Public Information Officer

Are you a dynamic storyteller with a passion for community engagement? The City of Garden Grove is seeking a visionary Public Information Officer to be the voice of our vibrant city! Leading a hardworking team of communications professionals, including the award-winning Garden Grove TV3 team, you’ll drive strategic messaging, shape the public narrative, and foster meaningful connections with the community. In this high-impact role, you’ll promote Garden Grove’s iconic legacy events such as the world-famous Strawberry Festival and the newly held Foods of Garden Grove LIVE. From showcasing our city’s thriving tourism scene to highlighting its renowned food culture, you’ll play a pivotal role in elevating Garden Grove’s image. If you’re a creative leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is ready to make a lasting impact, we want you on our team!

The ideal candidate for this position will: be a skilled communications and public relations leader with experience in strategic planning, media relations, and community engagement; manage city-wide marketing efforts, oversee public information programs, and develop messaging for various platforms, including social media, print, and digital media; possess strong leadership and supervisory skills and the ability to oversee staff and coordinate interdepartmental efforts effectively; build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, businesses, and community stakeholders. 

Assume responsibility for the Office of Community Relations of the City Manager's Office and participate in the development and implementation of strategic goals, policies, and priorities for the division

Develop and manage public information programs and campaigns to ensure the community is kept informed of current City programs, services, policies, projects and events through various outlets including the City website, social media, printed publications, and special events

Perform public and media relations duties, conduct press briefings, and represent the City at various community functions

Plan and oversee the development and distribution of City-wide marketing publications and outreach materials including newsletters, banners, website content, and brochures

Represent the City at a variety of conferences, committees, commissions, meetings, hearings, and other functions

Monitor operations and activities of assigned programs, recommend improvements and modifications, and prepare various reports 

Interview, select, train, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of assigned staff and conduct performance reviews, counsel employees, and may be responsible for employee discipline as necessary

Participate in the development and management of the City’s image, including review of materials developed by other departments for public distribution and marketing programs, projects, and issues of importance to the City

Coordinate and integrate program services and activities with other agencies, groups, and/or City departments

Performs other related duties as assigned

A Bachelor's degree with major course work in public administration, public relations, marketing, communications, or a related field and five (5) years of professional experience in public administration, public relations, communications, media relations, and marketing for a government agency is required.

Supervisory experience is preferred. Bilingual Korean, Spanish, or Vietnamese is highly desirable.

Principles, practices and techniques used in the conduct of an effective public affairs program, including public relations, marketing and advertising, strategic communications, and community relations; principles, practices, and procedures related to media relations, reporting, and news writing; principles and practices of management and organization; statistical and research methods; administrative survey techniques and their application; supervisory techniques and their application; customer service techniques and practices; current economic, social and political trends and operating problems of municipal government; methods for monitoring and measuring results of marketing and outreach; modern office procedures, methods, computer equipment, and computer applications; English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and punctuation; techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, educational, and regulatory organizations, the news media, and the public.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City and government officials, staff, legislators, consultants, community leaders, residents, the media, and the general public; effectively strategize and identify the best tactics and approaches for public relations in the areas of external and internal communications, community outreach, and marketing; recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services; plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff and contractors; conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a wide spectrum of people and organizations.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification sit, speak clearly, hear normal voice conversation, see small details, use a 10 key or calculator, and work on a personal computer.

The work environment described here is representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification work in an open office environment.

Online application packets must include:

The job application must be completely filled out. A resume cannot substitute for the application or other required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.

Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.

The selection process may consist of:

Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at ggjobs@ggcity.org at least one week prior to any test dates.

CANDIDATES WILL ONLY RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL and should be diligent in checking both their email and spam mail.

The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.

The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.

Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.