Director of Public Affairs (0953 Deputy Director III) - DPH - EXEMPT
Application Opening: Thursday, January 29, 2026.
The Department of Public Health prioritizes equitable and inclusive access to quality healthcare for its community and values diversity. This role sets direction and strategy for public affairs, communications, public records, and media across multiple DPH divisions.
Responsibilities
- Lead department‑wide public affairs, communications, and media strategies spanning multiple DPH divisions.
- Ensure alignment between public messaging, department priorities, and operational realities.
- Represent DPH on highly complex public health issues that affect public safety, regulatory standing, and credibility.
- Oversee public records and disclosure functions, coordinating with custodians and legal partners.
- Coordinate and align senior executives to resolve cross‑divisional issues requiring policy, procedural, or communication solutions.
- Set department‑wide priorities and sequencing of public‑facing initiatives and guide leadership through decision points.
- Reinforce execution discipline through structured coordination, issue resolution, and risk/escalation management.
- Lead media strategy and oversee all media relations for the department.
- Consult and coordinate with the Mayor’s Office and Board of Supervisors on public health policy messaging.
- Represent the department before commissions, boards, committees, federal, state, and local agencies.
- Lead public affairs and communications strategy during emergencies, regulatory actions, and high‑impact events.
- Ensure rapid, accurate, and coordinated communication and disclosure across leadership, operational divisions, and external stakeholders.
- Supervise department‑wide communications and public affairs functions and associated public records operations.
- Lead and support subordinate managers to promote high standards of performance and continuous improvement.
- Develop, administer, and monitor budgets exceeding $5 million, including legislative and policy matters affecting >$10 million in revenue and expenditures.
Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Experience: Four (4) years of managerial experience in public affairs, communications, government affairs, media management, or a closely related field, including staff supervision.
- Education substitution: Equivalent professional experience may substitute for the degree on a year‑for‑year basis for up to 2 years (1 year = 30 semester or 45 quarter units).
Desirable Qualifications
- Public‑sector public affairs experience, preferably within public health or healthcare.
- Knowledge of City and County of San Francisco governmental structures and public health issues.
- Experience communicating complex legislative, regulatory, and administrative issues to the public.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The City and County of San Francisco encourage women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, HIV/AIDS status, or any other protected category under the law.
Position #
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