Communications Officer
Bargaining Unit: SHEA
Established Date: June 27, 2023
CENTRAL PURPOSE OF JOB:
Under general direction of the City Manager, this position develops, organizes and manages the strategic City-wide communication and community engagement efforts; develops communication strategy and Communications Plan; oversees implementation of Communication Plan; prepares and oversees all City communication tools, including the use of Public, Educational, and Governmental Channel, e-newsletter, City Views, social media and City websites; develops, executes and shapes a comprehensive representation of the City through short- and long-term public relations/marketing strategies; administers and manages ongoing development of integrated information programs; develops community engagement strategies for citywide initiatives; support City events and related activities; performs a wide variety of responsible, professional-level research, administrative and analytical support duties of above average difficulty including in the areas of administrative research, budget preparation and management, project analysis and monitoring, contract formulation and administration, and general administrative functions.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This classification is distinguished from the lower classification of Communications Specialist as incumbents of this class are responsible for fulfilling more complex responsibilities, higher level analysis, contractual monitoring, media development and management, and budget preparation and management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include, but are not limited to the following characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
Develops, oversees and implements a strategic Citywide and department specific communications plan, policies, procedures and standards using various forms of media, digital and social media platforms.
Exhibit BExhibit BInterface with the media and conduct or organize press briefings, issue press releases, news articles, feature stories and public service announcements for print, radio, television and electronic media. May serve as a media spokesperson.
Exhibit B
Exhibit B
Develops and executes plans to communicate with internal and external audiences during emergencies; serves as a member of the Emergency Operations Center or spokesperson as needed; and participates in planning and training for these incidents.
Develops and maintains information for the City’s websites and social media sites, monitors and responds to comments and inquiries received from the public.
Plans and develops media programs and campaigns designed to keep the public informed of City services, events, accomplishments and programs.
Designs and manages comprehensive community engagement programs and activities for city initiatives to increase community knowledge and gather input including outreach and events, surveys and information packages.
Designs, writes, edits and produces public information materials such as videos, display advertising, brochures, flyers, mail materials, newsletter articles, and other media. Works with City staff from various departments to coordinate and edit City newsletter content.
Coordinates and supports City events and related functions.
Coordinates and collaborates with departments, divisions and outside agencies; serves as a liaison with public and private organizations, community groups and other social organizations; provides information and serves as a resource; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen complaints and inquiries, and represents the City in a professional and positive manner with the community.
Provides strategic guidance to staff in City departments regarding public outreach and involvement programs to meet City objectives.
Procures and maintains imagery from City events, activities and projects for distribution with City related press releases, feature stories and newsletters; Prepares and maintains a comprehensive photo library for use in publications and presentations on the City’s website.
Establishes and executes short and long-term public relations/marketing goals and strategies; develop comprehensive plans, strategies and approaches for use in marketing and promoting the City’s image to citizens, businesses, industry and media locally, regionally, and nationally; communicates and collaborates with outside marketing and advertising agencies on programs and campaigns, as required.
Prepares and presents staff reports, oral presentations and other necessary correspondence.
Assumes management responsibility for services and activities of assigned specialized program areas with City-wide impact; coordinates assigned activities with other programs, divisions, departments and outside agencies.
Oversees, manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends, implements, and administers policies and procedures.
Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the assigned program area annual budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, supplies, programs, and financial obligations; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends and implements adjustments.
Serves as liaison to and representative of assigned programmatic areas with other programs, divisions, departments and outside agencies and organizations; represents areas of responsibility to various interagency, regional and state boards and commissions; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
Serves as staff on a variety of committees; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; prepares and presents City Council staff reports for assigned programs and/or projects.
Performs responsible, professional-level research, administrative and analytical support duties of above average difficulty including in the areas of administrative research, grant administration, project analysis and monitoring, contract administration, and general administrative functions; selects, adapts and applies appropriate research and statistical techniques.
