Community Liaison - Public Works Agency

Plans, coordinates, executes and supervises regularly scheduled community events, such as beautification or park clean-up events. Addresses civic organizations, neighborhood associations, trade groups and other organization to explain the activities and services of the department. Organizes and convenes community meetings and focus groups. Keeps staff, management, public, prospective users of services, interested organizations and trade groups informed of the department activities by conducting staff meetings, contacting individuals and groups and attending community and neighborhood association meetings. Analyzes the extent of public understanding and acceptance of the department’s programs and activities through market research and develops, prepares and implements marketing and promotional programs to increase the use of department services through a variety of advertising and promotional strategies. Coordinates with the City’s Communications Manager in issuing information to the press, radio, television, magazines, trade publications, social media and other communication media; responds to questions and requests from these various sources. Manages PWA’s social media presence ensuring new information is posted regularly. Oversees the preparation of public relations and marketing programs and projects. Meets with management to advise of public relations implications on proposed actions. Investigates complaints directed at the department’s operation; recommends corrective action to preclude further adverse action or opinion; may prepare replies to such complaints. Organizes tours and orientation sessions for the media, visiting dignitaries, trade representatives and the general public. Prepares or assists in the preparation of periodic reports; maintains a current file of publicity and work related information, media contacts and other records essential to an effective public relations program. Pursues regional and national awards and recognition for PWA projects. Develops and implements agency protocol for professional and consistent response and follow-up to telephone, e-mail, and other requests for service. Performs other duties as assigned.

The successful performer has the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships and coordinate activities with neighborhood leaders, businesses, elected officials, and media, as well as staff from a variety of City departments.  This individual is equally comfortable working in an administrative environment with other public employees as working with a diverse group of community groups, other governmental organizations, elected officials and the general public.  This individual is a well-organized, creative, strategic thinker with strong interpersonal skills and the ability to understand, communicate and address the concerns and interests of the Public Works Agency as well as the community.  This individual possesses excellent oral and written communication skills that allow them to communicate effectively with the public and fellow employees to promote Public Works Agency programs and services.

• Knowledge of: current principles, practices, strategies, techniques, and objectives in public/media/community relations particularly in a municipal government environment; various journalistic styles, marketing and public relations methods and presentation formats including graphic design, print media layout and broadcast media production; federal, state and local laws and rules governing the disclosure of information by a public agency; local, state and national media outlets; Public Works programs, project and issues; community organization techniques; effective presentation principles.
• Skill in: planning community events; managing social media presence and website content; preparing speeches, speaking in public, preparing public relations materials, providing customer service, operating modern devices including smart phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers; utilizing software applications such as Excel, Word, Power Point, Publisher, and Photoshop.
• Ability to: build and maintain effective working relationships within the organization as well as with the media and the public; proactively obtain and analyze information from different sources and edit, write and synthesize information into coherent, reader-friendly documents and materials; develop and employ different communication mechanisms to respond to a variety of audiences using diverse media; orally present information clearly and articulately to ensure both transparency and proper discretion in the dissemination of information; creatively develop and organize community events and activities; plan, publicize, market and execute events.

• Must possess and retain a valid California Class C Driver's License as a condition of employment.
• Willingness and ability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as needed.
• Bilingual fluency in both English and Spanish or Vietnamese is highly desirable.

Salary : $84,096 - $112,716