The City of Modesto has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a dynamic, team-oriented, highly experienced professional individual with excellent interpersonal skills to fill our Community and Media Relations Officer position. This position is in the City Manager's Office and is a key member of the Strategic Communication Team.The Communications and Media Relations Officer is responsible to perform administrative functions in the development and administration of the City’s community relations and public information programs; to provide strategic public affairs direction; to serve as a public relations resource to the City Manager’s Office; and to promote and create awareness of the operations and objectives of City government through public outreach, community engagement, education programs, and marketing strategies.Upcoming Salary Increases and Incentives:3 % effective 7/1/20262.5% Education Incentive - Bachelor's Degree5% Education Incentive - Master's DegreeAPPLICATION AND EXAMINATION PROCESSThe Supplemental Questionnaire is used as a Training and Experience Exam (Weighted 100%). In addition to the City of Modesto employment application, applicants must complete and submitonlineresponses to thesupplemental questionnaireanda digital portfolio. Only the applicants who meet the minimum qualifications by the final filing date will become candidates and their supplemental questionnaire will be rated and scored. This exam will evaluate the relevance, level, and progression of a candidate's education, training and experience. Therefore, your responses to the supplemental questionnaire should be thorough and complete because the exam score will determine your ranking on the eligible list for this position. When completing the supplemental questionnaire, please note:Responses to the supplemental questionnaire mustbe submitted online; paper questionnaires will not be accepted.Incomplete supplemental questionnaires will not pass the review process; omitted information cannot be considered or assumed.A resume will notsubstitute for the information required in the supplemental questionnaire.Any work experience described in your supplemental question answers MUSTalso be found under Work Experience on your application.A digital portfolio is requiredto be considered. PDF copies of your work should be uploaded as an attachment to your application. Failure to upload a portfolio will result in disqualification from consideration.The City of Modesto is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering, cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion.Essential Functions:Support the City’s communications through community engagement, outreach, marketing, public information, social media, and media communications in alignment with City Branding Guidelines.Respond to inquiries and requests for information from the media, government agencies, City staff, and members of the public.Develop, write, edit, design, and produce various communication materials, including newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, press releases, articles, multi-media presentations (social media, podcast, videos), correspondence, reports, speeches, and special publications.Assist in managing the City’s social media platforms that includes creating, scheduling, and publishing content that aligns with the City’s communications strategies and branding guidelines.Monitor social media channels, respond to inquiries and track social media performance metrics as well as stay current with social media trends to enhance the City’s digital communications.Oversee and/or administer the preparation, publication, and distribution of internal and external newsletters, public service announcements, monthly utility bill inserts, annual reports, and other communications.Confer with departments on initiatives, programs, and projects; provide guidance and direction regarding strategic communication planning and implementation; may serve as a project manager.Assist in major press events, media management, and public outreach for City events and issues.May serve as the City’s Public Information Officer in the absence of the Public Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager during citywide emergencies to develop and direct emergency information to the media, City employees, and the general public.Assist in managing the content of the City’s website ensuring alignment with City branding guidelines, accuracy, quality and ADA compliance by coordinating the resources of various departments.Solicit bids and recommend vendors; in alignment with City Branding guidelines for communications materials and recommend appropriate marketing opportunities in accordance with budget.Plan, coordinate and produce videos for communications projects including script-writing, content development, and production.Collaborate with staff to identify and seek co-sponsorship community outreach opportunities.Ensure sensitive and controversial matters are managed in a discreet and professional manner.Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.Observe and maintain a safe working environment in compliance with established safety programs and procedures.Marginal Functions:Perform related duties as assigned.Knowledge of:Principles and practices of public relations, media, marketing, and advertising.Public information and community relations program development and implementation.Effective methods for preparing and presenting facts and information to the public and the media, including the formatting of materials for publications and news releases.Writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences.Research and problem-solving techniques.Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and desktop publishing programs such as Canva, Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.Ability to:Perform professional public information duties to promote and market City services and programs.Exercise independent judgment in identifying and responding to requests for information from the media and public.Effectively function under multiple deadlines.Interpret and explain complex information in a clear and understandable manner.Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local, and department policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.Write, edit, design, and photograph.Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and publishing programs and design software.Experience and Training Guidelines:Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:Experience:Three years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and execution of a public relations, communications, or marketing program. Public sector experience is desirable. Training:Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field. License or Certificate:Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise. WORKING CONDITIONSWork is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to attend City events and/or work at remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.PI278813734 Apply
