City And Job Overview
The City of Garden Grove is currently accepting applications for the position of
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Are you a dynamic storyteller with a passion for community engagement? The City of Garden Grove is seeking a visionary Public Information Officer to be the voice of our vibrant city! Leading a hardworking team of communications professionals, including the award-winning Garden Grove TV3 team, you’ll drive strategic messaging, shape the public narrative, and foster meaningful connections with the community. In this high-impact role, you’ll promote Garden Grove’s iconic legacy events such as the world-famous Strawberry Festival and the newly held Foods of Garden Grove LIVE. From showcasing our city’s thriving tourism scene to highlighting its renowned food culture, you’ll play a pivotal role in elevating Garden Grove’s image. If you’re a creative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is ready to make a lasting impact, we want you on our team!
Under general direction, the Public Information Officer (official classification: Principal Administrative Analyst) plans, organizes, and implements a comprehensive communications, community relations, and marketing program for the City and oversees public information staff and programs to create an enhanced understanding and awareness of City events, programs, services, policies and projects.
The ideal candidate for this position will: be a skilled communications and public relations leader with experience in strategic planning, media relations, and community engagement; manage city-wide marketing efforts, oversee public information programs, and develop messaging for various platforms, including social media, print, and digital media; possess strong leadership and supervisory skills and the ability to oversee staff and coordinate interdepartmental efforts effectively; build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, businesses, and community stakeholders.
Essential Duties
Assume responsibility for the Office of Community Relations of the City Manager's Office and participate in the development and implementation of strategic goals, policies, and priorities for the division
Develop and manage public information programs and campaigns to ensure the community is kept informed of current City programs, services, policies, projects and events through various outlets including the City website, social media, printed publications, and special events
Perform public and media relations duties, conduct press briefings, and represent the City at various community functions
Plan and oversee the development and distribution of City-wide marketing publications and outreach materials including newsletters, banners, website content, and brochures
Represent the City at a variety of conferences, committees, commissions, meetings, hearings, and other functions
Monitor operations and activities of assigned programs, recommend improvements and modifications, and prepare various reports
Interview, select, train, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of assigned staff and conduct performance reviews, counsel employees, and may be responsible for employee discipline as necessary
Participate in the development and management of the City’s image, including review of materials developed by other departments for public distribution and marketing programs, projects, and issues of importance to the City
Coordinate and integrate program services and activities with other agencies, groups, and/or City departments
Performs other related duties as assigned
Requirements
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
A Bachelor's degree with major course work in public administration, public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field and five (5) years of professional experience in public administration, public relations, communications, media relations, and marketing for a government agency is required.
Supervisory experience is preferred. Bilingual Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese is highly desirable.
Knowledge Of
Principles, practices and techniques used in the conduct of an effective public affairs program, including public relations, marketing and advertising, strategic communications, and community relations; principles, practices, and procedures related to media relations, reporting, and news writing; principles and practices of management and organization; statistical and research methods; administrative survey techniques and their application; supervisory techniques and their application; customer service techniques and practices; current economic, social and political trends and operating problems of municipal government; methods for monitoring and measuring results of marketing and outreach; modern office procedures, methods, computer equipment, and computer applications; English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, the news media, and the public.
Ability To
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City and government officials, staff, legislators, consultants, community leaders, residents, the media, and the general public; effectively strategize and identify the best tactics and approaches for public relations in the areas of external and internal communications, community outreach, and marketing; recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services; plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff and contractors; conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide spectrum of people and organizations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification sit, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see small details, use a 10 key or calculator, and work on a personal computer.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work in an open office environment.
Other Important Information
How To Apply
Applications are accepted online at: www.ggcity.org/hr.
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 28, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.
Online Application Packets Must Include
- completed online employment application
- completed supplemental questionnaire
The job application must be completely filled out. A resume cannot substitute for the application or other required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.
SELECTION PROCESS
The Selection Process May Consist Of
- Oral panel interview and performance exam – tentatively scheduled for March 12, 2025
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.
