Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager
The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of Public Affairs Manager. This role is a strategic communications position that acts as the Department’s primary Public Information Officer (PIO) and leads public information, community engagement and emergency communications efforts.

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.

Is This the Role for You?
This is not a traditional communications role. The ideal candidate is equal parts strategic, communicator, collaborator and problem‑solver; someone who can move seamlessly between executive briefings, community outreach events, emergency response communications and operational coordination.

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

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.

About the Position
The Public Affairs Manager oversees a broad range of communications, outreach and public engagement functions for the Department. Responsibilities include:

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 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

How to Apply
The position will remain open until filled; applications are reviewed as received and interviews and assessments may be scheduled once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been established. A resume must be submitted with the completed online application. Please complete an application online by clicking the "Apply" button above. Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs. The selection process may include interviews, reference checks, fingerprint check and other components. Only candidates who meet the qualifications will continue in the process. The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts to accommodate persons with disabilities; inform of special needs at least 5 days prior to the selection process by calling (510) 494‑4660 or emailing humanresources@fremont.gov. For additional information contact Human Resources at humanresources@fremont.gov.

Public Affairs Manager – Class Specification
Definition

Under general direction, the Public Affairs Manager manages community engagement activities, public education and outreach programs, all public relations and communications activities for a Department. The Public Affairs Manager serves as the primary contact for the public and media in the capacity of Public Information Officer.

Class Characteristics

This is a professional management level classification reporting to the Department Head or designee. The role manages all public relations, community outreach, community engagement programs, public safety, prevention programs, volunteer programs, technological communications tools and enforcement of related city ordinances. The Public Affairs Manager acts as the Department’s PIO, primary contact for information by the public and media. The designation has broad discretion and makes independent judgments within policy guidelines, providing direction and supervision of support personnel within the unit.

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.

Maintains the city’s website, social media and technological outreach systems for content and design, ensuring accuracy, consistency and quality.

Oversees and enforces city ordinances, permits and programs related to services such as Film Office, Special Event Street Light Banner, High Impact Special Events, Fire Prevention Week and other public safety initiatives.

Coordinates efforts with department command staff and other city departments for community events, problems or nuisance issues.

Serves as the Public Safety Public Information Officer.

Responds to field command posts or other special events outside normal working hours to serve as PIO.

Researches and responds to public inquiries regarding public safety matters.

Compiles and analyzes data 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, RFPs and contracts.

Prepares concise staff reports for command staff and City Council.

Marginal Functions

Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of principles of program management; state and local laws and ordinances; communications and public information techniques across print, Internet, television and PowerPoint; writing and editing for diverse audiences; city services structure and programs; graphic design software; research and problem‑solving. Ability to develop and implement goals, evaluate performance, supervise staff, resolve conflicts, forecast workload and guide communications operations.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and experience demonstrating required knowledge, skills and abilities. Typical background includes a Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, public administration or related field and five years of increasingly responsible public affairs, communications and/or public relations experience, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements

Must be willing to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Requires a Class C Driver’s License and ability to travel within and outside city limits.

Physical and Environmental Demands

Rare =

66%. Tasks include sitting, walking, standing, bending, balancing, twisting, grasping, reaching. Lifting and carrying up to 10 lbs rarely; no heavy lifting. Coordination: eye‑hand required. Vision: acuity, depth perception, accommodation, color vision required for driving. Hearing: normal conversation, telephone communication required.

Work environment: indoors, outdoors; exposure to extreme temperatures, moving machinery; works alone or with others.

Class Code: 1043 FLSA: Exempt EEOC Code: 2 Barg. Unit: FAME Probation: 12 months Rev.: 05/13

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