Description

DEPUTY PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Regular, Full-Time Employment Opportunity

We are seeking a talented and energetic communications expert who has the vision and drive to lead a newly expanded team. You’ll be responsible for public education and outreach for exciting projects in our thriving full-service city in the heart of Silicon Valley. You’ll have the support of two communications professionals who oversee the city’s web and social media channels. Dig in on important community topics such as major infrastructure investments (fire stations, libraries, utilities), greenhouse gas reduction, Vision Zero goals, housing needs, and more. Are you adept at juggling multiple fast-paced projects? Love guiding customers on the best communications approaches? Have a track record for successful outreach campaigns? You could be the perfect fit for our Sunnyvale Communications team!

Essential Job Functions

(May include, but are not limited to, the following):

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.

Working Conditions

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator 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 10 pounds. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

Environmental Conditions

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or the public in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

The minimum qualifications for education and experience can be met in the following way:

A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field; AND

Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in public communication, public relations, and journalism, including prior experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Knowledge Of

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.

Ability To

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.

Licenses/Certificates

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.

Application and Selection Process

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS & PROCESS

The application submitted must meet the minimum qualifications listed in the job description in order to move forward in the recruitment process with the City of Sunnyvale. The information provided in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application will be used to determine if the application meets the minimum qualifications. A resume, employment history provided elsewhere in the application, or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application.

Note: The minimum qualifications for experience are based on full-time experience (40 hours per week). Experience included in the Work Experience section of the application is calculated to the full-time equivalent (hours are pro-rated if less than 40 hours/week). Volunteer experience is not considered qualifying experience.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a City of Sunnyvale employment application and responses to the supplemental questions to the Department of Human Resources by Thursday, January 22, 2026 at 5:00pm.

Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to this position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City's employment page at Sunnyvale.ca.gov and click on JOBS. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications of this position. Based upon a review of the application materials, the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the oral examination process scheduled for Monday, February 9, 2026. (Note: The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.)

SELECTION PROCESS

Those candidates that receive a passing score on the examination will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year, in accordance with the City's Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates on the eligibility list will be invited to participate in an in-person selection interview with the department tentatively scheduled for the week of February 23, 2026.

Any candidate that is selected by the hiring department will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, which may consist of a background history check, as well as a medical exam(s) administered by a City selected physician(s) before hire. Prior to starting work, all newly-hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose conviction history will result in refusal of employment or termination. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

Information About Proof Of Education

Any successful candidate, selected by the hiring department will be required to submit proof of education (i.e. original copy of the diploma or college/university transcripts). A candidate with education obtained outside the United States must have education records evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate's expense to determine its equivalency in the United States. Candidates may utilize any third-party agency for the evaluation. If you search ‘education equivalency verification’ or similar online, you will obtain results for agencies that provide this evaluation service.

Additional Information

Positions in this job classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA).

For assistance on how to fill out your job application, watch the following video:

How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job- YouTube (5:13)

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

The City of Sunnyvale is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state, or local laws. The City of Sunnyvale is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at (408) 730-7490 orrecruitments@sunnyvale.ca.gov.

Summary Of Management SMA Benefits

Notice of CFRA (California Family Rights Act) Rights and Obligations

01

Instructions for completing the Supplemental Questionnaire: The following supplemental questions constitute an examination. Responses are reviewed and rated by Subject Matter Expert(s). The supplemental question examination determines the most qualified candidates to move forward in the recruitment process. The responses to the supplemental questions should be specific, thorough and must be reflected in the Work Experience, Education, and Certificates/Licenses sections of the application. Please note the information provided in the supplemental questions will not be accepted in lieu of the completed application. Incomplete responses, false statements, copying and pasting responses from Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs, and/or entering “See Resume” will result in an incomplete application and/or disqualification from the recruitment process. Please be advised that you will be 'timed out' of this page after 30 minutes. It is recommended to copy the supplemental questions that require text answers into a document that you can save on your computer. Prepare your responses in that document and then copy and paste the responses into the spaces provided. Additionally, please save your work continuously. By checking the 'Yes' response below, I indicate that I have read the instructions for completing the application (located in the job posting) and supplemental questionnaire. In accordance with these instructions, I understand that a completed application and written responses to the supplemental questionnaire are required. I understand the completed application and supplemental question responses will be used to evaluate my qualifications for this position and further identify the most qualified candidates to continue in the recruitment process. Additionally, I certify that I have completed the application and supplemental questionnaire on my own; the information provided accurately reflects my training, education and experience; and I understand the information provided is subject to verification.

02

Do you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in public administration, communications, journalism, public relations, or a related field?

03

Do you have at least three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in public communication, public relations, and journalism, including prior experience in a lead or supervisory capacity?

04

If you answered yes to question 3, please describe your experience in public communication, public relations, and/or journalism below. Please include the name of the organization you worked for, the number of years worked and your specific job duties you were responsible for. If you answered no to question 3, enter N/A in the box below.

05

If you answered yes to question 3, please describe your supervisory or lead experience below. Please include the number of employees you supervised or led, their titles and your specific responsibilities. If you answered No or do not have supervisory or lead experience, please enter N/A in the box below.

06

Describe your experience managing each of these communications tools and tactics for an organization. For each tactic, include your specific role, your level of expertise, and the scope of each tactic (e.g., number of webpages, followers on social media): a. Websites b. Social media accounts (include specific platforms) c. Newsletters d. Media relations

07

Describe a project that benefited from your specific contributions and marketing expertise. What communications strategies and tactics did you employ, and why, to achieve the project goals and objectives? What challenges did you overcome? How did you measure success?

08

Describe your specific experience leading a team. Explain your management style, how you’ve established and achieved team goals, and how you’ve ensured high quality service to the team’s customers.

Required Question

City of Sunnyvale

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Deputy Public Information Officer