The City of National City is recruiting for a Public Information Officer to join the City Manager’s Office to assist in the development and dissemination of information within the organization and to the public.

THE CITY: National City’s multi-cultural population, mild climate and central location make National City a great place to live and work. The City takes great pride in its rich history and traditions, diverse cultures, dynamic and progressive atmosphere, strong community spirit, schools, neighborhoods and vibrant business districts. National City, San Diego County’s second oldest city, is truly “In the center of it all.” National City is 10 minutes from everywhere and positioned for prosperity, with proximity to the San Diego Bay, US-Mexico border, downtown San Diego, international airport, rail, San Diego State University, and other colleges and universities. National City is circled by interstates 5 and 805, and highways 54 and 15. For more information on the City of National City, please visit our website at: www.nationalcityca.gov

THE DEPARTMENT: The City Manager’s Office is led by the City Manager whom is appointed and serves at the pleasure of the City Council. The City Manager’s office oversees the delivery of efficient, cost-effective public services to the municipal corporation’s taxpayers, citizen, visitors, business owners and developers.

THE POSITION: Under direction, to plan, develop, implement and manage Citywide public information, public affairs programs, crisis communications, and activities; to plan and direct the development and formulation of informational, educational, and public information/affairs programs and materials; to advise management regarding the most effective implementation of public information/affairs messages, and to perform related work as assigned.

ALTERNATIVE WORK SCHEDULE: The position works a 4/10 workweek, Monday through Thursday, 7am to 6pm. City offices are closed on Fridays. City facilities will also close for a period of approximately two weeks in December with time off for non-essential personnel.

BENEFITS: To learn more about this position employee benefits, please review the Benefits Summary for Management group employees. Please click on the following link: Management Benefits

The following duties and responsibilities are representative of those typically performed by positions assigned to this classification. This position may not perform all of these duties, and/or may perform similar related tasks not listed here.

Plan, develop and direct a comprehensive, Citywide public information program that utilizes various forms of media; oversee the distribution of information to the public; represent the City and City officials on designated occasions.
Plan, coordinate, and direct the formulation, execution, and evaluation of informational, educational, and public affairs programs and materials.
Research, recommend, develop and direct the preparation of public information materials, such as newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, booklets, news releases, fact sheets, and video productions.
Coordinate and direct the dissemination of information for community representatives and various communications media regarding policies, objectives, and activities.
Direct and participate in preparing speeches, radio and television scripts, and audio-visual programs for public presentation.
Prepare reports, publications, and other documents; write articles for inclusion in local publications.
Develop and monitor information and messages to be delivered to the public and determine the best venue for distribution.
Administer and update the City’s social media platforms and pages as assigned.
Supervise the work of subordinate clerical and technical program staff; assist in selecting, training, motivating, and evaluating work; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with the final group decision.
Support, coordinate, and implement a citywide Crisis Communication Strategy.
Perform other related duties as assigned.

Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration, English, or a related field and four (4) years of full-time professional-level public relations, media relations, journalism, marketing, community relations, or social media experience. Qualifying professional-level experience must include at least ONE of the following:

1. Planning and coordinating the production and dissemination of public relations or public information programs involving audio, visual, print, or social media.
2. Writing, editing, and producing public relations or public information materials for a public agency.
3. Experience with executive-level presentations and memorandums.

Highly Desirable:

Master’s Degree in Public Administration or a related field from an accredited institution is highly desired.
Bilingual communication skills.

Additional Requirements

Applicants are required to submit resume, cover letter and a writing portfolio sample along with their application to be considered for this position.

Knowledge of:

Principles, practices, procedures, and techniques of public administration and public policy, including those related to government public relations, project management, staff management, and customer service.
Specialized principles and techniques applicable to news and feature writing for the press, radio, television, informational films, social media platforms, and other outlets.
Methods of writing and laying out advertising copy.
Policies, objectives, operations, and organizational structures common to City departments, including those using a charter cities model.
Research and analytical methods, techniques, and procedures, including organizational and policy analysis and the development of comprehensive analytical reports.
Graphic arts and printing methods, materials, and terminology.
Correct use of English grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Basic principles and methods of statistical analysis.
Methods and techniques of analytical project management.
Methods and techniques of organizing work efficiently and meeting deadlines. •
Targeted Crisis Communication techniques and strategies.
Principles and practices of employee supervision and training, including effective motivation and mentoring techniques.

Skill to:

Effectively utilize modern office equipment, including personal computers and standard business software such as the Microsoft Office Suite.
Effectively utilize graphic arts tools, including computer software and hardware.
Operate a variety of office equipment, including a calculator, copier, fax machine, computer, and assigned software.
Gather accurate information through interviews and inquiries.
Safely operate one or more types of vehicles if required by assignments.
Adjust to rapidly shifting priorities and timelines.
Exercise analytical and critical thinking.

Ability to:

Apply the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of public administration and management analysis to develop an effective Citywide public information program.
Write clear and interesting news releases, educational and informational material, and radio and television scripts; edit other materials for release.
Understand and interpret the policies, procedures, rules, and regulations of an assigned department to make work decisions requiring skilled judgment.
Coordinate and conduct analytical studies, projects, operations, and functions and make sound policy and procedural recommendations.
Research, analyze, and evaluate service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Effectively represent the department and/or City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations, and individuals.
Build and foster relationships with local, state, and federal media outlets, including TV, radio, and print, including Spanish media and community-serving outlets.
In collaboration with the City Manager, Department Heads, and our public relations vendors, develops disaster preparedness campaigns that move citizens to action.
Speak convincingly in public, before groups of individuals, and before the media.
Acts as a City of National City spokesperson and represents the organization at various local, state, and national events, presentations, briefings, conferences, and engagements.
Prepare effective and accurate correspondence and reports.
Administer and update social media platforms.
Work effectively with sensitive and confidential information in a political environment.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license or other means that would allow for the ability to commute to meetings, conduct site visits and attend other special events throughout the county.A comparative review and evaluation of all applications will be conducted by a screening committee. Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a written exam, oral interview and/or other assessments designed to predict successful job performance. To apply for this exciting career opportunity, all applicants must submit a City application, resume and portfolio of writing samples via the City of National City website at www.nationalcityca.gov.

Applicants possessing the most desirable qualifications will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a written exam, oral interview and/or other assessments designed to predict successful job performance.

The City of National City is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of any class protected by law.

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