The City of Santa Rosa seeks an experienced communications manager with knowledge of state and federal legislation and the ability to facilitate positive public relations!
The City of Santa Rosa is committed to building a workforce reflective of our community and establishing a lasting culture of equity and belonging within our organization. Our collective talents and expertise contribute to high-quality public services that support a vibrant, resilient, inclusive City for our community and visitors. We celebrate a diverse workforce and welcome all qualified candidates to apply.
The Benefits of City Employment
In addition to offering a rewarding work environment, opportunity for career growth, and an excellent salary, the City of Santa Rosa provides a generous suite of benefits, including retirement through CalPERS, a competitive leave accrual package, a choice of excellent health plans, a flexible spending program, employer contributions to a Retiree Health Savings plan, and top of the line employer paid vision and dental coverage. Information about available benefits can be found HERE.
The Position
The Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Officer plans, develops, organizes, manages, and executes the activities of the City’s comprehensive communications, public information, and governmental relations programs. This position is responsible for coordinating assigned communications activities and programs with City Council, City staff, the news media, the public, and outside agencies and organizations. Responsibilities may include indirect supervision of staff and functional oversight of departmental communications staff across the City.
The Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Office (CIRO) is responsible for developing accessible and timely communication about city initiatives, programs, and services to enhance and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with the community and inform the public on current initiatives, events, and important topics in Santa Rosa. CIRO manages the daily operation of the City’s communications channels, including the website and social media accounts, guides and facilitates engagement with the media and the public, and provides departments with strategic communications counsel. Read more about the Office HERE.
The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be experienced in managing initiatives and overseeing public relations information programs for the public sector and be able to aptly maneuver through an array of demanding issues. They will also possess:
Expertise in formulating and implementing best practices for branding, marketing, communication, public information, and community and media relations in a government environment
The ability to develop and implement sound communications and public relations strategies and deliverables
Exceptional skill and good judgment in the analysis of proposed/new legislation and policies relating to local government
Demonstrated skill in working through obstacles, and formulating creative recommendations and strategies with far-reaching impacts
A demonstrated track record of garnering immediate credibility and public trust with a large cross-section of stakeholders
Genuine appreciation for diversity of ideas and sensitivity for cultural differences and customs
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present persuasive arguments before a variety of audiences
Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
This list of duties is not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned:
Develop and execute strategic communication plans in consultation with City management and City Council to promote the initiatives and priorities of the City
Plan, develop, and implement comprehensive communication/public information programs for the City’s written, oral, and multi-media communications with the public, the news media, social media platforms, and City staff
Provide advice and support to City staff and elected/appointed officials regarding public and media relations, including goals, strategies, tactics, and tools, as appropriate
Assist City management and City Council on developing and implementing the most effective approach to communicate with the public and staff about matters of importance and sensitivity
Advise City staff on appropriate written, oral, and multi-media communications
Prepare talking points, key messages, media alerts, public announcements, and other informational materials related to public information
Act as the Public Information Officer
Develop and manage the city’s social media strategy
Provide oversight of the city’s overall social media presence
Gather information on major municipal projects for communication with the public
Prepare brochures, PowerPoint presentations, pamphlets, and other multi-media materials to be released to the public
Participate in the development of the City’s organizational goals and strategies
Organize and coordinate media releases and other public information collateral and communication methods with department Marketing and Outreach Coordinators and other City staff to bring consistency to the City’s external and internal communication strategies and activities
Design and structure a comprehensive communication and public outreach strategy that reflects a culture of openness, engagement and transparency
Act as media liaison, responding to media inquiries on subjects relating to City government, services, and programs
Receive, investigate and facilitate responses to sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external sources, including performing an educational role by interpreting policy and/or procedure and explaining conclusions and/or resolution
Respond to media inquiries and emergency situations as the City’s communication coordinator, coordinating with the City Manager’s Office, the City’s Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, and other City staff and departments
Prepare and edit press releases, correspondence, reports, speeches, multi-media and presentations for City management and City Council members
Review, analyze and evaluate public policy, legislative issues and proposed legislation at the State and Federal level
Monitor legislative activities and initiatives and evaluates impact upon City operations, eligibility for grants, need for compliance activities and crafts necessary and/or desired responses
Develop and implement outreach efforts to the City’s state legislative representatives to advocate for the City’s legislative interests
Build and maintain cooperative working relationships and positive alliances with members of the news media, social media groups, local officials, legislators, City staff, and the public
Collaborate with the City’s Information Technology Department on updates the City’s website and continuously manage the placement and content of the website and social media sources to ensure the information is accurate, accessible, up-to-date, professional, appropriate, engaging, and useful
Develop effective branding strategies that communicate a consistent identity based on the City’s cultural profile and supported by effective marketing communications
Represent the City at conferences, seminars and meetings as assigned
Act as liaison with agencies, governmental jurisdictions, consultants and private sector enterprises on the City’s behalf
Maintain knowledge of current trends, theory, practices, laws, regulations, and emerging technologies and methods regarding communications, public information, news media, and community and public relations
Work across City departments to coordinate and manage all external and internal communications
Plan, coordinate, and manage special projects
Required Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Principles, practices, and problems related to public administration and local state and federal government services
