City and County of San Francisco

Under direction, administers a public information program for a department to educate the general public in the uses and availability of department's facilities and activities; attends meetings and conferences; may supervise the design and production of publicity for departmental activities; and performs related duties as required. Class 1312 Public Information Officer is the journey-level of the series performing difficult public relations and/or public information functions related to a City department and is primarily concerned with disseminating information.

Requires responsibility for: Carrying out, interpreting and coordinating existing policy, methods and procedures relating to publicizing of the department's facilities and in assisting in originating and developing them; making regular contacts with the general public, outside organizations and representatives for the purpose of furnishing or obtaining information or explaining policy and procedures relative to facilities and activities available for public use.

This class is distinguished from Class 1314 Public Relations Officer in that the latter has full responsibility for all aspects of the public relations activities of a department and may supervise staff. Class 1312 is distinguished from Class 1310 Public Relations Assistant in that the latter is the entry-level class working under general supervision.

May serve as lead worker and coordinate the work of public information, public relations or clerical staff.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Arranges publicity releases of department's events, programs and activities for print, broadcast, and online media; prepares weekly chronological lists of departmental activities and transmits to all publicity outlets; prepares regular and special departmental publications.

2. Coordinates the review of online coverage, ensuring quality control and maintains a file of press clippings regarding department's activities; prepares departmental directories and maintains publicity mailing lists and other specialized mailing lists.

3. Prepares administrative studies and reports with supporting data for the department head or for the Commission, as directed, and does considerable historical research in connection with preparation of reports on activities and events in answering of many inquiries; edits publicity material submitted by departmental staff members; accumulates, assembles, and prepares data or information for important reports; writes press release.

4. Attends meetings of the commission, executive staff and conferences with professional societies; reports to the department head or division regarding the discussions involved .

5. Formulates, develops, and carries out a program of public information and education on the use of the department's facilities by selecting, preparing and distributing publicity releases for print, broadcast, and online media; arranges community meetings and events, posts social media announcements, and may update departmental websites.

6. Makes regular contacts with the general public, outside organizations and departmental staff for the purpose of furnishing or obtaining information or explaining policy and procedures relative to facilities, activities and programs available for public and internal use.

7. Carries out, interprets and coordinates existing policy, methods and procedures relating to publicizing of the department's facilities, activities and programs, and makes recommendations for the development of new ones.

8. Coordinates the design and ensuring quality control of production of art work for exhibits, special events, programs, posters, brochures, and sign.

Knowledge of: Current emerging communication tools; activities and programs of department served; principles and techniques used in the conduct of an effective public information and publicity program for a department or agency.

Ability or Skill to: Exercise creativity, resourcefulness and judgment in the analyses of public information problems and selection of the proper medium for the most effective coverage of functions and activities of the department; deal courteously, effectively and tactfully with others; write effectively for publication; speak effectively in public; prepare complete, accurate, concise public relations data and materials; organize, plan, schedule, implement and coordinate tasks or events; utilize computer applications and software related to public relations activities.

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification.  Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public relations, journalism, English, mass communications, public administration, public policy or a related field.

Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience in public affairs, public information, editorial, newspaper, magazine, radio, television, public relations social media, digital engagement, advertising or similar work involving collection and dissemination of news and information wherein the preparation or direction of informational material for mass media on the development of public information program was a major part of the position.

License and Certification:

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 one (1) year of the required experience.

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.

Established: 10/28/1968

Amended: 01/22/2015; 08/24/2021

Reason For Amendment: To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

Business Unit(s): COMMN, SFMTA, SFCCD, SFUSD

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.