CANDIDATES WILL ONLY RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL and should be diligent in checking both their email and spam mail.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
VACATION
Accrues At The Following Rates
- 80 hours upon completion of one (1) year
- 120 hours after one (1) year - 10 hours per month
- 144 hours after nine (9) years - 12 hours per month
- 168 hours after fourteen (14) years - 14 hours per month
- 207 hours after nineteen (19) years - 17.25 hours per month
- 246 hours after twenty-four (24) years - 20.6 hours per month
HOLIDAYS: Fourteen (14) paid holidays annually (up to 125 hours)
ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE: FLSA exempt management employees receive forty (40) hours of administrative leave for use each calendar year beginning January 1. New employees hired July 1 and after shall be allowed to use up to twenty (20) hours during that calendar year. Employees in the classifications of Administrative Secretary, Deputy City Clerk and Public Works Foreman are determined as non-exempt for FLSA purposes.
SICK LEAVE: Sick leave accrues at the rate of eight (8) hours with pay for each full calendar month of service.
INSURANCE: Cafeteria Plan Spending Fund: Employees receive a monthly allowance with which to purchase medical and dental benefits for themselves and their dependents. Any unused portion of the allowance may be put into a deferred compensation plan or Flexible Reimbursement Account, or taken as cash at the end of the year. The City also provides a Flexible Reimbursement Account into which employees may tax-defer funds to use to pay for childcare or to cover those health and dental care expenses (deductibles, etc.) that are not reimbursed by an insurance carrier.
RETIREMENT
Tier I - Employees hired prior to January 1, 2013 are covered by the "2.5% at 55" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute eight percent (8%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis.
Tier II - Employees hired and enrolled into PERS after January 1, 2013 are covered by the "2.0% at 62" 3-year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half the normal cost to PERS on a tax-deferred basis.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Employees may contribute to a 457(b) account up to the maximum as determined by the IRS annually. There is no City contribution.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: After qualification, employees are eligible to receive compensation for the use of bilingual skills in Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean. Employees receive $85 per pay period for verbal and written translation, and $65 for only verbal translation.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Upon completion of one (1) year of City service, an employee may receive tuition reimbursement for pre-approved completed coursework toward a college degree.
THE BENEFITS LISTED ABOVE ARE ONLY RELEVANT TO FULL TIME EMPLOYEES. BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME UNBENEFITED AND PART-TIME BENEFITED EMPLOYEES WILL DIFFER FROM THOSE OF A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE.
01
Please carefully read these instructions: Your responses to the supplemental questions below will be used to determine your qualifications for the position and your application status.
You are required to answer ALL of the supplemental questions as truthfully and accurately as possible. Your responses to these questions are subject to verification and may be assessed in subsequent examination parts. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration may result in disqualification from this examination process.
Yes – I have read, understood, and agree to these terms.
No – I have read, understood, and do not agree to these terms. I wish to withdraw my application from this process.
02
What is the highest level of education you have completed?
- Some high school
- High school diploma, G.E.D., or equivalent
- Associate's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Doctorate or Ph.D.
- None of the above
03
How many years of experience in public relations, communications, media relations, and/or marketing for a government agency do you possess?
- I do not have experience in this area
- Less than 1 year
- 1 year but less than 2 years
- 2 years but less than 3 years
- 3 years but less than 4 years
- 4 years but less than 5 years
- 5 years or more
04
The ability to read, write or speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable, but not necessary to be successful in this position.
Of the following languages, please check all the languages in which you are fluent. (Being fluent is defined as having the ability to read, speak, or write a foreign language effectively and with relative ease).
Check all that apply.
- Spanish
- Korean
- Vietnamese
- None of the above
05
Describe your experience developing and implementing a citywide public relations, marketing, or community outreach strategy. If you do not have experience in this area, please write "N/A" below.
06
Describe your experience managing social media platforms. Be sure to include what platforms you have managed, and how you have used these platforms to enhance community relations and citywide messaging. If you do not have experience in this area, please write "N/A" below.
07
Describe your experience supervising staff, including the number of staff, training/developing staff, and conducting evaluations. If you do not have experience in this area, please write "N/A" below.
