City and County of San Francisco

Public Relations Manager (#9251)

$62.93-$76.50 Hourly / $10,907.00-$13,260.00 Monthly / $130,884.00-$159,120.00 Yearly


Definition

Under general direction, serves as the public/diplomatic relations manager of a City department. Positions in this class work with senior management to develop and coordinate the overall public relations/diplomatic program for the department. Incumbents in this class may represent the department before the media and various agencies, including Board of Supervisors, community groups, non-profit agencies, and delegates from other cities and countries. May also serve as a board member for various campaigns and be responsible for communication functions as the spokesperson and/or coordinator of public, diplomatic and special events.

Distinguishing Features

This class is distinguished from class 1314 Public Relations Officer by its higher responsibility for public and diplomatic relations, greater independence, and its responsibility for representing the Department and speaking on behalf of the department head before public entities. Incumbents may negotiate and make commitments on behalf of the department head with a variety of partners and organizations. Incumbents independently develop, coordinate and implement public events and special projects. Positions in this class may supervise public relations staff, including Public Relations Officer(s).

Supervision Exercised

This class may serve as a unit manager and may supervise professional, technical, and/or administrative staff. This class may lead or supervise a large staff and contractors during certain special events.

Examples of Important and Essential Duties

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

 1. Works closely with the department head, Commissioners and senior management to develop and execute effective communications strategy for special projects, internal and external public.

2. Independently plans, organizes, supervises, coordinates and creates events relating to departmental activities, such as construction groundbreaking, honoree events, tenant grand openings, and special events. 

 3. Supervises and/or prepares speeches for upper management and answers public complaint letters specific to an incident, event or activity.

4. Creates, produces, oversees and edits documents related to Department services and policies for distribution to the public; may function as publications editor in writing, reviewing, and supervising updates of all publications.

5. Supervises and/or participates in the preparation and composition of publications and other documents such as press releases, budget reports, and brochure updates, including coordinating all aspects of the publication process from editing, style, and reproduction.

6. Revises and updates departmental publications regarding changes in departmental services and facilities, as necessary.

7. May represent the Department, including the department head, to the media as well as before the Board of Supervisors, various community groups, non-profit agencies, and delegates from other cities and countries.

8. Develops and coordinates public relations and fund-raising strategies with non-profit organizations and other City departments; negotiates and makes commitments on department head's behalf with a variety of partners and organizations.

9. Participates in marketing program for department venues and operations.

10. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Principles, techniques, and practices of effective public relations programs; diplomatic relations; public policy process, local/regional government and environmental issues; legislative process and procedures at local, state, and federal levels; public sector business and administrative practices; principles and techniques of event planning; departmental policies, procedures and operation.

Ability to: Work effectively with the public, governmental agencies, private companies, media, diplomats, and community organizations in a tactful, diplomatic manner; manage projects to achieve established goals; analyze and implement sensitive and difficult community relations and public relations programs; organize and coordinate special event functions, including ceremonies, press conferences, and honoree functions; supervise a staff performing public relations work.

Skill in: Technical writing and public speaking in public forums; organizing and performing analytical research; preparing clear, concise reports for specific needs and audiences; presenting information effectively and representing the department before the media, groups and organizations; interpersonal communication and negotiation skills for dealing effectively with a wide range of people and concerns as well as resolving public complaints.

Experience and Training

Experience: Five years of experience in public affairs, public/media relations, community relations, international relations, or a related field.

Training: Possession of a Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, Public Administration, Political Science, Sociology or a field related to a department's business from an accredited college or university.

Substitution: Additional qualifying work experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

License or Certificate

Possession of a valid driver license.

Disaster Service Workers

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.

CLASS: 9251; EST: 1/1/1900; REV: 1/1/1900;