CITY OF OAKLAND, CA
Oakland, California, United States
May 04, 2023
Full Time
The Position Recruitment is being conducted by CPS. You can access the brochure at https://online.flipbuilder.com/kper/mxga/ . The City of Oakland is a dynamic, progressive, high-energy city in the heart of the Bay Area where 21st century challenges are tackled with cutting-edge approaches. We are driven to center equity in everything we do; by working together to eliminate disparities, we can create a community where everyone can thrive, regardless of their race or where they live. Oakland is a vibrant city with 50 distinct and eclectic neighborhoods, 17 commercial districts, a progressive downtown, and exceptional cultural and recreational amenities. With an estimated population of 420,183, Oakland is the eighth largest city in California; with a $2 billion annual budget and 4,500 employees, it serves as the administrative hub of Alameda County and the center of commerce and international trade for the Bay Area region. Oakland is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, with more than 125 languages and dialects spoken. Oakland is a regional hub for multicultural arts and boasts one of the largest visual and performing arts communities on the West Coast. In addition to its abundant natural beauty, rich history, and lively multi-cultural neighborhoods, Oakland is a dynamic hub of innovation and visionary thinkers. The City of Oakland is home to creative, civic-minded, and tech-savvy residents, businesses, and community partners. The Citywide Communications & Engagement Director serves as the City’s chief spokesperson and Public Information Officer (PIO) and provides visionary leadership, strategic counsel and demonstrated expertise in implementing and sustaining a consistent and effective citywide approach to inclusive communication and community engagement. The Communications Director exercises supervision over assigned personnel; directs day-to-day messaging and communications; leads emergency and crisis communications; ensures Citywide brand standards; and is responsible for providing support for and coordination between city-wide departments. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing an equity driven city-wide communications strategy that leverages multiple channels including news media, the City’s website, social media channels and strong community partnerships that ensures all Oaklander’s have access to the information that they need to participate in City programs and services and the opportunity to shape the policies and programs that impact their everyday lives. The Director reports directly to the City Administrator and works closely with the communication team in the Mayor’s office, as well as communication leads in other departments. There are four employees that report to the Citywide Communications Director, including an Assistant to the City Administrator, a Digital Officer, a Community Engagement Officer, and a Public Information Officer. The nature of the job requires the Director to be available 24 hours, 7 days a week. Priorities, Initiatives, And Challenges The following are some of the priorities, initiatives, and challenges facing the next Director: Continuing to maintain and develop a strong crisis communication plan. Revamping the City’s website, making it a more useful tool, and increasing the number of services online. Deepening the City’s overall engagement with its residents, including making its communication tools more accessible, culturally appropriate, and available in multiple languages. The Ideal Candidate Is an experienced facilitator, able to lead conversations with multiple stakeholders towards alignment in messaging and communications Able to analyze information and present it to the public in a clear, concise, trustworthy, and accessible manner Has the capacity to build and maintain relationships, diplomacy, and commitment to building mutually productive relationships Ability to deliver effective communications strategies and messages to reach a broad array of audiences Demonstrated ability to implement inclusive communications strategies that reach non-English speaking, low-literacy, historically disenfranchised, and differently abled communities Able to work in a political environment without engaging in politics Strong project management skills, able to own and deliver high-quality results on time and on budget Mature, calm, focused demeanor when tackling complex, high-pressure, high-profile issues High degree of emotional intelligence and ability to work with empathy and compassion with a diverse array of people Flexibility and ability to quickly pivot to meet emerging/urgent new priorities Has patience, but is persistent in accomplishing the work that needs to be done Has an eye for problem solving Can leverage existing ties to the area Maintains strict confidentiality with issues that they receive deep background on Effectively communicates and values equity in their communication Can be comfortable in diverse settings with different audiences Uses good discretion Minimum Requirements for Application Education and Experience The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Communication, or a related field and 10 years of experience working in the public information field. Experience in the Bay Area is helpful but not essential. Experience as a PIO, journalist, digital content creator, and management experience desired. Government experience is a plus. Supplemental Information Application and Selection Process The first review of resumes for this position is June 2, 2023. To be considered, please submit a resume, cover letter, and six work-related references (two supervisors, two direct reports, and two colleagues) who will not be contacted in the early stages of the recruitment. Resumes should reflect years and months of positions held, with beginning/ending dates. Please go to the CPS-HR website to submit your application: https://www.cpshr.us/recruitment/2209 For further information, please contact: David Niemeyer Executive Recruiter (916) 471-366 Email: dniemeyer@cpshr.us Website: www.cpshr.us Resumes will be screened with consideration of the criteria outlined in the brochure. Candidates deemed to have the most relevant qualifications will be invited to an interview with the consultant, following which the most qualified candidates will be invited for interviews with the City. Appointment will be contingent upon an extensive background check, pre-employment physical, and drug screen. Final selection and appointment will be made by the City Administrator. Recruitment is being conducted by CPS. You can access the brochure at https://online.flipbuilder.com/kper/mxga/ . The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*: • CalPERS Medical • Dental • Vision • Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu • Flexible Spending Accounts • Commuter Benefits • Group & Supplemental Life Insurance • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) • Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH) • Pension Benefits • Deferred Compensation * Specific benefits may vary depending on the assignedspecific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Employee Benefits Information Current MOUs may be reviewed here: City of Oakland Labor Agreements Closing Date/Time: 6/2/2023 11:59 PM Pacific