DEFINITION
The Public Information Officer position works as a valued member of the City Manager’s office. The Public Information Officer shall be experienced in public information dissemination, strong oral and written communications, website management, social media methods, graphic design and photography/video. This full-time, regular professional-level position requires an independent, organized, energetic, experienced, innovative and creative individual to develop and manage a variety of materials, activities and public relations strategies to enhance the City’s communication with Los Altos residents, businesses and customers.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Develop and manage the City’s Public Information and Communications Strategies
- Serve as spokesperson with the media for the City
- Builds and maintains positive relations with media, Council, City staff, residents and other agencies
- Manages team of communications representatives from various City departments and works with City departments in the development of programmatic and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project updates of interest to residents through press releases, website updates and other appropriate communication methods
- Develop and monitor the City’s website content to ensure information is relevant and timely
- Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the City. Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities
- Responds to major incidents as requested; provides public information to new media and coordinates information flow and dissemination
- Develop, write, design and produce informational, educational and outreach materials and activities
- Utilize and coordinate approved social media methods to communicate with residents and customers, including staying current on social media methods and making recommendations for continuous improvements
- Identify and cultivate strategic alliances with governmental and non-governmental organizations
- Stays current on new trends and innovations in the field of communications, multimedia technologies and social media. Utilizes new technologies and media platforms to effectively implement City’s communications plan
- Perform research and/or data gathering activities and prepare the City’s Annual Report
- Coordinate and/or assist with preparation and coordination of various periodic and annual City reports and publications
- Provide technical guidance to City departments regarding working with the media and effective marketing strategies
- Photograph still and video images of City programs, events and projects, as needed
- Attend public meetings, as needed
- Serve on City-wide committees and ad hoc project assignments
- Executes citizen surveys as needed
- Perform other duties, as assigned
MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Excellent command of English language including spelling, grammar and punctuation; modern office methods, procedures, organizational skills and equipment including automation hardware and software; Computer skills including applications such as Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop; Internet skills including use of social media; Internet website development and management methods
ABILITY TO:
Work independently and efficiently; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; demonstrate tact and discretion in preparing, disclosing and handling information of a confidential, controversial and sensitive nature; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, elected and appointed officials, residents, interests groups, legislators, and the public; communicate technical information including complex rules, regulations, legislation, and laws in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience; develop and implement city policies and procedures, translating strategy into integrated implementation; organize duties and determine priorities in order to meet assigned deadlines; photograph action-oriented images of programs and projects; work a flexible schedule, as needed; demonstrate organizational leadership and work effectively as a team member.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
- Five years professional communications experience; experience with City Government experience preferred
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university with major emphasis in public administration, journalism, mass media communications, marketing, public relations or a related field
- Valid California driver’s license
IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude. This position should demonstrate a high level of customer service standards with the community, customers, and departments. The ideal candidate is comfortable with change and can multi-task; is familiar with governmental organizational structure and public service oriented, has a willingness and capacity to learn and be innovative. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. Enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, or typewriter keyboard, and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a livescan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.
This position is open until filled with a first review date of December 9, 2019.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER:
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
