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Under general supervision, performs a variety of administrative and communications support duties to assist the City’s Public Information Officer (PIO). Supports the development and dissemination of public information, assists in the planning and execution of outreach and media events, and may serve as a representative of the City in the absence of the PIO.
Receives general supervision from the Public Information Officer or designee. May provide lead direction to interns or temporary staff as assigned.
The following essential functions are those that are critical, integral, necessary, crucial, primary and fundamental to the job. Incumbents who possess the requisite skill, experience, education, and other job-related requirements of a position are expected to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.
- Assists in planning, organizing, and executing public relations and media programs that support the City’s goals and priorities.
- Collaborates with department staff to gather information on programs, services, and initiatives for public dissemination.
- Develops and prepares press releases, informational bulletins, newsletters, brochures, and public announcements.
- Drafts talking points, scripts, or briefing documents for City events or media inquiries.
- Coordinates and attends community meetings, media events, and outreach activities; may serve as spokesperson in the absence of the PIO.
- Responds to public and media inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Assists in managing and updating City social media platforms and websites with timely and accurate information.
- Supports the development of visual materials including posters, signage, flyers, presentations, and displays.
- Works with vendors or internal teams to create content for video, photography, or public access television.
- Tracks and logs media requests, public engagement efforts, and communications metrics for reporting and strategy purposes.
- Assists with the preparation and distribution of emergency communication materials and coordinates messaging with City leadership as needed.
- Maintains files, clippings, photos, and records relevant to ongoing and historical City communications.
- Monitors emerging issues or trends affecting public perception and provides recommendations for proactive messaging.
- May assist in the development or implementation of policies and procedures related to City communications and public information practices.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, communications, journalism, English, or a related field;
AND At least three (3) years of professional experience in public information, media relations, communications support, or administrative roles involving public-facing services in either the public or private sector. Additional qualifying experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
Required Licenses or Certifications:
- Must possess a valid California Class C Driver’s License.
Required Knowledge of:
- City organization, operations, policies and procedures.
- City Code, City Ordinances, Standard Operating Manual, personnel policies and procedures, and applicable Memoranda of Understanding.
- General office procedures and records management practices.
- Principles of customer service and professional communication.
- Microsoft Office Suite, document imaging, and agenda management systems.
- Basic principles of public relations, media, and community outreach
- Techniques for producing print and digital communications
- Social media tools, platforms, and community engagement practices
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws related to public information and records
Required Skill in:
- Providing effective and courteous front-line customer service.
- Operating computers and office equipment efficiently and accurately.
- Composing and editing routine correspondence and documents.
- Understanding and applying relevant laws, rules, and regulations.
- Organizing tasks, setting priorities, and meeting deadlines.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff and the public.
- Communicating clearly and professionally in both oral and written formats.
Physical Demands / Work Environment:
- Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment.
- Work may involve exposure to wet surfaces, occasional loud noise and dust.
- Work requires light lifting, carrying.
- Moderate finger dexterity and near vision is required.
Internal applicants must use their personal email to apply, as City of Compton work emails will not be accepted for job applications. While we cannot prevent applicants from using their work email, the City is not responsible for missed communications due to system outages, firewall restrictions, employee leave, or any other technical or accessibility issues affecting City email accounts.
All applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and submit all required documents -such as licenses, certifications, and proof of education- outlined in the job posting. Incomplete applications, including those missing any required documentation, will not be considered.
Please note: Only the first 50 applications received that best meet the qualifications and needs of the department will be invited to continue in the hiring process.
EXAMINATION The purpose of this examination is to establish an eligible list from which vacant position(s) may be filled.Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in the examination and interview process.Phase one (1) is an oral examination (weighted 100%) that will be administered by an appraisal panel to evaluate professional qualifications, background and suitability. The oral examination may include graded simulation exercises, writing exercises, and oral presentations. A passing score for the oral exam is 70%. Each candidate will be notified via mail or e-mail.The City of Compton reserves the right to utilize alternative testing methods, if deemed necessary. Failure in one phase of the examination shall be grounds for declaring the applicant as failing in the entire examination, and as disqualified for subsequent parts of an examination.GENERAL INFORMATION TO EXAMINATION APPLICANTS The City of Compton does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in employment or provisions of services.Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must give advanced notice to the Human Resources Department prior to the final filing date.ELIGIBLE LISTS Recruitment may be conducted on a (a) promotional basis, (b) open-competitive basis, or (c) promotional and open-competitive basis simultaneously. All candidates who attain an overall score of at least 70.00 (open-competitive) and at least 75.00 (promotional) will be placed in rank order on the relevant eligible list(s).PLEASE NOTE: All permanent City employees that attain an overall score of at least 75.00 will be placed on both the promotional eligible list and the open-competitive eligible list. All City employees that attain a score of 70.00 on EACH PHASE of the examination but an overall score of less than 75.00 will be placed on the open-competitive eligible list only.Each eligible list shall remain in effect one (1) year from the date of its establishment unless it is extended, abolished or exhausted. Whenever possible, three (3) names are certified to fill any one (1) vacant position. No candidate may be certified more than three (3) times for any one classified position. When certifying eligible lists to appointing powers, the promotional eligible list takes precedence over the open-competitive eligible list. A department manager's recommendation for employment is subject to the City Manager's approval.EXAMINATION APPEAL PROCEDUREA candidate may, within five (5) days after taking the written examination, file in writing with the City Manager an appeal against any part of the test, citing the item or items against which the appeal is directed, and the reason(s) for such appeal. The Personnel Board will consider appeals from the decisions and ratings of qualifications appraisals (interview) boards if such appeals meet the conditions described in the Personnel Rules and Regulations (Section 6.8).EXAMINATION RECORDSAll examination papers, including the employment application, resume, and other attachments submitted by candidates are the property of the Personnel Board and are confidential records which may be open to inspection only for purposes and under conditions established by the Personnel Board.VETERAN’S PREFERENCEIn all entrance examinations (open-competitive only) for positions in the Classified Service, veterans who served in the armed forces of the United States during time(s) of war, and who attain an overall passing score in the examination are allowed additional preferential credit in accordance with the Personnel Rules and Regulations. In order to claim veterans' credit, the applicant must submit proof of service and honorable discharge (showing specific dates of service) on a U.S. Military form (DD-214) at the time of application or not later than the final filing date for the examination.FRINGE BENEFITSThe City's comprehensive fringe benefits program includes retirement (Public Employees' Retirement System), medical, dental, life and vision insurances, deferred compensation, sick and vacation leaves, after-hours education reimbursement, ride share program, uniform allowance and other provisions.