Public Engagement Officer

Under general direction, is responsible for performing media relations and community engagement to promote, support, and integrate community involvement into City governance. Provides public relations support for the FIRE & EMS Department to improve the timely and accurate distribution of information to the public. May be required to drive a vehicle and conduct field work. Working conditions are primarily inside an office environment. May exercise supervision over assigned staff.

Work Location
8130 Inner Circle, San Antonio, TX

Work Hours
7:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
Occasionally may require weekends and late evenings depending on departmental needs.

• Plans, develops, and implements strategies and programs to help facilitate community involvement with City departments, programs and initiatives.
• Develops and implements City policies, procedures, and protocol designed to engage community input on various City programs and initiatives.
• Conducts neighborhood need assessments, meets with neighborhood residents, leaders, and community groups to identify needs and available resources.
• Confers with management concerning material to be prepared and style of presentation.
• Arranges for the distribution of news releases, pamphlets, and special articles.
• Prepares or edits scripts to be presented over communications media; outlines of material for newspaper photographers; and display advertising for newspapers, posters, handbills, exhibits or programs.
• Attends committee meetings and public gatherings to obtain information for and provide information concerning the City.
• Monitors social media and fosters two-way dialogue with residents through social media channels.
• Facilitates public dialogues and consensus building to identify and resolve issues between the City and various community stakeholders.
• Assesses various community concerns, values, and opinions on City projects, programs, and initiatives, and presents findings to City staff.
• Consults with City staff to develop and implement public information training materials, bulletins, and presentations.
• Establishes and maintains effective relationships with community leaders, City Officials, the media, and the general public.
• Coordinates and facilitates community research and responses to
  technical documents issued by City departments, developers and other jurisdictions.
• Performs related duties and fulfills responsibilities as required.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field.
• Three (3) years professional experience in Public Relations.

• Ability to read and write in Spanish.

• If selected for this position, official transcripts, diplomas, certifications and licenses must be submitted at the time of processing. Unofficial transcripts and copies of other relevant documents may be attached to the application for consideration in advance.
• Please be advised that if selected for this position, information regarding employment history as it relates to the qualifications of the position will be needed for employment verification. Applicants claiming military service to meet the experience requirement for this position may attach a DD214 to the application.
• Unless otherwise stated, applicants are permitted to substitute two years of related full-time experience for one year of higher education or one year of related higher education for two years of experience in order to meet the minimum requirements of the job. One year of full-time experience is defined as 30 or more hours worked per week for 12 months. One year of higher education is defined as 30 credit hours completed at an accredited college or university.
• Applicants selected for employment with the City of San Antonio in this position must receive satisfactory results from pre-employment drug testing and background checks. If required for the position, a physical, motor vehicle record evaluation, and additional background checks may be conducted.

• Knowledge of marketing principles, methods, and techniques.
• Knowledge of public relations principles, practices, and techniques.
• Knowledge of journalistic principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of television production procedures, audience needs, and producer's goals.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and utilizing rudimentary software.
• Skill in utilizing desktop publishing programs.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to utilize marketing principles to create a successful plan.
• Ability to coordinate with other organizations.
• Ability to use conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Ability to establish effective relationships with co-workers, supervisors, the general public and other professionals in the public information field.
• Ability to research, gather, write, and graphically present information and prepare it for publication.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to perform all the physical requirements of the position, with or without accommodations.

Benefits Information
The City of San Antonio (CoSA) strives to provide a competitive compensation and benefit package to attract and retain a highly skilled workforce. To accomplish this, CoSA offers subsidized health care benefits for active and retired employees, paid disability benefits, paid life insurance, as well as automatic participation in a pension program which is currently matched two to one.

For more detailed information, please click on the following link to view Benefits offered by the City of San Antonio:
http://www.sanantonio.gov/hr/employee_information/benefits/index.asp

• Part-Time, Temporary, and non-City positions are not eligible for CoSA Benefits.
• Holiday and Leave benefits for Pre-K 4 SA positions may be different than what is listed at the above link.

Additional Information
The City Of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. This means that the City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex (gender), age, disability, national origin, genetic information, or sexual orientation. All individuals are encouraged to apply and compete for jobs with the City of San Antonio.

If you require assistance at any stage of the application process due to a disability, please contact the Human Resources Department so that accommodations may be made to meet your needs. Our telephone number is 210-207-8705 and our fax number is 210-207-2285.