Public Information Officer II

City of Oakland • Oakland, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city’s historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees. The Oakland Police Department is looking for a Public Information Officer II to join the media team and help shape how Oakland sees, understands, and connects with its Police Department. You will be on the front lines of communications, working with the media, highlighting the people behind the badge, creating content, managing social media, producing videos, and sharing information important to Oakland residents, businesses, and visitors during some of the most challenging moments our community faces. If you are ready to put your communications skills to work in a meaningful public service career and join a team that is Building Trust and Strengthening Community, we want to hear from you! We are looking for someone who is: A strong writer. You can explain complex information clearly and accurately to the public during critical incidents, and you can pivot quickly when situations change without sacrificing accuracy or composure. Community-first minded. You are genuinely invested in building trust between the Police Department and the community we serve. A confident and skilled public speaker. You can communicate clearly and build relationships with people at all levels, from elected officials and senior City leaders to reporters, front-line staff, and community members. Collaborative, creative, self-motivated, team-oriented, and compassionate. You bring a positive, solutions-focused approach to your work and remain focused on achieving shared goals. A knowledgeable media professional. You are comfortable working with reporters, understand news cycles, and can build strong, professional relationships with local media outlets. Experienced in social media and photo/video production. You can create engaging, data-informed content for the public and have experience in digital media, journalism, visual storytelling, or crisis communications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in mass communications, journalism, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in the media or as a public relations representative including two years as supervisor or lead staff.

Nice To Haves

• A Master's degree is desirable.
• Fluency in Spanish or Chinese.
• Knowledge of emergency management standards (NIMS, SEMS) and experience delivering public information in an emergency or crisis.
• Understanding of Oakland’s history, policies, and communities.
• Knowledge of the neighborhoods, communities, geography, and what makes The Town special.
• A Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or Communications is preferred but candidates with at least seven (7) years of demonstrated professional experience in media or public relations, news reporting, writing for publications or other related experience including two years as supervisor or lead staff will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Consulting with departments and collaborating with the Citywide Communications and Engagement team.
• Providing timely responses to media inquiries and working with departmental experts to gather information, develop accurate messages, and prepare talking points for department leaders.
• Monitoring the news and social media to identify emerging issues, misinformation, and opportunities to strengthen public engagement.
• Creating and editing social media and web content, including managing visual assets (videography, photography, infographics) to support clear and simple visual communications.
• Supporting employee communications.
• Participating in the City’s Emergency Public Information Officer Team and supporting public information needs in an emergency or disaster.
• Drafting news releases, advisories, statements, social media posts, and other public-facing communications.

Benefits

• 37.5-hour work weeks
• 15 paid holidays
• Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
• Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
• Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
• Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
• Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
• Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level