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

The City Manager’s Office is recruiting for

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

The City Manager’s Office is responsible for providing support and advice to the City Council, offering leadership and legislative policy support for departments, fostering community partnerships and interagency collaboration, championing efforts to support citywide initiatives and efforts to increase organizational development and resiliency. Within the City Manager’s Office, the Communications & Legislative Affairs 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 practice.

Desirable Qualifications

Great written and oral communication skills

Proficiency in crafting engaging and informative content

Managing digital publishing tools

Graphic design and video production experience

Definition
Under general supervision of departmental objectives and policy, the Public Affairs Specialist exercises considerable independent judgment in developing, planning, directing, coordinating, and delivering community information, education and outreach services through in-person, digital communications and website activities. In support of City priorities and initiatives, the employee may assist with strategic communications; community education; engagement and outreach; branding and messaging; updating newsletters; drafting social media posts; monitoring two-way communications and responding to constituents, assisting with the development of speeches, talking notes, creating presentations, facilitating departmental/citywide community programs and drafting internal and external departmental/city-wide communications. The Public Affairs Specialist will work with city staff to develop and enhance their community engagement skills.

Class Characteristics

Performs public relations and communications-related tasks, including but not limited to community relations, internal and external communications, digital media, 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 following meetings.

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 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 and ensure 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 implementation of program operational changes.

Participates on various department, City and community committees and provides timely follows-up to committee assignments.

Communicates and regularly meets with internal staff from various units and City departments with regard to community relations activities.

Marginal Functions

Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles, practices, and methods of various forms of mass media including but not limited to Internet, social media, print, television and radio, electronic communications and community engagement programs; problem solving techniques, working with graphic design software and digital media tools, writing, editing and techniques of team building, conflict resolution techniques, processes used in collaborative decision making, consensus building, and meeting facilitation; communication principles and practices; crime prevention principles and practices; emergency management training programs; fire safety, emergency preparedness and community organizations and agencies.

Skill in: Planning, organizing, assigning, and monitoring community engagement activities; understanding a variety of emergency management projects and programs; dealing tactfully and effectively with a wide variety of government officials, civic groups, private vendors, the public and City staff; using a multidisciplinary approach to achieving goals and objectives; maintaining sensitivity to social and cultural diversity and awareness; preparing clear, concise, and accurate written studies, presentations, speeches, proposals and reports; 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; plan, organize, and implement duties and responsibilities defined by desired outcomes and objectives; develop and implement projects and processes designed to enhance community relations at the block, neighborhood and city-wide level; develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds; observe a variety of problems, identify core issues, and participate in the development of plans to address core issues; work cooperatively with other City departments and other agencies to leverage the use of community resources; plan, organize, and conduct large and small public meetings; develop and maintain cooperative relationships with neighborhood and community groups and City staff; facilitate problem solving among different parties with varying interests; respond to and effectively prioritize multiple requests for service; work irregular duty hours, nights, evenings, weekends and some holidays as required.

Education/Experience
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential duties of the job would be qualifying. A typical way to accomplish this includes: 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.

Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
This classification requires the 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.

The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

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