Public Information Officer
April 2026
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
JOB FAMILY: City Manager
EEO CATEGORY: Professionals
FLSA: Exempt
PAY PLAN: Full-Time Pay Plan
UNION STATUS: Represented
PURPOSE STATEMENT:
Under the direction of the assigned administrator, the Public Information Officer manages and coordinates the city’s public information and public relations activities; assists with marketing the city; and coordinates other associated public information programs, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and effective communication with the public and media outlets.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND TASKS:
The following list of functions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or departmentspecific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
• Works with City Council members, the City Manager, the Assistant City Manager, and other city officials in developing strategies and written materials regarding sensitive community issues and community marketing.
• Prepares and edits press releases, informational materials, and speeches. • Develops and distributes city employee newsletters; and develops and coordinates the production of community newsletters.
• Coordinates, reviews, and develops both content and design for the city’s website. • Coordinates periodic surveys to determine citizen satisfaction, attitudes, and opinions. • Coordinates film permit requests and processes.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with organizations and their various stakeholders, including the public, customers, employees, investors, and government entities. • Performs other related duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
(At time of application)
Knowledge of:
• Techniques of public and media relations and promotion of community activities • News reporting and writing
• Principles and techniques used in surveys and analyses Job Classification Description
Equal Employment Opportunity
Public Information Officer
April 2026
• Website management, methods, practices, and resources • Marketing and advertising strategies
• Social media platforms, content management systems, and other digital communication tools • Computer usage including related software
Skills and Abilities to:
• Manage sensitive information and address citizen complaints, concerns, issues, and problems tactfully and courteously
• Build and maintain professional relationships with journalists, reporters, and media outlets, pitch stories effectively, and handle media inquiries professionally • Focus on precision and maintain uniformity in all communication materials, including press releases, fact sheets, and reports.
• Adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in a fast-paced environment; and adjust communication strategies as needed to address evolving situations • Adhere to ethical standards and guidelines in communication practices, including honesty, transparency, and respect for confidentiality
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
• Perform all essential functions as assigned by an authorized employee, supervisor and/or manager with or without reasonable accommodation
• Individuals must be capable of operating vehicles safely and have an acceptable driving record • Relate well, communicate, and work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders who represent a range of ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds JOB QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.) EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education and experience that would provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the qualifications would be:
Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field and three (3) years of experience in public information, preferably in a municipal government.
LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:
• Valid state-issued Driver’s License and a good driving record.
CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:
• California Public Information Officials (CAPIO) membership WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations) • This position works primarily in an indoor office environment. • Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, sitting, gripping, feeling, Public Information Officer
April 2026
climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, talking and hearing with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally (up to 1/3 of workday), and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently (1/3 to 2/3 of workday), and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly (2/3 or more of workday) to move objects. Physical Demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.