Public Information Officer

City of Los Banos•Los Banos, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This is a continuous recruitment for a Public Information Officer responsible for planning, developing, directing, overseeing, and implementing a comprehensive communications and public relations program. The role involves managing and distributing information to the public, conducting press briefings, performing marketing-related duties such as photography, graphic design, and branding, and representing the City in various meetings. The position provides highly complex staff assistance to the City Manager and supports City Departments in public relations, publicity, and messaging.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in journalism, communications, public relations, Marketing, Graphic Design, or a related field.
Five years of increasingly responsible public relations, media communication, journalism experience.
Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
A combination of certifications offered by the California Association of Public Information Officials (CAPIO) and FEMA/California Specialized Training Institute (CSTI) training will be required within the first twelve (12) months of employment.
Ability to work a varied schedule of hours, which may include evenings, and/or weekends, or be on-call as needed.
Ability to work effectively with diverse, multi-cultural, religious groups.
Ability to preserve and maintain confidentiality of information and materials routinely encountered as part of work assignments.
On a continuous basis, sit, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, or twist to work in a standard office setting or reach equipment or when in the field; perform simple and power grasping and fine manipulation to operate a keyboard, office equipment, and audio, visual, or recording equipment; speak, write, see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; lift and carry supplies and equipment weighing between 10 and 25 pounds.
Mental strength and resilience to manage emotions to navigate challenges, stressors, and pressure associated with crisis management.
Ability to travel to various municipal sites or emergency scenes.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
Bilingual Spanish Ability.

Responsibilities

Develop, organize, and execute a comprehensive communications and public relations program utilizing various forms of media; oversee distribution of information to the public.
Develop, produce, publish and/or disseminate various communication and informational materials, including newsletters, brochures, factsheets, articles, multi-media presentations, correspondence, reports, speeches, and special position papers on City activities, programs and policies.
Oversee and manage the City’s graphics services function, including photography, audiovisual presentations, and city publications, including logos, posters, and flyers; set design and communications standards; conducts brand audits of work produced by City employees.
Manage and interface with the media including inquiries, crisis management, and emergencies, providing factual, clear, and vetted information that supports the City’s interests and enhances positive relations.
Conduct and organize press briefings; determine methods of presentation and distribution; researches, writes, edits, and issues press releases, media advisories, news articles, feature stories, and public service announcements.
Manages and routinely updates the City's social media accounts, such as Nextdoor, Facebook, X, Instagram, and Nixle.
Provide training and technical support to staff on marketing, advertising, writing, publicity, and communication strategies and policies to City Departments; provide branding guidelines and training.
Assist in the development and maintenance of the City's website; create and update web pages; write scripts and narrate videos for posting to website and digital media; provide guidance and oversight to other City departments regarding website and online content.
Promote City-sponsored community events, outreach, and educational activities and programs; act as a liaison and present to citizens, schools, and community groups to provide information and promoting a positive image of the City; schedule and provide public tours of the City.
Attend meetings of the Council, boards, commissions, and committees as required; serve on assigned committees, community groups, and task forces.
Coordinate and conducts news conferences and other special events, including groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, and other community functions as assigned.
Provides communication support services for the Mayor and City Council such as preparing speeches, addresses, presentation points, and advice on strategic delivery of information.
Participate in crisis management planning and assist with developing of crisis communication plan and written materials.
Prepare or review proclamations and other ceremonial documents for use in City or City-supported events.
Represent the City in governmental, community and professional meetings; Coordinate and develop regional and community partnerships to promote the City’s interests and messaging.
Respond to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen complaints.
Conduct community surveys and analyze results; prepare written, illustrative, and statistical reports.
Develop narratives for grants by translating technical project data into compelling stories that demonstrate clear City and community benefits.
Conduct community engagement and public outreach through events, workshops, and town halls to strengthen support and competitively meet grant criteria and objectives.
Create visual justification including infographics, maps, and videos and other media for grant submissions.
Organize 'Ground-Breaking' or 'Ribbon-Cutting' ceremonies that thank the grantors publicly, strengthening relationships for the next funding cycle.
Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the office.
Develop and standardize procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures.
Develop a system to maintain records and statistics related to communication programs and citizen engagement; maintain and archive press releases, photographs, videos, and other pertinent information.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned.