Deputy Public Information Officer

We are seeking a talented and energetic communications expert who has the vision and drive to help build and lead a growing team. You’ll be responsible for public education and outreach for exciting projects in our thriving full-service city. You’ll have the support of two communications professionals, one of which you’ll help hire. Dig in on important community topics like 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 a perfect fit for our Sunnyvale Communications team!

Under general direction of the Chief Public Information Officer, supports internal and external communication including managing print and digital communication activities, and responding to media inquiries; performs a variety of technical tasks relative to communication activities and in support of the Chief Public Information Officer; and performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
The Deputy Public Information Officer is a single-position classification in which the incumbent develops, implements, and supports Citywide communication efforts, while the Chief Public Information Officer has responsibility for the City of Sunnyvale’s overall strategy for internal and external communications.

Essential Job Functions

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

• Develops, implements and supports the City's marketing, public information, community engagement, and internal and external communications activities.
• Supports the Chief Public Information Officer with media relations, responding to inquiries and initiating contact as required.
• Manages contracts and contractors to develop communications materials such as graphic design, photography, videography, and video editing. 
• Supervises City website content manager and establishes policies and standards related to the workflow, content and look of website information. 
• Serves as resource and consultant to City departments in the development of community engagement and marketing strategies and materials. 
• Develops and supervises the delivery of outreach efforts that target specific population groups that may experience barriers in connecting with City services and programs. 
• Coordinates, edits, and publishes a variety of City communication deliverables, including the Horizon Newsletter, Update Sunnyvale community newsletter, Insights employee newsletter, and other publications as necessary. 
• Provides Citywide training in various aspects of community relations including media relations, public speaking, and presentations, and writing style. 
• Supports City departments in the development of newsletters, letters to the community, project-based communications, focus groups or other methods of communicating with the public and news media.
• Supports and coordinates with the Chief Public Information Officer in responding to major incidents, including emergency response. Assists with emergency response preparedness by creating content templates and operating procedures for all relevant communications channels, such as emergency broadcast systems.
• Supports and works on the development, implementation, and updates of policies and procedures for community engagement, media relations, and public information.
• Coordinates City ceremonies, workshops, and meetings as assigned; plans special City events and celebrations as required.
• Prepares requests for proposals and evaluates proposals for contracted services. 
• Plans, assigns, directs, reviews, and evaluates the work of staff; trains staff in work procedures; helps staff prioritize workload; ensures excellent customer services for client departments. 
• 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.
• May serve as representative to community meetings as well as to civic and neighborhood events on behalf of the City.

WORKING CONDITIONS
Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking, reaching, twisting, turning, kneeling, bending, squatting, and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading reports and work related documents and using a computer. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal customer service. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper, books, and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodation.

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 communications, public
relations, journalism, or a related field, AND
Four years of increasingly responsible experience in public communication, public relations,
or other related municipal experience.

To learn more, please click here