Prepares a variety of analytical and statistical reports including the preparation of conclusions and forecasts based on data summaries and other findings; and consults with City staff, outside agencies and associations to obtain information.
Reviews all program reports and documents for completeness and compliance with established guidelines.
Negotiates, analyzes, implements, and monitors various agreements; oversees and manages contracted services; prepares requests for proposal, requests for information and bid documents; recommends contract award; negotiate terms of contract and prepares contracts; monitors services to ensure compliance with contractual obligations; and issue task orders.
Develops general, special and technical provisions in contracts to ensure maximum benefit to the agency and limitation of risk; acquires and maintains a working knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, policies, standards, and procedures; and interprets and applies, and implements new or revised laws, regulations, policies, standards and procedures.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS
May be required to attend events and work outside of normal business hours Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Experience:
At least five years of increasingly responsible professional-level communications, public relations, or marketing program administration. Local government experience is desirable, but not required.
Education/Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, marketing, business administration, public administration or a related field.
Licenses and Certificates:
Possession of a valid Class C California Driver’s License with acceptable driving record.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of communications, public relations, marketing, outreach in the area of radio, television, magazines, newspapers, video production, print production and web-based tools.
Principles of communication technologies, methods and tools for public involvement and media interaction.
Planning and preparing media releases and announcements of special events.
Principles and practices of programming and planning special events.
Methods of planning and implementing an effective public engagement program.
Supervisory principles and practices.
In-depth operational characteristics, services and activities of the program to which assigned.
Principles and practices of contract planning, development and implementation.
Contract administration and termination techniques.
Laws, regulations and rules associated with contract development, administration and termination.
Principles and practices of program development and administration.
Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluation.
Advanced principles and practices of public administration.
Operations and functions of municipal government.
Advanced methods and techniques of research, analysis and statistical and analytical report preparation.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Methods and techniques of grant application and administration.
Principles and practices of public speaking.
Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
Modern office procedures and methods including computer equipment and supporting word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Pertinent federal, state and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Develop and organize communications programs with City-wide impact.
Formulate public information dissemination strategies as needed to create effective outreach strategies.
Write clear and informative feature articles, press kits, scripts for various communications media.
Compose, coordinate and edit a variety of informational and promotional materials and other documents such as brochures, fact sheets, pamphlets, and newsletters for distribution to the community, private organizations and businesses.
Plan, coordinate and promote City and community events.
Ensure all City-wide communications and public engagement activities align with the City’s strategic priorities and underlying principles for community engagement.
Develop and execute effective strategies to increase community knowledge, participation and input gathering for City projects including events, project collateral and marketing materials and appropriate methods for soliciting community perspectives Effectively represent the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups and various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations and in meetings with individuals.
Oversee, plan, direct, coordinate and review the work of lower level staff.
Select, supervise, train and evaluate staff.
Participate in the development and administration of program goals, objectives and procedures.
Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
Organize, prioritize and coordinate multiple work activities and meet critical deadlines.
Write a variety of contracts for equipment, goods and services.
Prepare and administer complex program budgets.
Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
Perform administrative and analytical activities for assigned programs or departments.
Independently plan, organize and schedule work to meet administrative requirements and deadlines.
Research, analyze and evaluate programs, policies and procedures.
Operate a variety of office equipment including a computer and associated word processing applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions
The physical demands herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential job functions.
Productivity: Incumbents must perform work in an efficient, effective and timely manner with minimal direction.
Mobility: Incumbents require sufficient mobility to work in an office setting, operating office equipment.
Vision: Vision sufficient to read small print, computer screens, printed documents and to operate assigned equipment.
Environment: Normal office setting.
Other Factors: Incumbents may be required to work extended hours including evenings and weekends. Incumbents may be required to travel outside City boundaries to attend meetings.
Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the final qualifications of incumbents within the position.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster service workers subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their supervisor or by law.
City of Signal Hill