Deputy Public Information Officer; Assistant to City Manager

The City Manager’s Office provides strategic leadership that supports the Mayor and City Council and motivates the organization to deliver high-quality services that meet the community’s needs. The City Manager’s Office of Communications directs and implements the City’s communications strategy to inform and engage the public. The Office focuses on communicating the City Manager’s priorities; conducting effective public education and outreach;

ensuring government openness and transparency; increasing awareness of City programs and initiatives; and improving employee engagement.

Known as the "Capital of Silicon Valley," the City of San José plays a vital economic and cultural role anchoring the world’s leading region of innovation. Encompassing 178 square miles at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, San José is Northern California’s largest city and the 13th-largest city in the nation. With nearly one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States.

The City Manager’s Office of Communications is recruiting for an Assistant to the City Manager who will serve as Deputy Public Information Officer and report to the Director of Communications. The Deputy Public Information Officer manages a portfolio of City departments; serves as a media contact and/or spokesperson; and serves as a Deputy Emergency Public Information Officer during emergencies.

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are essential for this position. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about marketing and public relations techniques, technologies, and platforms, including digital and social media and visual storytelling, and will keep equity at the forefront of all communications. The Deputy Public Information Officer will also advise senior-level managers and elected officials about communications, news media, and the community implications of decisions, policies, and programs, as well as potential alternatives.

Previous experience in local government and/or at a public relations or advertising agency is preferred.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a discipline related to the business performed by the department, AND six (6) years of management and/or administrative experience in government or private business/industry.

A Master’s degree is preferred and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications, as demonstrated by their past and current employment history, and will serve as a leader who strengthens and supports the development of individuals and teams:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to demonstrate empathy when working with diverse audiences and colleagues on a range of sensitive and controversial topics;
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information;
• Ability to delegate effectively and encourage the development of staff throughout the organization; and
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to change.
• An understanding of and appreciation for the complexities of local government processes and practices, including:
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations; and
• Ability to learn quickly, take initiative, solve problems creatively, manage multiple assignments and deadlines, and work well under pressure.
• Proven record of building capacity and directing organizational change to achieve goals, including:
• Experience in developing and implementing strategies to solve complex organizational, business, and municipal problems;
• Strong project management experience; and
• Strong…