Deputy Public Information Officer

Description

Deputy Public Information Officer

Full-Time, Regular Employment Opportunity

We are seeking a talented and energetic communications expert who has the vision and drive to help build and lead a growing team. You'll be responsible for public education and outreach for exciting projects in our thriving full-service city. You'll have the support of two communications professionals, one of which you'll help hire. Dig in on important community topics like major infrastructure investments (fire stations, libraries, utilities), greenhouse gas reduction, Vision Zero goals, housing needs, and more. Are you adept at juggling multiple fast-paced projects? Love guiding customers on the best communications approaches? Have a track record for successful outreach campaigns? You could be a perfect fit for our Sunnyvale Communications team!

Under general direction of the Chief Public Information Officer, supports internal and external communication including managing print and digital communication activities, and responding to media inquiries; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to communication activities and in support of the Chief Public Information Officer; and performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Deputy Public Information Officer is a single-position classification in which the incumbent develops, implements, and supports Citywide communication efforts, while the Chief Public Information Officer has responsibility for the City of Sunnyvale's overall strategy for internal and external communications.

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

• Develops, implements and supports the City's marketing, public information, community engagement, and internal and external communications activities.
• Supports the Chief Public Information Officer with media relations, responding to inquiries and initiating contact as required.
• Manages contracts and contractors to develop communications materials such as graphic design, photography, videography, and video editing.
• Supervises City website content manager and establishes policies and standards related to the workflow, content and look of website information.
• Serves as resource and consultant to City departments in the development of community engagement and marketing strategies and materials.
• Develops and supervises the delivery of outreach efforts that target specific population groups that may experience barriers in connecting with City services and programs.
• Coordinates, edits, and publishes a variety of City communication deliverables, including the Horizon Newsletter, Update Sunnyvale community newsletter, Insights employee newsletter, and other publications as necessary.
• Provides Citywide training in various aspects of community relations including media relations, public speaking, and presentations, and writing style.
• Supports City departments in the development of newsletters, letters to the community, project-based communications, focus groups or other methods of communicating with the public and news media.
• Supports and coordinates with the Chief Public Information Officer in responding to major incidents, including emergency response. Assists with emergency response preparedness by creating content templates and operating procedures for all relevant communications channels, such as emergency broadcast systems.
• Supports and works on the development, implementation, and updates of policies and procedures for community engagement, media relations, and public information.
• Coordinates City ceremonies, workshops, and meetings as assigned; plans special City events and celebrations as required.
• Prepares requests for proposals and evaluates proposals for contracted services.
• Plans, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of staff; trains staff in work procedures; helps staff prioritize workload; ensures excellent customer services for client departments.
• Maintains strong working relationships and serves as a liaison to City client departments; tracks and monitors division performance metrics; seeks opportunities to improve metrics and internal customer satisfaction.
• May serve as representative to community meetings as well as to civic and neighborhood events on behalf of the City.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:
The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in communications, public
relations, journalism, or a related field, AND
Four years of increasingly responsible experience in public communication, public relations,
or other related municipal experience.

Knowledge of:

• Public information and public relations concepts, principles, methodology and techniques.
• Pertinent local, state and federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Principles and practices of marketing, graphic design, and media production.
• Various forms of mass media including print, cable television, radio, and the Internet.
• Structure and content of the English language including spelling, punctuation, grammar, rules of composition, and federal plain language guidelines.
• Principles of equity, access, inclusion, and belonging.
• Principles of supervision, coaching, training, emotional intelligence, and performance evaluation.
• Principles and practices of budget development and monitoring.
• Office methods, procedures, software, and equipment.

Ability to:

• Effectively express thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrate effective use of listening skills and display openness to other ideas and thoughts.
• Effectively collaborate with staff to coordinate and implement communication campaigns using various mediums including digital, print, cable television, radio, and direct in-person tactics.
• Effectively serve as a City spokesperson and maintain a professional image.
• Prepare clear, concise, and complete documentation, reports, and correspondence.
• Prepare and present organized and accurate oral reports, statements, and presentations.
• Represent the City effectively in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, boards and commissions, and the public.
• Collect, evaluate, and interpret varied information and data, either in statistical, narrative, or verbal form.
• Develop networks and maintain effective working relationships with staff, elected officials, other government officials, the public and the media; communicate technical information including complex rules, regulations, legislation, and laws in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience.
• Make effective presentations using a variety of presentation techniques and methods.
• Supervise, direct, coordinate and evaluate the work of subordinate staff.
• Work effectively in time-sensitive situations, recognize, and set priorities, and meet deadlines; coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently and as a team member
• Operate standard office equipment and software.
• Observe safety principles and work in a safe manner.

Willingness to:

Travel to various locations within and outside the City of Sunnyvale including the attendance at professional meetings, seminars, conferences, and training activities.
Work beyond normal business hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and in response to emergency situations, as necessary.

Licenses/Certificates:
Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

• An accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).
• A Master's degree in a related field of study.

Application and Selection Process

Application and Selection Process
If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by 5:00 pm on Monday, December 2, 2024.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience or skills relevant to this position. Applications may be submitted on-line through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on Jobs. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS
Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination process, which may consist of an oral examination scheduled for Monday, December 16, 2024.(Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources). Selection interviews for top scorers will be conducted the first week in October.

SELECTION PROCESS
Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in a selection interview with the department. Any candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a comprehensive background investigation, as well as medical exam(s) administered by a City-selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination.

INFORMATION ABOUT PROOF OF EDUCATION
Any successful candidate selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e., copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA).

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the City of Sunnyvale not to discriminate against all qualified applicants or employees on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion (including religious dress or grooming practice), color, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth, breastfeeding or medical conditions related to breastfeeding), gender identity and/or gender expression, sexual orientation (including heterosexuality, homosexuality and bisexuality), ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, marital status, family relationship, age, cancer or HIV/AIDS related medical condition, genetic characteristics and/or genetic information, and physical or mental disability. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at time of application.

Summary of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

Closing Date/Time: 12/2/2024 5:00 PM Pacific

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• City of Sunnyvale

• 408-730-3017

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