Current principles, procedures, and best practices related to communication, public information and media, and community and public relations in a local government environment
Effective techniques for branding and marketing within a public agency environment
The organization, programs and interests of municipal governments, their interest and priorities in communicating with City residents, the media, and others, and the public’s interest in having access to various types of information about the City
Information sources in the fields of communications, marketing, public relations and public administration
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational and regulatory organizations, and the public
The relationship between the legislative and executive functions of City government
The role of City government and its relationship with other government agencies
The functions and accountabilities of municipal governments
Correct grammar usage, spelling, syntax, punctuation, and the principles of effective written communications
Effective writing, editing, publishing procedures and media requirements for dissemination of information, including styles and techniques, concepts and practices of researching, interviewing, branding, marketing and graphic illustration
Ability to:
Plan, organize and coordinate the activities of a centralized communications and public relations function
Develop sound communications and public relations strategies and deliverables
Develop sound internal communications strategies and deliverables
Manage a variety of administrative operations, functions, and projects
Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures related to communications and public relations in a municipal environment
Research, analyze and interpret state and federal legislation, bills, and policies as they relate to a local government organization
Analyze complex problems, make decisions rapidly within the scope of authority and recommend solutions to the City Manager and/or City Council
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City staff, Council members, the media, the public, and various outside agencies
Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
Effectively use emergent technologies and methods related to communications and public relations
Operate computer software such as desktop publishing, presentation software, graphic design, spreadsheets, and databases
Design, develop and manage web pages
Communicate effectively in a clear and concise manner, both in person and in writing
Break down complex issues in a manner that is easily communicated and understood by a diverse audience
Identify legislative issues impacting the City and develop and implement appropriate strategies to address these issues
Work around obstacles to develop and implement creative solutions to problems
Meet overlapping and conflicting deadlines and adapt well to last minute changes in assignments and priorities
Motivate self and others to get things done
Maintain composure in stressful situations, competing or conflicting demands, ambiguous assignments, interruptions and distractions
Speak Spanish is highly desirable, but not mandatory
Experience and Education:
A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be four years of progressively responsible, recent experience in the field of public information, communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, public policy, legislative affairs and analysis, community outreach, public administration or similar field to demonstrate possession of the knowledge and abilities required for the position; and equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, public administration, marketing or a related field. A Master's degree is desirable.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter.
Additional Information
The Community
Located just 55 miles north of San Francisco, Santa Rosa is a vibrant city overflowing with all there is to love about California. Santa Rosa, the county seat of Sonoma County is where the wine country, farm country, redwood forests, rivers, lakes and the Pacific Ocean all come together in a beautiful setting with exceptional weather. In the center is a charming, thriving downtown lined with intriguing shops and award-winning restaurants. Santa Rosa is one of California's premier wine growing regions and the gateway to tourist destinations in the redwoods and on the coast. Santa Rosa is the 5th largest city in the northern bay area, serving a population of about 170,000 residents. The City of Santa Rosa's residents work in a well-balanced mix of management, professional, manufacturing, sales, tourism, transportation, construction, and service jobs. The City also plays an important role in supporting the agriculture and tourism industries of California's North Coast.
City Government
Incorporated in 1868, Santa Rosa is a charter city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. Policy-making and legislative authority are vested in the City Council, consisting of seven members elected by district on a non-partisan basis. Council members serve four-year staggered terms, with elections held every other year, four districts electing their representative in one election cycle, and three the next. Following each bi-annual election, the City Council selects one of its members as Mayor, to serve as the executive head of the City for a two-year term The City Manager and City Attorney positions are appointed by City Council.
The City of Santa Rosa is a full-service city, providing police and fire protection; construction and maintenance of streets, public facilities, and other infrastructure; water, storm water and wastewater utilities; planning and building services; housing and homeless support; economic development; transit; parking; and recreation programs, city parks, and cultural services, including a municipal golf course. The City has 13 departments with approximately 1,500 regular and temporary employees. Staff provides support to 17 Boards, Commissions, and Committees. Across the City, staff are engaged in innovative and cross-departmental initiatives to address Council priorities, set collaboratively by the Council each year.
Selection Process
To apply, a City application reflecting a work history of at least the last 10 years and a completed supplemental questionnaire, must be submitted online. Inclusion of a resume and statement of interest is encouraged, but they will not be accepted in place of a City application or responses to supplemental questions. If you have questions, please contact Jami Ross, Human Resources Analyst at (707) 543-3066 or jross@srcity.org.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/srcity/jobs/4831215/communications-and-intergovernmental-relations-officer
The first step in the selection process will consist of a review of each applicant's employment application and supplemental questionnaire for minimum qualifications.
Depending on the number and breadth of experience of the of applicants, the next step may consist of a thorough evaluation of training and experience as presented on the applications and responses to supplemental questions. Applicants scoring highest in this process will be placed on an eligible candidate list and invited to interviews.
Please complete a thoughtful, thorough Supplemental Questionnaire submission. As part of the selection process, your responses to these questions will be evaluated using criteria specific to this position. Responses such as "See Resume" may be cause for disqualification or failure to move to the next step.
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The City of Santa Rosa is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in employment. Requests for reasonable accommodations needed to participate in the recruitment process may be made by submitting a Request for Reasonable Accommodation Form within five (5) business days of being noticed that an event requiring accommodation is occurring.
