a Class C Driver's License.

Nice To Haves

Equal parts strategist, communicator, collaborator, and problem-solver
Can move seamlessly between executive briefings, community outreach events, emergency response communications, and operational coordination
Working with graphic design software
Principles of appropriate conflict resolution techniques
Work load forecasting and staffing models in an extended hours environment
Developing and implementing goals and objectives and in applying them to guide and define both communications operations and employee performance through the use of work plans

Responsibilities

Serving as the Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and primary media contact
Developing and managing public education, outreach, preparedness, and engagement programs
Writing and producing press releases, presentations, newsletters, public service announcements, briefing materials, and other communications
Managing website content, social media platforms, and digital communications tools
Supporting emergency alerting and notification efforts through systems such as Everbridge, Nixle, IPAWS, and official social media channels
Responding to field incidents, command posts, emergency activations, and special events outside of normal business hours when necessary
Supporting Fire Department initiatives related to recruitment, CERT programs, school outreach, community preparedness, and public education
Develops, implements, and manages or supports public safety programs, volunteer programs, problem solving and engagement activities, and other public relations programs.
Writes, edits, designs and produces press releases, public service announcements, brochures, fact sheets and presentations to create public awareness of Department activities and events.
Maintains the City's website, social media and technological outreach systems for content and design, insuring accuracy, consistency and quality.
Oversees and enforces city ordinances, permits, and programs including but not limited to Film Office, Special Event Street Light Banner program, High Impact Special Events, Places of Entertainment License program, Alarm Permits, Parking Citations, Administrative Remedy program, Emergency Preparedness Initiatives, Alerting and Notification Systems Outreach, Fire Prevention Week, Fire Public Education, recruitment initiatives, volunteer coordination/outreach, and other special events or programs related to selected public safety activities.
Coordinates efforts with department command staff and other city departments as it relates to community events, problems, or nuisance issues.
Serves as the Public Safety Public Information Officer, which is the primary contact for information from the public and the media.
Responds to field command posts or other special events outside of normal working hours to serve as Public Information Officer.
Researches and responds to public inquiries regarding public safety matters.
Compiles and analyzes data in order to assess cost, operational feasibility and other aspects of the Department's community engagement programs.
Participates in the preparation and monitoring of related unit budgets, RFP's, and contracts.
Prepares complete, concise, and accurate staff reports for command staff and City Council regarding matters related to the community engagement.
Directs, trains, and supervises professional and technical staff within the Community Engagement Unit.
Other duties as assigned.