The Public Relations and Legislative Affairs Manager is responsible to plan, organize, direct and coordinate activities within the Public Relations Division of the City Manager’s Office including public information, media communications, crisis communications, community outreach and civic engagement activities; government relations, coordination of legislative advocacy; and to coordinate Public Relations Division activities with other departments and outside agencies.
This recruitment is being conducted by Bob Murray & Associates. For more details, click on this link to their website.THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DECEMBER 8, 2023
Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined below. The most qualified candidates will be invited to personal interviews with Bob Murray & Associates. A select group of candidates will be asked to provide references once it is anticipated that they may be recommended as finalists. References will be contacted only following candidate approval. Finalist interviews will be held with the City of Modesto. Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following selection of the Public Relations and Legislative Manager.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Ms. Stacey Stevenson at (916) 784-9080.
Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Essential Functions
:Serves as the City's Public Information Officer; directs the communications content of press releases, City website information, electronic communication, social media, and newsletters; prepares speeches, responses and related materials for public information purposes.
Evaluate and administer the City’s community engagement, community outreach, marketing, public information, and media communications.
Prepares talking points, key messages, media alerts, public announcements, and other informational material related to public information.
Develops, organizes, directs and evaluates comprehensive communications, marketing and community relations programs to inform the public of the activities and objectives of the City.
Develops effective branding strategies that communicate a consistent identity based on the City’s strategic plans and supports by effective marketing communications.
Directs, oversees and manages the City's legislative program which evaluates and monitors pending legislation for impact to the city, coordinates with the Council, lobbyists, and city departments on legislative issues.
Develops and maintains regular contacts through radio, television and the press for announcements of City programs, initiatives and activities. Plans, organizes and directs a wide variety of activities in support of public information, community outreach, and media relations.
Directs, oversees and manages the development and implementation of the Public Relations Division work plan; assigns work activities projects and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures.
Proactively, and in coordination with other departments, anticipates and coordinates the City's communication policy priorities and other organizational objectives; work with consultants and city staff to design, develop, and execute communication strategies that are consistent with the policy set by City Council and the City Manager.
Serves in an advisory capacity to the City Manager, City Council, Mayor and the City's leadership team in order to provide guidance on how best the City can communicate its priorities and achieve its public policy objectives.
Advises city management in the development and maintenance of effective current and long-range policies, plans and practices which affects its relations with the public; brings to public attention, through appropriate media, significant facts, opinions and interpretations which will keep the public aware of City actions and policies.
Establishes schedules and methods for the development and implementation of communication strategies, programs and activities.
Directs the design and implementation of marketing and advertising campaigns to promote City services, activities, programs and special events.
Identifies challenges and emerging issues facing the City; works collaboratively with leadership team to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and defines and executes appropriate strategies in response.
Plans, organizes, directs, and participates in the City's public information, civic engagement, and media relations activities including developing and implementing internal and external communications strategic plans.
Represents the City Manager’s Office to outside agencies and organizations; participates in outside community and professional groups and committees.
Prepares Public Relations Division budget; assists in budget implementation; participates in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment and materials; administers the approved budget.
Recommends the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; conducts performance evaluations; implements discipline procedures as required; maintains discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Public Relations Division.
Marginal Functions:
Perform related duties as assigned.
Knowledge of:
Principles and practices of communication methods and marketing techniques.
Principles and practices of public relations and community outreach.
Effective public presentation methods to attract and inform a variety of audiences.
Legislative processes and principles.
Political issues, community development issues, and legislative developments of importance to the community and City.
Social media, web design, and graphic/visual presentation methods.
Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, and regulations.
Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, databases, and desktop publishing programs.
Ability to:
Perform professional public information duties to promote and market City services and programs.
Exercise independent judgment in identifying and responding to requests for information from the media and public.
Effectively function under multiple deadlines.
Interpret and explain complex information in a clear and understandable manner.
Interpret, explain, and apply federal, state, local, and department policies, procedures, laws, rules, and regulations.
Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies and programs.
Demonstrate civic entrepreneurial spirit by generating new, innovative ideas and development of better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, database applications, and graphic systems and software.
Experience and Training Guidelines:
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:
Experience:
Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and execution of public relations, communications, legislative, or marketing programs. Public sector experience and/or multilingual is desirable.
Training:
Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
License or Certificate:
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid California driver’s license.
Mobility: frequent use of keyboard; frequent sitting for long periods of time; occasional bending or squatting. Lifting: frequently up to 10 pounds; occasionally up to 25 pounds. Vision: constant use of overall vision; frequent reading and close-up work; occasional color and depth vision. Dexterity: frequent repetitive motion; frequent writing; frequent grasping, holding, and reaching. Hearing/Talking: frequent hearing and talking, in person and on the phone. Emotional/Psychological: frequent decision-making and concentration; frequent public and/or coworker contact; occasional working alone. Environmental: frequent exposure to noise.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in a typical temperature-controlled office environment subject to typical office noise and environment. Some positions may be assigned to remote locations. Positions may require occasional overtime or weekend work and travel is rare.