City of Sunnyvale · 1 month ago
Deputy Public Information Officer
Sunnyvale, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Mid, Senior Level
3+ years expThe City of Sunnyvale is seeking a Deputy Public Information Officer to lead a newly expanded communications team. This role involves overseeing public education and outreach initiatives, managing the City’s communication strategies, and ensuring effective engagement with the community on various topics.
CommunitiesGovernmentPublic RelationsPublic SafetyWellness
Responsibilities
Plans, develops, administers, implements, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the City’s Communications Division, including planning, organizing, and managing internal and external communications on behalf of the City
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the program; recommends within department policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures
Develops, implements, and supports the City's marketing, public information, community engagement, and internal and external communication activities
Coordinates, edits, and publishes various City communication deliverables, including public newsletters, press releases, and other publications, as needed
Leads the development and implementation of delivery outreach efforts for the public to connect with City services and programs; leads in planning City ceremonies, workshops, and meetings as assigned; plans special City events and celebrations as required
Oversees content management for the City website; establishes policies and standards related to the workflow, content, and look of website information; provides guidance and oversight to City departments regarding website and online content
Manages the City’s social media channels to ensure strong communication flow between the City and its residents, including developing proposed responses on social media for executive and senior management; interfaces with other departments in the preparation and dissemination of news items
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
Prepares requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services including graphic design, photography, and videography; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications
Manages contracts and contractors to develop communications materials such as graphic design, photography, videography, and video editing
Provides City-wide training in various aspects of community relations including media relations, public speaking, presentations, and writing style
Provides complex and technical support to the Chief Public Information Officer in responding to major incidents, including City emergencies; assists with the development of emergency response preparedness content, templates, and operating procedures
Assists the Chief Public Information Officer and other senior leadership with media relations, responding to inquiries, and initiating contact as required
Prepares media responses, drafts media materials and maintains press relationships to the benefit of the City
Serves as liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as required
Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Chief Public Information Officer; prepares reports and correspondence concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; prepares statistical reports as required; establishes and maintains working and official program files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities
Represents the City in meetings with members of other organizations, community groups, contractors, and the public
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in communications, multimedia technologies, web page design, social media, and emergency communications
Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval
Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from residents, other departments, and agencies
Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
Oversee communications staff members and web specialists on the team
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field
Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in public communication, public relations, and journalism, including prior experience in a lead or supervisory capacity
Principles and practices of leadership
Principles of providing functional direction and training
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly
Principles and practices of budget development and administration
Principles and practices of contract administration and management
General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area
Best practices for social media and digital content
Current principles, techniques, and objectives of professional journalistic methods, including research, publication, and presentation
Legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct for public sector employees including Fair Political Practices Commission rules and the Public Records Act
Principles and practices of marketing, public information, graphic design, media and community relations, and production
Public information and public relations concepts, principles, methodology and techniques
Various forms of mass media including print, cable television, radio, and the Internet
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) for digital accessibility compliance
Research methods and techniques
Recent and ongoing developments related to the assigned program's operations
Record keeping principles and procedures
Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
Plan, organize, oversee, develop, implement, and administer a comprehensive public information program
Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards
Effectively provide staff leadership and work direction
Prepare and administer budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner
Coordinate and manage assigned projects and programs
Conduct strategic planning for assigned projects
Collect, evaluate, and interpret information and data, in statistical, narrative, and verbal form
Develop community relations and communications programs and strategies for the City
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 express thoughts and facts clearly, orally, and in writing; demonstrate effective use of listening skills and display openness to other ideas and thoughts
Plan and conduct special events
Prepare and present organized and accurate oral reports, statements, and presentations
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques
Prepare, maintain, and update accurate detailed records and files
Interpret and evaluate statistical data
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed
Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
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
Company
City of Sunnyvale
City of Sunnyvale is a local municipality that offers education, economic development, business planning, and public safety services
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageLeadership Team
Barbara Fukumoto
Founder, Leader Sunnyvale Cool
Bryan E. Berdeen
WPC Operations Manager - CPO
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