City of Long Beach, CA
City of Long Beach, California, United States
Mar 29, 2024
Full Time
DESCRIPTION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO THURSDAY, APRIL 18,2024 The City of Long Beach, Office of the City Manager has an immediate opening for a full-time, unclassified, at-will Media Relations Specialist (Program Specialist) to serve in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications. Under the direction of the Chief Public Affairs Officer, and in close connection with the Public Affairs Lead, the Media Relations Specialist will assist with proactive communications efforts, with an emphasis on external-facing programs, projects and initiatives that require media relations activities. The position is a hybrid schedule in which daily activities are generally conducted by telecommuting, however it is required that the Specialist be ready and able to work in person for media-related activities as well as other activities, such as, but not limited to press conferences, community events, site visits and some trainings and meetings. OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER The Office of the City Manager has approximately 60 full and part-time employees focusing on City Council support, executive management, public affairs, intergovernmental relations, special events and filming, cannabis oversight and equity, climate action and sustainability, and ethics, transparency and equity. The mission is to implement programs in accordance with City Council policies, and the City Charter and Municipal Code, while providing organizational leadership for effective delivery of services to the community. The Office of the City Manager manages a budget of $27.1 million. The Office of Public Affairs and Communications operates under the leadership of the City Manager. It includes a Chief Public Affairs Officer, Public Affairs Lead, Digital Communications Lead, Digital Communications Specialist, Strategic Communications Specialist and a Brand Specialist. The Office is now adding a Media Relations Specialist. The Office is responsible for: City strategic communications; communications policy, guidance and training; the City’s primary social media accounts; the City’s media relations program; the City’s brand and a number of other communications-related activities. The Office is also responsible for the general oversight of City communications, working directly with communications staff in various departments. The Chief Public Affairs Officer works directly with the City Manager and the Office works closely with the Office of the Mayor. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The ideal candidate will have a great understanding of communications standards, including media relations best practices with a strong understanding of the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook. They must be able to keep up with new trends and practices related to news media and storytelling. The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. They must be able to demonstrate creative thinking and problem-solving skills. They will lead with an equity mindset. The ideal candidate will have the ability to work independently and as part of a team, and both provide leadership and support. They must be able to work effectively with a wide variety of people, both internally and externally to the organization, while consistently be proactive, and exercising tact and good judgement The ideal candidate will be flexible, with the ability to pivot as needed based on changing priorities. They will be able to successfully manage multiple assignments in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. The candidate must have excellent organizational and administrative skills. EXAMPLES OF DUTIES Write and distribute press releases, public notices and media advisories for the Office of the City Manager Edit, coordinate and distribute press releases, public notices and media advisories from City departments Respond to media inquiries and/or coordinate with other departments and subject matter experts Assist with general media relations activities Assist with the editing and distribution of press alerts Assist with the writing and editing of city manager alerts and other internal communications Monitor news stories and run media coverage reports, as needed Develop a bi-weekly, internal news media roundup Assist with the coordination and implementation of media events and press conferences Update news media distribution lists on a regular basis Review news articles and coordinate necessary corrections Develop relationships with existing and new journalists Write talking points and develop run-of-shows for the Office of the City Manager Assist with the development and writing of media relations guidance documents and policies Provide guidance to City departments on media relations activities Assist in the training and development of departmental media relations staff Assist in the writing and development of external-facing publications Coordinate with external partners regarding programs and initiatives Assist in the development of digital communications, including websites, video and social media Coordinate with the graphic designer to develop copy for graphics, infographics, and design for digital and printed collateral REQUIREMENTS TO FILE MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO FILE Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, English, Creative Writing, Marketing or a closely related field (proof required*). Experience: Three (3) years of recent full-time professional experience in media relations or journalism Additional Requirments: Valid Motor Vehicle Operator License Willingness and ability to work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays as needed DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS Experience working in media relations for a government or public agency Bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer or Tagalog) Proficient in the use of computers; including email, internet, and office productivity software (e.g. Microsoft SharePoint, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint) Proficiency in Associated Press (AP) Stylebook SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL POSSESS THE FOLLOWING: General understanding of video conferencing and meetings programs SELECTION PROCEDURE This recruitment will close at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, 2024. T o be considered, applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and proof of degree (qualifying with a degree), in PDF format. Applications will be reviewed for depth and breadth of experience, and for level and relatedness of education. The most qualified candidates will be invited to participate in further selection procedures. Applicants who do not meet the minimum requirements, including submission of all required attachments, will not be considered. The City of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce. The City of Long Beach is committed to creating a workplace where every employee is valued for who they are. Having our workforce reflect the diversity of our community at various levels of the organization is a continuous goal embraced by our departments, management staff, and policymakers. To support efforts of fairness and diversity, City Leadership is committed to incorporating equity and inclusion into our work by supporting staff and community partners. We are committed to promoting transparency by publishing updated demographic information for employees, including workforce diversity data and pay by race and gender. The City of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the City of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act . The City of Long Beach intends to provide reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If special accommodation is desired, or if you would like to request this information in an alternative format, please call (562) 570-7915. In support of the City’s Language Access Policy, bilingual skills (Spanish, Khmer and/or Tagalog) are desirable for positions interacting with the public. Employee Benefits The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include: Retirement: California Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) defined benefit retirement plan, which is coordinated with Social Security. The benefit is 2.5% @55 for "Classic" members and 2%@62 for new members as defined by PEPRA. Subject to employee contribution. Both the City and the employee contributes toward CalPERS retirement contributions. The city also participates in Social Security. Health and Dental Insurance: The City offers the choice of HMO and PPO plans. The city pays major portion of the premium for employee and dependents depending on the health/ dental plan selected. Life Insurance: City-paid term life insurance policy equal to three (3) times annual salary to a maximum of $500,000. Disability Insurance: City-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. Management Physical: Annual City-paid physical examination. Vacation: Twelve (12) vacation days after the first year of service; 15 days after four years, six months of service; 20 days after 19 years, six months of service. Executive Leave: Forty (40) hours Executive Leave per year. The City Manager has discretion to grant an additional 40 hours each year. Sick Leave: One day earned per month; unlimited accumulation; conversion upon retirement to cash credit toward health and/or dental insurance premiums, or to pension credits. Holidays: Eleven (11) designated holidays per year, plus four personal holidays to be used at the employee's discretion. Transportation Allowance: $450 per month. Deferred Compensation Plan: Optional for employee contribution to a supplementary retirement savings program available through Mission Square Retirement formerly ICMA-RC Retirement Corporation). City contributes 1% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) plan; effective September 30, 2022, the City will contribute 2% of employee's base pay to the employee's 401(a) account. Employees may opt to contribute up to the IRS annual limits as well. Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Optional election for employees to reduce taxable income for payment of allowable childcare or medical expenses. Flexible/Hybrid Work Schedule: Available (subject to City Manager approval). Paid Parental Leave: After six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17). Management positions - Refer to the Job Posting brochure included in the job posting. Closing Date/Time: 4/18/2024 11:59 PM Pacific