Public Information/Communications Officer Job at City of Encinitas, Encinitas, CA 92024

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Job Description

The Position

The City's Public Information/Communications Officer works with considerable independence in carrying out broad assignments requiring the application of independent judgment to a wide scope of responsibilities involved in developing and managing a citywide communications program. Responsibilities include frequent interaction with elected and appointed officials, the community, media, and businesses requiring excellent oral and written communication skills including public speaking. The incumbent is expected to resolve most problems confronted through the application of independent judgment.
This Public Information/Communications Officer will be staffed at the Senior Management Analyst level.

Examples of Important & Essential Duties (included but not limited to)

  • Develops and facilitates a comprehensive citizen outreach program to gather public input on a variety of topics.
  • Supports and enhances the City’s strategic plan through public engagement and communications.
  • Plans and executes public communications programs to ensure comprehensive media coverage for City programs, services and events.
  • Develops, directs, oversees, and implements a comprehensive public information program utilizing various forms of media.
  • Provides training and coaching to elected officials and staff in communications, presentations, and strategic planning of City services and programs.
  • Oversees the distribution of public information and represents the City at designated events.
  • Develops and oversees a comprehensive public education and information program through development and execution of specific programs, events, publications and procedures.
  • Initiates and writes press releases, public service announcements, articles, speeches and position papers on City activities, programs and policies, and determines methods of presentation and distribution.
  • Writes, edits, publishes and disseminates a City newsletter, Annual Report of City activities and projects, regular articles by the City Manager or other City officials for various publications and other city-produced information publications.
  • Attends meetings of the City Council, and other boards, commissions, and committees, as required.
  • Promotes City-sponsored community events, activities and programs; acts as liaison to citizens, schools, and community groups in providing information and promoting a positive image of the City; schedules and provides public tours of City Hall and City facilities.
  • Answers inquiries by telephone or in person to accurately provide information requested or refers people to the proper source of information.
  • May coordinate or assist with grand openings, dedications, and special events.
  • Works with City departments to respond to reporter questions and inquiries.
  • Photographs City events, activities and projects for distribution with City related press releases and feature stories. Prepares and maintains a comprehensive photo library for use in publications and presentations on the City’s website.
  • Maintains and updates specific web pages.
  • Serves on assigned committees, community groups and task forces.
  • Interacts with state and local elected and appointed officials and their representatives.
  • Performs additional duties, as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Three years of progressively responsible experience in public or media communications experience, including experience in developing comprehensive marketing and communications plans. A Master’s degree is desirable.

Knowledge of:
  • Principles, practices, techniques, and methods of gathering, preparing, and disseminating public information. Associated Press style print guidelines and broadcast standard style writing; principles and practices of journalism, public relations, and mass communications.
  • Ethical principles and practices related to the field of journalism.
  • Public engagement activities related to a municipal government.

Skill in:
  • Exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving evaluation of information.
  • Perform responsible, difficult and confidential work involving the use of independent judgment, discretion, and personal initiative.
  • Develop and organize communication programs with citywide impact.
  • Plan, organize, and carry out assignments with minimal supervision and direction.
  • Conduct effective presentations and speeches, in a variety of settings and with a variety of audiences, stakeholders, and comprehension skills.
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Utilize computer software programs, especially as it relates to publicity development.
  • Interact with Federal, State and local elected and appointed officials and their representatives; establish, maintain, and foster positive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Train, supervise and evaluate the work of employees.
  • Organize, prioritize and coordinate projects to meet deadlines.

Application Process and Deadline

A completed application with an attached resume AND cover letter is required.
This position is open until filled with a first review of applications scheduled for
March 23, 2023
*** incomplete application packets will not be reviewed ***
The City of Encinitas and the San Dieguito Water District provide equal opportunity employment for all persons without regard to race, color, religion/religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, marital status, age, physical disability, ancestry, genetic information, medical condition, political affiliations, veteran status, Family Leave Act status, AB60 CA Driver's License status or status with pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding. The City and Water District encourage minorities, disabled persons and women to apply. Qualified applicants who move to the next level of the selection process must notify the Human Resources Office if accommodation is needed. A thorough background check will be conducted for the candidate(s) seriously considered for the position including fingerprinting and reference checking. A contingent job offer may be given pending the results of medical evaluation, which includes a physical, TB test and drug and alcohol screening. Applicants will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice.

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