Communications Officer

The Communications Officer will plan, organize, and conduct strategic communications, media relations, marketing and outreach activities for City programs, services and events; coordinate assigned activities with other City divisions, departments, officials, outside agencies and the public; foster cooperative working relationships among City divisions, departments and with the media, community groups and various public and private organizations; provide highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the Office of Communications and City leadership in areas of expertise; and perform other duties as assigned. 

Receives general supervision from an assigned supervisor. May supervise, train, and review the work of assigned staff. 

Functions may include, but are not limited to, the following: plan, organize, and conduct communications, media relations, marketing, and outreach program activities to ensure a high level of awareness of City programs, services, and events; foster a proactive, strategic communications environment; represent the City to the media, public, community organizations, businesses, and other public and private agencies; act as spokesperson for the City, providing interviews on camera, in print and on radio; plan, organize, and conduct events with and for the media; use sound public relations, strategic communications, and marketing techniques and principles to research and develop materials including news releases, proactive story pitches, feature stories, social media content, speaking points, advertisements, and strategic communications plans; respond to inquiries from the media, City officials, community groups, businesses, employees, and the public, regarding the City of Chula Vista face-to-face as well as via email, social media, telephone, and written correspondence; pitch proactive stories to the media; coordinate the design, layout and editorial content of City communications and marketing products and materials; take the lead on producing and distributing products such as the City e-newsletter; develop, implement, and administer marketing and advertising campaigns to promote City programs, services, and special events; coordinate publicity for programs and special events, including flyers, graphics, and awareness campaigns; as part of the Office of Communications, assist department representatives, the City Manager’s Office, and City Council members in preparing information materials for presentation and distribution; analyze and respond to the public relations and communications needs of various City functions; coordinate the creation of digital content and manage its distribution across multiple platforms including social media, website and other platforms that support communications initiatives, campaigns, and promotions; monitor engagement and respond to inquiries; coordinate and participate in photographing and shooting video footage of City events, activities, and programs for internal and public dissemination; assist with setting and upholding City brand standards and policies; upon implementation, edit and ensure that communications materials created by other City staff remains consistent with brand standards and policies; assist in managing crisis communications relative to controversial issues; maintain the confidentiality of information handled in the course of business; serve as member of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) team, and coordinate with emergency personnel to prepare and release information during an emergency or disaster; attend City Council and other city meetings and events as needed to provide staff support and communicate to the media and public; assist with developing and administering Requests for Proposals, contract management, budgets, and other administrative duties; develop and implement goals, policies, and procedures related to program activities, and then evaluate success; may supervise, train, and review the work of assigned staff; exercise discretion in dealing with confidential matters and perform with a great deal of autonomy; build and maintain effective relationships with coworkers, the media, the public, community organizations, and staff from other public agencies, using principles of good customer service; maintain current knowledge of communications, marketing, media relations best practices and current trends, and applicable laws, statues, codes, and ordinances; perform other related duties as assigned.

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: 

Four (4) years of professional journalism, communications, marketing, or public relations experience AND training equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in major course work public relations, marketing, communications, public administration, business administration, or a related field. Public sector experience is desirable. Bilingual (English/Spanish language) speaking and writing abilities preferred. 

License or Certificate: Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of communications, public relations, media relations, and marketing; effective methods of preparing and presenting facts and information to the public and the media; writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences; Associated Press style, spelling, grammar, and punctuation; online methods of communication, including writing for social media platforms; current trends and practices in social media, e-publications and other emerging technologies related to digital marketing; research and problem-solving techniques; pertinent federal, state, local laws, codes, rules, and regulations; electronic hardware and software applications commonly used to prepare written publications and documents, images, and audio/video files; basic photography principles and equipment, layout, and design skills; recordkeeping requirements, rules and regulations related to assignment; modern office practices and procedures; computer equipment and software applications; needs and challenges of various cultural, racial, and socioeconomic groups of the City of Chula Vista; principles and procedures of record keeping; techniques and practices of organizing and coordinating programs, activities, and special events; techniques for handling confidential and sensitive information; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. 

Ability to: write and edit various types of communications, such as news releases, media advisories, social media content, speaking points, advertisements, and strategic communications plans; direct and coordinate the work of contractors; learn the operational characteristics, services, and activities of the Office of Communications; understand the organization and operation of various City departments and divisions; interpret and apply administrative and departmental policies and procedures; perform responsible administrative work in a high-profile position, dealing with topics under public and media scrutiny and respond appropriately as situations change; use tact, initiative, prudence, ethics and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines; exercise good judgment in the application and interpretation of policy, regulations, and procedures related to assignment; operate standard office equipment; work effectively in the absence of supervision, exercising independent judgement and personal initiative; communicate effectively both orally and in writing in a variety of situations and with a wide variety of people; establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner; implement emerging and new forms of communication for public outreach; meet critical deadlines; manage multiple assignments.