Public Affairs & Community Engagement Officer
ABOUT THE POSITION
We have a fantastic opportunity for a talented, forward-thinking communications professional to join our team as Public Affairs & Community Engagement Officer to take the reins of citywide communication efforts! The incumbent works with the public and City staff wearing multiple hats, while approaching each task with tact, discretion, and professionalism. Under general direction, plans, develops, and implements comprehensive public relations and communication programs for the City; manages media relations activities; oversees Citywide strategy and crisis communication; serves as liaison to the Library and Public Arts and KSAR (public television) committees; maintains social media platforms and analytics, the City’s website, and visual communication initiatives; prepares news releases, fact sheets, stakeholder and community correspondence, articles, and newsletters; provides complex support to the City Manager and Assistant City Manager; and provides professional-level resources for organizational, managerial, and operational effectiveness.
City offices operate on a 9/80 schedule. This position is located at City Hall, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue; operational hours are 7:30 am-5:00 pm.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION
Strategic & Crisis Communication: Proactively provides strategic internal and external communication about City actions, events, programs, and projects. Continually evaluates the City’s communication efforts and adapts to new approaches and technologies. Maintains and updates the City’s Crisis Communication plan. Selected candidate will complete Everbridge and FEMA-required training to be certified to send out AlertSCC messages on behalf of the City.
Community Engagement & Events: Serves as the staff liaison for KSAR, the local community access television station. Manages and staffs the annual “Safety Fair.” Supports Assistant City Manager on citywide events. Has a customer service mindset and responds to resident correspondence with the City as needed. Manages City’s social media accounts and provides analytics and insights on best practices.
Project Management: Manages and maintains the City’s website. Completes key projects in support of City Council and City Manager Department priorities, which includes developing staff reports and presenting to City Council. May act as project lead, developing plans initiatives and execute the development of programs or initiatives, and recommending communication strategies.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in public relations, marketing, communication, public or business administration, journalism, or related field and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in public information, community outreach, crisis communication, writing, graphic design, media relations, marketing, communications, social media management, and website content development, preferably in a local government setting. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License upon appointment is required.
The ideal candidate will have experience relevant to a small city and the ability to work professionally and collaboratively in a fast-paced setting. The successful candidate should exhibit political and technical acumen, excel at managing multiple ongoing programs, processes, and requests, possess outstanding oral and written communication skills with keen attention to detail, and provide superior customer service. Experience using data and metrics to drive success is required. The ability to develop strong and effective working relationships to help others achieve their business goals is essential. Graphic design experience is a plus.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The City of Saratoga provides excellent compensation and benefits. The salary for this position will be set at a step between steps 1 and 5 based on qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. The City has a seven-step range, including multi-year steps 6 and 7. Advancement to steps 6 and 7 is after four (4) years of satisfactory service at Steps 5 and 6, respectively.
The attractive benefits package includes:
- CalPERS Retirement Plan: 2% at age 60 formula for “Classic Members” or 2% at age 62 formula for “New Members.”
- CalPERS Health Insurance: Comprehensive HMO and PPO plan options available. The City contributes monthly towards the full cost of the health plan premium for employee and eligible family members.
- The complete summary of benefits can be viewed online at the City’s website.
How to Apply
To be considered for this exciting career opportunity, please apply online through www.calopps.org.
As part of your online application, provide the City with a cover letter along with a resume and responses to the required supplemental questions. Applications that do not include the above elements will not be considered. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the testing process, which will consist of oral interviews.
Deadline to apply is Sunday, April 27, and is limited to the first 35 applicants. Well-qualified candidates are encouraged to apply early.
