County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, plans, develops, coordinates, and administers the district-wide Public Information and Community Engagement Program for the Alameda County Fire Department; develops, implements and assesses strategic plans and objectives to reach optimum results in the media and the community; provides consultation and support to management and executive staff in public information and community relations activities; develops content, for the Department's Digital media platforms, website, social media and media releases, assists in the maintenance, design and operation of these platforms; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

The Fire Public Affairs Manager is a single non-safety classification within the Alameda County Fire Department, reporting to the Fire Chief or designee.  This classification serves as the spokesperson for the department, as requested by the Fire Chief, and alerts Board of Supervisors' members, City Managers, Councilmembers, Fire Advisory Commission other appropriate parties regarding significant and/or controversial issues. This position requires a high degree of personal tact and political awareness.  This classification with supervise technical or clerical staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE:  The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

 

1.  Develops, implements, and maintains district-wide community engagement plans and programs to increase public awareness and educational programs using a variety of creative promotional and marketing techniques.

2.  Develops, directs and implements procedures, policies, standards and guidelines for collection, review and presentation of information to be communicated to the public and the media.

3.  Serves as the primary spokesperson and media contact for district-wide activities and issues.

4.  Monitors the media and informs relevant parties (e.g., the Fire Chief, Board of Supervisors, and City Managers) of significant issues and important information while pursuing media opportunities to create and maintain the department's reputation.

5.  Maintains and builds effective working relationships with the media, the public, community groups, elected officials, and other agencies through cooperative and timely communications about public issues.

6.   Provides training, consultation and support to management and executive staff in public information and community engagement activities.

7.  Plans and coordinates activities related to district-wide and community events and presentations which may include event recruitment with consideration of County diversity initiatives.

8.  Develops, designs and produces district-wide media releases, training and education material, special event marketing material, and other publications (e.g., pamphlets, brochures, newsletters and internet content) to create public awareness of Department activities and events.

9.  Manages the Fire Department's website content and analytics in coordination with the Fire Information System manager and the Alameda County Information Technology Department.  Manages, coordinates and monitors the social media outlets for the Department (e.g., Facebook and Twitter).

10.  Design, oversee and implement community-based outreach and engagement efforts involving coordination of multiple divisions, outside agencies and community groups.

11.  Stay abreast of fire and life safety needs of the communities served and develops programs to respond to those needs.

12.  Makes presentations and demonstrations on fire and life safety and fire prevention.

13.  Prepares a variety of factual and concise written documents, including press releases, reports and correspondences.

14.  Coordinates and manages special media and community projects, activities and events.

15.  Collaborates with the Human Resource Services and Diversity Programs Unit in activities and initiatives related to recruitment and diversity.

16.  Coordinates student internships for the Fire Department to expose youth to potential careers.

17.  Compiles and analyzes data in order to assess cost, operational feasibility and other aspects of the Department's community engagement programs.

18.  Responds to sensitive press issues and may be called out to act as the public information office in support of emergency operations.

19.  Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in communications, public relations/marketing, public administration or a closely related field.

AND

Experience:

The equivalent of three years of progressively responsible full-time paraprofessional or higher experience in public relations, training education and/or community outreach activities including one year in a supervisory or lead capacity. Related experience for a fire department is highly desirable.

License:

Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License

Special Requirement:

Incumbents may be required to work evening, night, weekend and holidays, as needed.

 
NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the "Example of Duties" section of this specification.

 

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and current trends in public relations administration.
• Principles and techniques of effective public communications, public relations, and community outreach.
• Program planning and evaluation.
• Strategic planning and implementation.
• Basic firefighter techniques.
• Principles and practices of fire prevention and life safety.
• Modern office principles, practices, standards and applications related to the work.
• Recruitment outreach and diversity education.
• Community organizations and partnership dynamics.
• Principles and practices of supervision and leadership.

 

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Make sound decisions and recommendations.
• Apply analytical problem solving techniques.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity and political astuteness.
• Provide leadership and coordinate individuals, projects and programs effectively.
• Organize and prioritize work and meet critical deadlines.
• Effectively speak before and facilitate discussions with large and small diverse groups including media.
• Work a flexible schedule.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.
• Maintain accurate record keeping and documentation.
• Write clear, concise reports, scrips, speeches and publications.
• Exercise sound judgement within established guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Plan, assign, supervise, review and evaluate the work of others.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:po  03916/07

Newspec:  8133.doc

CSC Date: 03/28/07

MH:cs  Revised and Retitled 02/14/14

Old Title:  Fire Community Outreach Coordinator

CSC Date:  03/05/14

LD:kl  Revised and Retitled 09/18/19

Old Title:  Fire Public Information and Community Relations Officer

CSC Date:  10/23/19

BENEFITS

*** For benefit information, please refer to the recruitment brochure.