Exempt to Permanent Public Relations Officer 1314 Citywide E164635 Job at City a

Exempt to Permanent – Public Relations Officer (1314)

Under general direction, the Public Relations Officer develops, organizes, directs and evaluates a comprehensive program to inform the public of the activities and objectives of a city department.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the department’s public relations program, including policies, methods and procedures.


• Design and oversee public relations, marketing programs, campaigns and websites to maintain an effective public relations program, ensuring multiline‑ingual and multicultural content.


• Conduct market research and analyze public understanding and acceptance of the department’s programs, identifying demographic segments, setting objectives and evaluating outcomes.


• Prepare reports and a variety of written materials for internal and external audiences; write press releases, advisories and maintain current publicity files.


• Develop, prepare and implement marketing and promotional programs to increase support for and use of department services through advertising, special events, press events and customer incentives.


• Create, develop, implement and evaluate public information and outreach programs, special events, projects and campaigns using multiple media (press, radio, television, trade publications, social media, podcasts, etc.).


• Plan, assign and evaluate the work of subordinate staff in the preparation of public relations and marketing programs and projects.


• Engage with civic organizations, neighborhood associations, trade groups and other stakeholders; organize community meetings, focus groups and presentations.


• Use specialized computer software and online platforms to develop and administer websites and social media, and to create and edit videos, photos and artwork for publications.


• Consult with and advise top management on the public relations implications of proposed actions, media strategies and ongoing programs.


• Investigate complaints directed at the department’s operation; recommend corrective action and prepare replies.


• Organize tours and orientation sessions for the media, visiting dignitaries, trade representatives and the public.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in current best practices in communications, marketing and public outreach.


• Ability to analyze and solve complex public relations problems, navigate specialized software, and coordinate programs and events while efficiently managing resources.


• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to write effectively for diverse audiences from a wide variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.


• Supervisory capability for staff performing public relations work.


• Knowledge of media relations and skill in selecting the proper medium for effective news coverage.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Category 16, 17, or 18 Exempt Employee who has worked at least 2,080 hours in Class 1314.


• Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.


• Four (4) years of verifiable full‑time professional experience in editorial, newspaper, magazine, radio, television, public relations, public affairs, public information, social media, digital engagement, advertising, marketing, or similar work directly responsible for the preparation and dissemination of news and information.


• At least one (1) year of experience in planning and conducting a public relations, public information, or public education program.

Education and Experience Substitutions

• For every year of the required degree, an equivalent of 30 semester units or 45 quarter units of experience may substitute.


• A Master's degree in public relations, journalism, mass communications, marketing or a closely related field may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience, but not for the one year of program experience.

Nature of Work

• Some positions may involve adverse weather conditions, long walking distances, or driving to project sites and meetings.


• Work may be required on nights, weekends, and/or holidays.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military and veteran status, or any other protected category under the law.