Deputy Public Information Manager

About the City
Known as the "Capital of Silicon Valley," the City of San José plays a vital economic and cultural role anchoring the world's leading region of innovation. Encompassing 178 square miles at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, San José is Northern California's largest city and the 13th largest city in the nation. With more than one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States.

About the City Manager's Office of Communications
The City Manager's Office provides strategic leadership that supports the Mayor and City Council and motivates the organization to deliver high quality services that meet the community's needs. The City Manager's Office of Communications directs and implements the City's communications strategy to inform and engage the public. The Office is focused on: communicating the City Manager's priorities; conducting effective public education and outreach; ensuring government openness and transparency; increasing awareness of City programs/initiatives; and improving employee engagement.
About the Position
The City Manager's Office of Communications is recruiting for an Assistant to the City Manager position. This Assistant to the City Manager will act as a Deputy Public Information Manager and report to the Director of Communications. The Deputy Public Information Manager manages a portfolio of City departments and serves as a media contact and/or spokesperson, as well as a Deputy Emergency Public Information Officer during emergencies.

Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills are essential for this position. An ideal candidate will be knowledgeable in marketing and public relations techniques, technologies and platforms, including digital/social media and visual storytelling, and will keep equity at the forefront of all communication. The Deputy Public Information Manager also will advise senior-level managers and elected officials about communications, news media, and community implications and alternatives for decisions, policies and programs. Previous local government and/or public relations/advertising agency experience preferred.

This is a permanent at-will position with the City Manager's Office reporting to the City Manager's Director of Communications.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a discipline related to the business performed by the department, AND six (6) years management and/or administrative experience in government or private business/industry.

A Master's degree is preferred and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Desired Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills, as demonstrated from past and current employment history:

Serve as a leader to strengthen and support the development of individuals and teams, including:

• An understanding of and appreciation for the complexities of local government processes and practices, including:
  1. Ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations; and
  2. Ability to learn quickly, be a self-starter, creatively solve problems, and handle multiple assignments and deadlines, and work well under pressure.
• Proven record of accomplishment of building capacity and directing organizational change to achieve goals, including:
  1. Experience in the development and implementation of strategies to solve complex organization business and municipal problems;
  2. Strong project management experience; and
  3. Strong administrative, organizational, and planning skills.
• Detail oriented and can balance high-level thinking with managing day-to-day tasks on multiple projects at the same time.
• Proven ability to effectively communicate with a broad set of stakeholders, including team members, internal and external executive stakeholders, and the diverse residents of San José.

Key position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with the day-to-day operations of citywide communications programs and projects, develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies, and support and coordinate with City departments.
• Identify and promote the City's achievements, innovations, and public policy goals across all appropriate channels.
• Coordinate speaking opportunities and thought leader programs, presentations, advertising, and special events.
• Develop targeted awareness or behavior-change campaigns and communications plans.
• Develop and implement regular measurement and reporting tools.
• Manage publications, including planning, graphic design, production, and distribution.
• Manage service vendor contracts and track Office of Communications budget
• Oversee the performance of the organization in meeting the City's goals and in carrying out directives of the City Manager.
• Establish and maintain liaison with a diversity of individuals, community groups, and organizations to ensure that the City's programs are effectively accomplished.
• Prepare reports and recommendations to the City Manager.
• Represent the Director of Communications as assigned.
• May supervise professional and/or support staff as assigned.
• Evening and weekend work is required.

Selection Process
To be considered for this position, you must fill out the online application available on the City of San José website and attach a resume. The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Job Specific Questions. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases will consist of one or more interviews and reference checks.

You will be prompted to answer the following Job Specific Questions during the online application process. Please note that there is a 4,000-character limit, including spaces, for each text response.

Job Specific Questions:

1. Please indicate the following functions with which you have experience and a brief description of your skills and experience level (include all that apply)
   1. Public Relations
   2. Social Media
   3. Digital Communications
   4. Internal Communications
   5. Crisis Communications
   6. Visual Storytelling
2. Describe your experience developing and managing programs and/or campaigns for large complex public-sector organizations, including your experience with the City Council, city government, or city services.
3. Describe your approach for effectively working with others and how you evaluate the success of that approach.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. References to a resume will be deemed incomplete and your application will be withheld from further consideration.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jessica Lowry at jessica.lowry@sanjoseca.gov , or Edwin Huertas at Edwin.huertas@sanjoseca.gov .\

To apply, please complete an application via the City of San José's website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers . This position will close on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 5:00 PM. Please submit your application by that date if you would lik e your application to be included in the first review.

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San Jose, California 95113 United States View Map