City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision, the Public Relations Assistant prepares and distributes public information materials through press releases, memoranda, speeches, schedules, surveys and reports for a City department; assembles material for files; assists in the preparation of public information and publicity reports.

Class 1310 Public Relations Assistant is the entry-level class of the series performing public relations and/or public information functions related to a department. This class is distinguished from Class 1312 Public Information Officer in that the latter is the journey level of the series that performs duties of a difficult nature related to the administration of a public information program for a City department.

None

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. Creates drafts of public relations materials or publicity releases; prepares and distributes public relations materials as directed.

2. Prepares and maintains accurate and up-to-date departmental publicity mailing lists; mails pamphlets, booklets and other material to interested parties.

3. Compiles, gathers and proofreads data used in the preparation of annual reports, pamphlets and other reports related to departmental public relations and community activities.

4. Gathers, categorizes and organizes media advisories; maintains files of newspaper, radio, television and internet research of interest to the public relations department.

5. Arranges for and takes part in special activities such as workshops, retirement ceremonies, contests, conferences, etc.

6. Makes regular contacts with the general public, other departments and outside organizations to arrange/conduct department tours, and to furnish and obtain a large variety of public information.

7. Answers telephones and e-mails; responds to the general public and refers questions or problems regarding media advisories or publicity releases to departments or agencies.

8. Maintains computer files, databases and lists of relevant groups (e.g. media) and generates computerized reports.

9. Conduct on-line research regarding department media and publicity activities, as directed.

10. Tracks and monitors contract invoices and other section costs.

Knowledge of: Procedures used in preparing and distributing publicity and public information material.

Ability or skill to: Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, with the public, other personnel and agencies; deal courteously, effectively and tactfully with the general public and outside organizations and groups. Use office automation and software applications to facilitate public relations activities. This includes word processing, assisting with on-line research and maintaining databases.

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:
Requires 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:

License and Certification:

Substitution:
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 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.

Established: 1/12/1961

Amended: 8/27/2004; 9/2/2004; 1/30/2015; 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.