Public Affairs Specialist - City Manager’s Office (Communications & Legislative Affairs Office)

City of Fremont•Fremont, CA

About The Position

The City Manager’s Office is recruiting for a Public Affairs Specialist within the Communications & Legislative Affairs Office. This office leads efforts to strategically promote and coordinate communication among all City departments, and to inform the public and media/press on Fremont’s innovative programs, services, and best practices. The Public Affairs Specialist works under general supervision to develop, plan, direct, coordinate, and deliver community information, education, and outreach services through various communication channels. This role supports City priorities and initiatives by assisting with strategic communications, community education, engagement, outreach, branding, messaging, content creation for digital platforms, and responding to constituents. The specialist will also collaborate with city staff to enhance their community engagement skills.

Requirements

Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of various forms of mass media including Internet, social media, print, television, radio, electronic communications, and community engagement programs.
Knowledge of problem-solving techniques.
Knowledge of working with graphic design software and digital media tools.
Knowledge of writing, editing, and techniques of team building.
Knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
Knowledge of processes used in collaborative decision-making, consensus building, and meeting facilitation.
Knowledge of communication principles and practices.
Knowledge of crime prevention principles and practices.
Knowledge of emergency management training programs.
Knowledge of fire safety, emergency preparedness, and community organizations and agencies.
Skill in planning, organizing, assigning, and monitoring community engagement activities.
Skill in understanding a variety of emergency management projects and programs.
Skill in dealing tactfully and effectively with a wide variety of government officials, civic groups, private vendors, the public, and City staff.
Skill in using a multidisciplinary approach to achieving goals and objectives.
Skill in maintaining sensitivity to social and cultural diversity and awareness.
Skill in preparing clear, concise, and accurate written studies, presentations, speeches, proposals, and reports.
Skill in representing the City in meetings with the public and government bodies to successfully promote program goals.
Ability to prepare and present clear, concise, and accurate oral and written reports, statements, speeches, talking points, and presentations.
Ability to plan, organize, and implement duties and responsibilities defined by desired outcomes and objectives.
Ability to develop and implement projects and processes designed to enhance community relations at the block, neighborhood, and city-wide level.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
Ability to observe a variety of problems, identify core issues, and participate in the development of plans to address core issues.
Ability to work cooperatively with other City departments and other agencies to leverage the use of community resources.
Ability to plan, organize, and conduct large and small public meetings.
Ability to develop and maintain cooperative relationships with neighborhood and community groups and City staff.
Ability to facilitate problem-solving among different parties with varying interests.
Ability to respond to and effectively prioritize multiple requests for service.
Ability to work irregular duty hours, nights, evenings, weekends, and some holidays as required.
Graduation from a four-year college or university in Public Relations, English, Public Administration, Mass Communications, Sociology, or a related field.
Three years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public relations or communications is desired.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience.
Experience working in a public-sector organization is desirable.
Ability to travel independently within and outside City limits.
Possession of a Class C California driver's license is required at time of appointment.
Incumbent must be First Aid and CPR certified by the end of the probation period.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in crafting engaging and informative content
Managing digital publishing tools
Graphic design and video production experience

Responsibilities

Performs public relations and communications-related tasks, including community relations, internal and external communications, digital media, and City or Department website content creation and maintenance.
Maintains, enhances, and organizes staff in general residential and business community outreach, prevention, and preparedness programs, including community events, in-person meetings, trainings, and programs.
Attends City events and meetings as assigned; participates, plans, and provides assistance with community events, meetings (including facilitating and developing agendas), group/tour visits, and activities, and is responsible for following up on action items.
Develops and implements public education and outreach in support of department and citywide programs and priorities.
Uses data, analytics, and community input to prioritize work and determine which neighborhoods, business districts, or City initiatives will receive focused assistance.
Assists with the development and implementation of Citywide marketing campaigns and materials, including press releases; develops program-related content; researches, writes, and prepares written drafts and program material.
Uses a variety of software to create visual graphics and marketing materials.
Collaborates with the City’s Communications Team to film and edit videos for the digital media presence, ensuring content is professional, current, and innovative.
Responds to questions and requests for information in person and in writing using professional and best practice methods.
Trains staff on City communication procedures and systems.
Provides information to program participants regarding available resources from the City and other community, educational, governmental, and business organizations across various platforms.
Assists community members in identifying issues and problems.
Evaluates alternative courses of action to mitigate issues and problems and recommends solutions.
Uses technology and digital media to educate and deliver community programs using innovative, best practice methods and current trends.
Develops outreach materials and brochures in a variety of methods and languages to reach our culturally diverse community.
Conducts public presentations to groups of all sizes.
Maintains accurate records and prepares reports related to program activities and expenditures.
Participates in the development and tracking of program budgets.
Prepares and reviews program-specific policies, correspondence, regulations, reports, and legislation.
Makes program recommendations and/or participates in the implementation of program operational changes.
Participates on various department, City, and community committees and provides timely follow-up to committee assignments.
Communicates and regularly meets with internal staff from various units and City departments regarding community relations activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.