Public Affairs & Information Manager

Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, manages, and implements City-wide comprehensive communications, marketing, and community relations programs, projects, and activities.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development and administration of the assigned program budget; forecasts additional funds needed; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; directs and coordinates the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures.
• Monitors operations and activities of assigned programs; recommends improvements and modifications and prepares various reports.
• Participates in the formulation, strategic development, implementation, and evaluation of the City's communications, marketing, and community relations programs, projects, and activities by selecting, preparing, responding, and distributing publicity releases through all available media; arranges information news releases and performs other related duties in the distribution of information.
• Plans and oversees development of City-wide marketing materials, publications, and other outreach materials, including newsletters, general interest materials, banners, website content, social media, and brochures.
• Participates 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.
• Coordinates community and special events and workshops, including developing presentations and handouts and coordinating work with other agencies on joint projects.
• Develops, researches, writes, and edits City publications; discusses layout and design issues with graphic designer; proofs or edits drafts; oversees printing and distribution.
• Drafts letters and speeches for the Mayor.
• Provides oversight of the City's on-location film program; including, but not limited to the issuance of professional and student film permits; participates in determining and developing City processes and procedures for filming projects; receives and resolves complaints; works with local and regional film commissions as required.
• Reviews and provides guidance on the look and content of the City's website.
• Receives inquiries and provides information to the public regarding a wide variety of topics and successfully communicates with the public, other agencies, and a variety of news media.
• Coordinates and integrates program services and activities with other agencies and City departments.
• Prepares requests for qualifications and requests for proposals; reviews proposals to ensure conformity with State law, local ordinances, and departmental policy.
• Prepares, negotiates, and administers contracts for and coordinates and monitors the work performed by outside consultants.
• Provides professional and complex staff assistance to the Economic Development Director, City Manager, other City executive staff, and the Mayor and the City Council; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; ensures the proper documentation of activities.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and committees; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public relations programs; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Serves as public information officer during Emergency Operations Center activations; works with City's emergency response manager on community relations efforts, including ensuring availability of public information materials, conducting workshops, meeting with other agencies, and planning public communication strategies during response efforts; maintains and updates the City's Crisis Communication Plan.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff.
• Principles and practices of budget development, administration, and accountability.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Practices of researching program issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• 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.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to public relations.
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations and administrative and departmental policies.
• Principles and practices of contract administration and evaluation.
• Research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping, technical report writing, and preparation of correspondence and presentations.
• Modern office practices, 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, and with news media, and the public.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.

Ability to:

· Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient services.

• Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget.
• Plan, organize, schedule, assign, review, and evaluate the work of staff and contractors.
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
• Develop, plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of public affairs programs and activities suited to the needs of the community and City.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, news media, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Respond to inquiries, complaints, and requests for information in a fair, tactful, and timely manner.
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs.
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone, and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and harmonious working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Any combination of training and experience, which would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in English, communications, marketing, business or public administration, or a related field and five (5) years of responsible experience in journalism, communications, public relations, advertising, marketing, or special event planning.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid California class C driver's license with satisfactory driving record and automobile insurance.

BENEFITS FOR OUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

The City of Orange provides a generous array of benefits to employees in addition to maintaining competitive salaries. All Senior Management Team employees are employed "At-Will." Benefits are prorated for part-time employees working from 20 to 35 hours per week.

The following is a partial list of benefits:

Salary Range. Salary Ranges are composed of six (6) steps, each approximately five percent (5%) apart. Advancements through the steps are generally made yearly and based on performance.

Money Purchase Retirement Plan. The City contributes an additional three percent (3%) on top of salary which can be taken as cash or placed into a 401(a) Deferred Compensation Plan.

Social Security. Employees do not contribute into Social Security.

Medicare. The City pays for the employee's portion of the required Medicare contribution, which is 1.45% of salary.

Retirement Benefits. Retirement benefits are provided by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS), including the City's contribution toward the Fourth Level Survivor's Benefit.

An employee who is a "Classic" Member of CalPERS or a current member of another California public retirement system who is hired on or after January 1, 2013, will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2.7% @ age 55 benefit formula with one year final compensation. "Classic" CalPERS members contribute 8.00% of pension reportable salary on a pre-tax basis for this retirement benefit.

Effective January 1, 2013, newly hired non-safety employees who are "New" CalPERS Members, as defined by the Public Employees' Pension Reform Act of 2013 ("PEPRA"), will be enrolled in the CalPERS 2% @ age 62 defined benefit plan with three year final compensation in accordance with the PEPRA. New Members will be required to pay 6.75% of pension reportable salary as their full share of their member contribution.

Retirement Health Savings Plan (RHSP). The cash value of unused floating holiday hours and administrative leave hours will be contributed annually on a tax-deferred basis to be used for employee medical expenses upon retirement.

Cafeteria Benefits Plan. The City pays $1,880 per month which can be applied towards medical, dental, or vision insurances, and/or taken as cash under certain criteria.

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance. A variety of medical insurance plans are available through the PERS Health Benefits program.

Life Insurance. The City provides a term life insurance policy of $75,000.

Vacation. Senior Management employees earn 104 hours of vacation during the first year of service, and an increasing accrual annually up to 244 hours per year after 30 years of service.

Holidays. The City observes 9½ paid fixed holidays and provides 22.5 hours of floating holiday annually. The City also typically closes its operations between Christmas and New Year's Day each year.

Administrative Leave. Senior Management employees receive 63 hours of paid administrative leave annually.

Sick Leave. Sick leave is accrued at a rate of 96 hours per year. Employees are eligible to convert a portion of unused sick leave to vacation on an annual basis. The City also contributes 50% of accumulated unused sick leave to the employee's RHSP for City employees who retire from the City.

Educational Incentive Program. Employees who possess a postgraduate degree or higher are eligible to receive $500 per month.

Other Benefits. Most employees work a "9/80" alternate work schedule with City Hall closures every other Friday. Safety employees work a "4/10" schedule with every Friday off; Long Term Disability; Wellness Reimbursement up to $550 per year; Professional Development Reimbursement up to $800 per year; Employee Assistance Program; Tuition Reimbursement (up to $1,500/fiscal year); Trip Reduction Program incentives; optional Deferred Compensation programs; and Credit Union membership are a few of the additional benefits provided and/or available to employees.

For more information, please click here for the Executive and Senior Management Resolution.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

A Medical Examination, Police Records Check, and thorough Background Investigation are required of all prospective employees.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), all job offers made by the City of Orange are contingent upon establishing proof of your legal right to work in the United States.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Orange.

The City of Orange is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

City Mission, Vision, and Values

Incumbents in all City positions are expected to exhibit the behavior characteristics reflected in the City's Mission, Vision, and Values statements in the performance of their duties: The City of Orange is committed to excellent service for our residents, businesses, and visitors. As an organization, the City of Orange is the leader in delivering the highest level of service to meet current and future needs of the community. The City's values include Teamwork, Integrity, and Excellence.