The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Review, coordinate, create, oversee, and implement a wide variety of public information and media projects within the communications, promotions, and public relations arena, including programs or messages aimed at City employees.
• Work with the City Manager’s Office to implement and update the Community Engagement Plan.
• Organize the La Mesa Leadership Academy and related communications efforts for residents and the business community.
• Compile data from a wide variety of sources to track metrics regarding community engagement.
• Draft, edit, review, and obtain approvals for internal and external communication documents.
• Write and review content for press releases, e-newsletters, City intranet and internet web sites, social media, broadcast media scripts, and presentations.
• Prepare news releases, articles, press kits, or written statements for distribution to the news media or to City employees on subjects that are sensitive or complex.
• Establish and maintain regular contact with the press, community groups, and department heads.
• Prepare and make public presentations to members of the press and address questions regarding the City.
• Ensure that City messages and images are appropriately conveyed to the media, public, and employees.
• Work with department heads to establish goals for positive media from various agencies and coordinate information sharing on social media.
• Work with the Police and Fire Departments to develop an Emergency Communications Plan.
• Track media hits and consult with department heads on progress of media goals; provide written periodic reports to the City Council.
• Coordinate City, civic, and promotional events and conferences involving policy-makers from various agencies.
• Initiate and answer correspondence relating to public information inquiries and citizens' concerns and complaints.
• Conduct media and spokesperson training and coaching for department heads, City executives, and other employees.
• Write, edit, publish, and disseminate a City newsletter, annual report of City activities and projects, regular articles by the City Manager or other City officials for various publications and other City-produced information publications.
• Promote and inform citizens, schools, community groups, and employees of City-sponsored community events, activities, programs, and services via web, video, and cable television technology, while promoting a positive image of the City.
• Work with limited supervision and make decisions involving the release and format of sensitive, strategic, and confidential information.
• Provide courteous, high quality service to the media, public, and employees by responding via telephone, email, or in person to requests for service or making appropriate referrals.
• Photograph, videotape, or otherwise document City events, activities, and projects for distribution with City-related press releases and feature stories.
• Prepare and maintain a comprehensive photo library for use in publications and presentations on the City’s website.
• Attend meetings of the City Council, and other boards, commissions, committees, and department meetings, as required.
• Perform related duties as required.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training:

Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, communications, business administration, public relations, marketing, or a related field.

Experience:

Three years of full-time professional, progressively responsible and recent experience in public relations or media communications, including social media, conducting media presentations, and writing news releases, especially in the field of local government.

License or Certificate:
Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license is required.

Interested applicants must submit an on-line application, a cover letter, and a completed supplemental questionnaire by the closing deadline, 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. Unless specifically stated otherwise in this announcement, all requirements must be met at the time of application, and all required licenses and certificates must be current and valid. Candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the City will be invited to participate in the examination process for this position. The examination process may consist of any of the following components: written exercise, practical skills assessment, and appraisal interviews.

PANEL INTERVIEWS AND SKILLS ASSESSMENT:
Tentatively scheduled on Thursday, April 6, 2023

NOTE: Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, and background investigation.