Public Affairs Specialist - City Manager’s Office (Communications & Legislative Affairs Office)

About the role

The City Manager’s Office is responsible for providing support and advice to the City Council, offering leadership and legislative policy support for departments, fostering community partnerships and interagency collaboration, championing efforts to support citywide initiatives and efforts to increase organizational development and resiliency. Within the City Manager’s Office, the Communications & Legislative Affairs Office leads efforts to strategically promote and coordinate communication among all City departments, and to inform the public and media/press on Fremont’s innovative programs, services, and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements public education and outreach in support of department and citywide programs and priorities.
• Uses data, analytics and community input to prioritize work and determine which neighborhoods, business districts or City initiatives will receive focused assistance.
• Assists with development and implementation of Citywide marketing campaigns and materials including press releases; develops program related content; researches, writes and prepares written drafts and program material.
• Collaborates with the City’s Communications Team to film and edit videos for the digital media presence and ensures content is professional, current and innovative.
• Responds to questions and requests for information in person and in writing using professional and best practice methods.
• Trains staff on City communication procedures and systems.
• Provides information to program participants regarding available resources from the City and other community, educational, governmental and business organizations across various platforms.
• Assists community members in identifying issues and problems.
• Evaluates alternative courses of action to mitigate issues and problems and recommends solutions.
• Uses technology and digital media to educate and deliver community programs using innovative, best practice methods and current trends.
• Develops outreach materials and brochures in a variety of methods and languages to reach our culturally diverse community.
• Conducts public presentations to groups of all sizes.
• Maintains accurate records and prepares reports related to program activities and expenditures.
• Participates in the development and tracking of program budgets.
• Prepares and reviews program specific policies, correspondence, regulations, reports and legislation.
• Makes program recommendations and/or participates in implementation of program operational changes.
• Participates on various department, City and community committees and provides timely follows-up to committee assignments.
• Communicates and regularly meets with internal staff from various units and City departments with regard to community relations activities.

Requirements

Desirable Qualifications:

• Great written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in crafting engaging and informative content.
• Managing digital publishing tools.
• Graphic design and video production experience.

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college or university in Public Relations, English, Public Administration, Mass Communications, Sociology or a related field.
• Three years of increasingly responsible professional experience in public relations or communications is desired.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience.
• Experience working in a public-sector organization is desirable.

Skills

• Knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of various forms of mass media including but not limited to Internet, social media, print, television and radio, electronic communications and community engagement programs.
• Problem solving techniques, working with graphic design software and digital media tools, writing, editing and techniques of team building, conflict resolution techniques, processes used in collaborative decision making, consensus building, and meeting facilitation.
• Communication principles and practices.
• Crime prevention principles and practices.
• Emergency management training programs.
• Fire safety, emergency preparedness and community organizations and agencies.

Benefits

The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance. To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary.