Job Description

Annual Salary: $99,216 - $120,588

Under general direction, develops, organizes, directs and evaluates a comprehensive program to inform the public of the activities and objectives of a city department. Class 1314 Public Relations Officer is delegated full responsibility for all aspects of the public relations activities of a department. The programs they are responsible for affect a large segment of the general public (e.g., utility users) or a specialized group who directly benefit from the services provided.

Essential Functions:

1. Develops, carries out and interprets policy, methods and procedures relating to the conduct of a complete public relations program.

2. Oversees the development and administration of public relations programs, campaigns and websites for the purpose of establishing and maintaining an effective public relations program, including multilingual and multicultural programs.

3. Analyzes the extent of public understanding and acceptance of the department’s programs and activities through market research projects; this includes identifying specific demographic groupings for programs and activities, setting objectives, developing a detailed plan and strategy and analyzing results.

4. Develops, prepares and implements marketing and promotional programs to increase support for and the use of department services through a variety of advertising and promotional strategies such as special events, press events and customer incentives.

5. Develops and implements public information and public outreach programs, projects and campaigns to keep the staff, management, public, prospective users of services, interested organizations and trade groups informed of the department activities by conducting staff meetings, contacting individuals and groups and issuing information via the press, radio, television, magazines, trade publications, social media, podcasts and other communication media; responds to questions and requests from these various sources.

6. Plans, assigns and evaluates the work of subordinate staff in the preparation of public relations and marketing programs and projects.

7. Addresses civic organizations, neighborhood associations, trade groups and other organizations to explain the activities and services of the department. Organizes and convenes community meetings and focus groups and makes presentations.

8. Utilizes specialized computer software and online platforms to develop and administer websites and social media, and to create and edit videos, photos, and artwork for various publications.

9. Consults with and advises top management on the public relations implications of the department’s activities. Meets with management individually and at staff meetings to advise of public relations implications on proposed actions, media strategies, communications and ongoing programs and activities.

10. Investigates complaints directed at the department’s operation; recommends corrective action to preclude further adverse action or opinion; may prepare replies to such complaints.

11. Organizes tours and orientation sessions for the media, visiting dignitaries, trade representatives and the general public.

12. Prepares periodic reports; writes press releases and advisories, maintains a current file of publicity and work-related information, media contacts and other records essential to an effective public relations program.

Nature of Work: Some positions may be subject to adverse weather conditions, walking long distances, and driving a vehicle to project sites and meetings. May require work on nights, weekends and/or holidays.  

Qualifications

Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public relations, journalism, English, mass communications, public administration, public policy or a closely related field. Experience: Four (4) years of verifiable full time professional experience in editorial, newspaper, magazine, radio, television, public relations, social media, digital engagement, or advertising. This experience must be equivalent to job code 1312 Public Information Officer for the City and County of San Francisco and must include at least one (1) year of experience in planning and conducting a public relations, public information, or public education program.

License and Certification: None Substitution:

1. Additional experience as described above may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of 2 years). Thirty (30) semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one year.

2. Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, mass communications or a closely related field may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirements by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Additional Information

Verification: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#verification. Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Exam Process: Job-related areas to be tested may include but not be limited to:  knowledge of current best practices in communications, marketing and public outreach; methods and procedures used for developing, organizing, overseeing and evaluating public information, educational, marketing and promotional activities and programs of the department. Ability to demonstrate resourcefulness and judgment in the analysis and solution of difficult and technical public relations problems; navigate through specialized software applications, computer programs and online platforms; plan, organize and coordinate programs while efficiently managing resources; evaluate programs and policies; implement best practices when feasible; get along well with others: speak effectively in public; write effectively for publication; prepare complete, accurate, concise public relations data; supervise subordinates performing public relations work; and select the proper medium for the most effective news coverage. This is a standardized examination and, therefore, test questions and test answers are not available for public inspection or review.

Minimum Qualification Supplemental Questionnaire (Weight - Qualifying): Candidates will be prompted to complete a Supplemental Questionnaire prior to being placed on the eligible list. Failure to complete the questionnaire may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Exam Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding the Exam Process, please contact the exam analyst, Suzanne.Wong@sfmta.com. Please note: all your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. SW | CBT-1314-C00032 | CPE

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

· Information About The Hiring Process

· Departments Using this Classification

· Multiple-Choice Test Preparation Manual

· Conviction History

· Employee Benefits Overview

· Equal Employment Opportunity

· Disaster Service Worker

· ADA Accommodation

· Veterans Preference

· Right to Work

· Copies of Application Documents

· Diversity Statement

· Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams

Terms of Announcement: Applicants must be guided solely by the provisions of this announcement, including requirements, time periods and other particulars, except when superseded by federal, state or local laws, rules or regulations. [Note: The correction of clerical errors in an announcement may be posted on the Department of Human Resources website at Careers at City and County of San Francisco (smartrecruiters.com).] The terms of this announcement may be appealed under Civil Service Rule 110.4. Such appeals must be submitted in writing to the Department of Human Resources, 1 S Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94103-5413 by close of business on the 5th business day following the issuance date of this examination announcement. Information concerning other Civil Service Commission Rules involving announcements, applications and examination policies, including applicant appeal rights, can be found on the Civil Service Commission website at http://sfgov.org/civilservice/rules

SFMTA-Specific Conditions of Employment: Candidates who are being considered for appointment may be required to pass a medical examination. Candidates who cannot meet the medical requirement will be placed under waiver until this requirement is met. The medical examination will be administered only to those applicants who are being considered for appointment.

Airport-Specific Conditions of Employment: Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Clearance: Candidates for employment with the San Francisco Airport Commission are required to undergo a criminal history record check, including FBI fingerprints, and Security Threat Assessment in order to determine eligibility for security clearance and may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening. Per Civil Service Commission Rule Section 110.9.1, every applicant for an examination must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for the examination. Failure to obtain and maintain security clearance may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission.

Customs Clearance: This position may require that the incumbent be qualified for unescorted access to the San Francisco International Airport U.S. Customs Security Area. An application for a U.S. Custom Access Seal may be submitted to Customs ONLY after employment has commenced. Employment in this position requires that the incumbent submit an application for, successfully acquire and maintain a Customs Access Seal. Per Civil Service Commission Rule 110.9.1, every applicant must possess and maintain the qualifications required by law and by the examination announcement for this examination. Failure to acquire or maintain customs access, a requirement for this position, may be basis for termination from employment with the Airport Commission. Customs Access Seal requirements and procedures are located in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 19, Part 122, Sections 181 or 189.

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CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  For details on how it is applicable to your employment, please click here.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.