County of Alameda

DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, performs a variety of professional public affairs, education and communications planning activities, directs and coordinates the activities of environmental services, legislative and water conservation programs and activities; supports operating sections’ strategic planning efforts, leads and directs multi-disciplinary project teams; and performs work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

This single position class reporting to the General Manager, Zone 7, performs public information duties, which include, but are not limited to developing agency-wide communications strategy; providing general information to the public about Zone 7’s programs and services; facilitates public meetings; and serves as Zone 7’s representative on various external committees. This position has program responsibility for environmental regulatory compliance review and for the coordination of legislative and water conservation programs and activities.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

NOTE: The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

1. Works closely with executive management senior staff to develop and execute effective communications strategies for Zone 7.
2. Manages the design, writing and printing of newsletters, brochures, fact sheets, reports, and other educational literature for dissemination to the public; assists other staff members by writing and editing documents.
3. Develops and maintains contacts and represents Zone 7 in meetings with community groups and organizations, business leaders, and governmental representatives; participates in various community organizations and projects as a representative of the Agency.
4. Manages agency website.
5. Directs the preparation of a variety of reports, correspondence, articles and graphic materials, including research and consultation with Zone 7 staff to write technical information and reports for official Zone 7 publications; writes articles for professional newsletters on topics related to Zone 7 programs, facilities, and issues; coordinates with staff the design and production of displays and exhibits.
6. Manages various public affairs activities, including Agency education programs and media relations including drafting press releases; responding to reporters; preparing press briefings and editorial board briefings; identifies and pursues opportunities to generate positive media coverage of Zone 7’s programs and services.
7. Plans, makes arrangements for and participates in tours, conferences, public hearings meetings, exhibits and other community-oriented events.
8. Manages subordinate staff and consultants engaged in carrying out Agency communications programs.
9. Assigns and reviews the work of assigned staff in the analysis of the environmental effects of Agency activities; prepares and processes documents for compliance of Agency activities with environmental laws and regulations; coordinates with staffs of environmental regulatory agencies; and public relations relating to environmental matters.
10. Coordinates and oversees legislative and water conservation programs and activities.
11. Conducts performance appraisals; makes recommendations for disciplinary actions; participates in interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, English, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, environmental studies, or a closely related field.

AND
Experience:

The equivalent of four years of full-time professional level experience in the field of public information, public affairs, public relations, environmental education, or a related field which must have included one year of full time program management responsibility.

License:

Possession of a valid California driver’s license.

Special Requirements:

• May work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions.
• Willing to work on-call, work nights, weekends, and holidays, in emergencies.
• Work around hazardous chemicals.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds of audio-visual equipment.

NOTE: The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

NOTE: The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public relations, communications planning, and environmental education.
• Principles of effective written communications including strong editing skills.
• Information dissemination techniques and methods.
• Small group and public facilitation.
• Public relations and marketing strategies.
• Understanding of the working media.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, ordinances and rules.
• Automated techniques in developing audiovisual presentations.
• Principles of supervision, including selection and performance evaluation.
• Principles, practices and trends in water resources and water operations including research techniques; codes, ordinance and laws related to planning and environmental protection.
• Federal, State and local environmental laws and regulation.
• Methods of environmental assessment and mitigation.
• Basic supervisory principles.

Ability to:

• Work effectively with the public, governmental agencies, private companies, media, and community organizations in a tactful, diplomatic manner.
• Provide excellent written communications as it pertains to media releases, articles, bulletins, etc.
• Execute public speaking engagements.
• Analyze problems, examine alternatives, and recommend solutions.
• Plan, develop, and organize innovative strategies to meet Zone 7 communication objectives.
• Understand basic scientific and engineering principles and be able to explain them to a lay audience.
• Coordinate effectively with management personnel in declared emergencies.
• Produce accurate information in short timeframes.
• Meet deadlines when managing multiple and changing priorities.
• Demonstrate interpersonal sensitivity.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with Zone 7’s staff (including executive management), Zone 7’s Board of Directors, the public, other agencies, consultants, contractors and others.
• Reach collaborative solutions, using problem-solving skills.

CLASS SPEC HISTORY

RC:pf 4/13/05
Newspecs: 4914.doc
CSC Date: 5/11/2005
RC:po Revised/Retitle 1/6/06
{old title: Communications Manager, Zone 7}
CSC Date: 1/18/2006

BENEFITS

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.