Strategic Communications Officer

Characteristics of the Class: Under the direction of HACLA’s President & CEO and the Director of Policy and Innovation, the Strategic Communications Officer will focus on strengthening HACLA’s  messaging and communications across multiple mediums and platforms; plans, organizes, and directs activities of assigned projects and staff; and performs related duties as required. This role works closely with executive leadership and key staff across HACLA departments, elected officials, collaborative and industry partners, residents, and the general public to bolster HACLA’s communications, brand, and public image. This will include overseeing HACLA’s strategic media and comprehensive communications body of work, including   developing compelling content, managing key supportive contracts and media campaigns, directly supporting the CEO/President’s communications priorities, and advancing a proactive communications framework to amplify HACLA’s programs, impact, and mission across media platforms.  

The ideal candidate will have previous experience in public service, ideally in the public housing or affordable housing sector, demonstrated expertise in complex business writing, development of strategic communications plans, materials, and campaigns, including speech development, cohesive messaging, and crisis response. They will also have skills in project management, managing multiple and converging deadlines, best practice research, critical thinking, persuasive and engaging messaging, media coaching, and directing staff in supportive and coordinated projects.Examples of Essential Functions: Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include but are not limited to the following: 
Plans, organizes, and directs the activities associated with assigned functions; supervises and coordinates activities of media and communications staff members; directs and conducts special research projects and conducts complex analysis.
Develops content, including drafting, reviewing and editing press releases, social media posts, speeches, talking points, presentations, handouts, and other visual and written materials to advance HACLA’s image, message, mission, and priorities; promotes awareness and enhances visibility across media platforms and communication mediums.
Reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of programs and services of the department; makes recommendations or takes corrective action as appropriate. This includes developing and/or maintaining HACLA’s communications strategy, including messaging, channels, media coaching, and stakeholder engagement process and supports alignment of HACLA’s vision and mission in harmony with industry best practices. May oversee external vendor contracts related to communications and media relations projects.

Participates in the development of departmental policy and procedures and implements policy and procedures for assigned activities.
Develops and reviews complex communications, materials, and reports for leadership approval, analyzes existing processes and develops recommendations regarding various HACLA programs and policies to best position HACLA’s response.

Establishes and helps maintain effective media and communications relationships with a wide range of people and position levels as well as public or private organizations in a manner that reflects favorably on HACLA; Acts as a spokesperson and/or supportive liaison for HACLA spokespersons with other departments, outside agencies, elected offices, residents and other key stakeholders.

May prepare and/or make verbal presentations to and participate in discussions with a variety of stakeholders including but not limited to affordable housing developers and operators, citizen advisory and HACLA’s board, community groups, members of the public, and elected officials and their staff, media outlets about topics related to public housing, affordable housing and community development; such presentations may include complex and/or technical information that must be conveyed in an appropriate and understandable manner.

May oversee solicitations in assigned areas of focus or write Requests for Proposals which include an explanation of the services or product desired and the criteria which will be used in evaluating proposals to secure the services of a contractor for research, consultations, or other services; monitors the progress of executed service contracts to ensure compliance and meeting of established timetables, operating within budget, and obtaining the specified results.

May be required to drive a vehicle to different sites and/or locations.Knowledge, Abilities, and Skills
Comprehensive knowledge of: 

• Techniques and principles of strategic oral, written, and visual communication development for communication and storytelling across mediums and platforms.
• Project management, writing, organizational, communication, and demonstrated interpersonal skills.
• Principles and practices of public administration; including budget and fiscal controls, human resources and employee relations administration, contracts and purchasing, vendor oversight, management information systems, and general office management.

Exceptional ability to:

• Design innovative communications campaigns that amplify HACLA and experience tailoring strategies for diverse groups including clients, residents, staff, partners, elected officials, and the public.
• Create messaging that resonates across diverse communities including sensitivity to cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic differences.
• Synthesize and distill complex and multifaceted concepts, issues and industry practices into digestible and easily comprehended oral, written and graphic messaging and communications across multi-modal communications platforms as appropriate to the project and target audience.
• Expertly coordinate, manage and direct varied activities and staff; concisely present ideas clearly and effectively, orally, visually, and in writing; 
• Review, answer and assign matters received in the department to staff for study and disposition; determine scope of activities and formulate overall rules and procedures for implementation in assigned functions.
• Identify and analyze critical aspects of problems. Which includes conducting research, analyzing issues, identifying trends, patterns and seeking best practice solutions with attention to detail and including recommendations supporting department goals.
• Communicate effectively, orally, and in writing. Which includes maintaining effective and cooperative working relationships with colleagues, superiors, government agencies, and other key stakeholders; and the ability to meet with, present, explain, interpret, persuade and enlist the cooperation of others.
• Prepare clear and concise reports. This includes writing, editing, and proof-reading clear, structurally sound, and persuasive documents and reports.
• Maximize the use of social media and emerging media tools in support of strategic media and communication efforts.   
• Work confidentially and with discretion.

Minimum Qualifications:
Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities are qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:
Minimum Education & Experience: 
Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a minimum of six (6) years increasingly responsible administrative and managerial  experience in journalism, English, communications, media relations, business administration, marketing, planning, public policy/administration and/or as appropriate to assigned department/functions; of which, at least three (3) years have include direct staff supervisory responsibilities.
-OR-
A Master's Degree in journalism, English, communications, media relations, business administration, marketing, planning, public policy/administration and/or as appropriate to assigned department/functions and at least three (3) years direct staff supervisory experience.

Special Requirements:  Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver’s license. Employees must maintain a driving record, which meets the insurability requirement of the Housing Authority’s carrier.
Candidates will start at step one of an eight step salary range unless there are special exceptions in accordance with agency Personnel Rules.

Salary : $147,888 - $181,896