Communications Specialist

Appointment Type Permanent Exempt Category 18: Permanent exempt (PEX) position; individuals who are appointed to Exempt Positions are appointed at the pleasure of their appointing officer and are considered to be at-will. This position is a special project-based position limited to no more than 3 years in duration. This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Department Head. Application Opening July 2, 2026 Application Deadline Continuous; earliest close 5:00 p.m., July 10, 2026 Compensation Range $102,466 - $124,618 About the Agency for Human Rights The Agency for Human Rights was established in 2025 by Mayor Daniel Lurie to advance the civil rights and human dignity of all people in San Francisco. Bringing together City departments and specialized offices under a unified structure, the Agency coordinates a citywide approach to equity and inclusion. The Agency includes the Human Rights Commission, Department on the Status of Women, Office of Transgender Initiatives, Office of Racial Equity, and Civil Rights Division, among others. Position Summary Under the general supervision and direction of the department Communications Director, the Communications Specialist develops, implements, and evaluates public education and digital communications strategies that advance the mission of the Agency for Human Rights (AHR). The Agency for Human Rights’ work to enforce civil and human rights protections relies on ensuring that San Franciscans understand their rights, know how to access available protections and services, and are aware of the resources available to them. As a key member of the Communications Team, the Communications Specialist leads efforts to educate the public about AHR’s programs, initiatives, policies, and enforcement activities through innovative, accessible, and community-centered communications. The incumbent serves as the department's lead for digital engagement, including website content, social media strategy, digital storytelling, and online public education campaigns. In addition, the position develops broader public education strategies that utilize multiple communications channels and outreach methods to reach residents where they are, particularly communities that have historically faced barriers to accessing government information and services. Working closely with AHR divisions, community-based organizations, City partners, and other stakeholders, the Communications Specialist identifies effective ways to communicate with diverse audiences, including low‑income residents, communities of color, immigrants, youth, seniors, LGBTQ+ communities, and other historically marginalized populations. The incumbent develops culturally responsive and accessible educational content that promotes awareness of civil and human rights protections and strengthens public understanding of the department's work and impact. The position also supports the Communications Director in advancing the department's overall communications strategy, public information efforts, media engagement, community outreach initiatives, and special projects. Essential Duties Lead the development and implementation of department-wide public education campaigns regarding civil and human rights protections, programs, services, and resources. Identify and implement innovative strategies to reach underserved and historically marginalized communities through digital, print, in‑person, and community‑based communication channels. Develop educational materials, toolkits, presentations, videos, social media content, and other resources that translate complex legal, policy, and programmatic information into accessible and actionable information for the public. Serve as the department's lead for digital communications, including website management, social media strategy, content development, and audience engagement. Create and maintain a forward calendar for all departmental communications to map out events, initiatives, campaigns, and departmental business in a clear and coordinated way. Develop digital marketing and public information programs that support the department’s brand strategy objectives and engage the public. Research and analyze industry trends and areas for growth; set departmental goals accordingly and identify opportunities for improving engagement with and service to the community. Prepare and deliver reports to management on trends, site and platform usage, needed improvements, and areas of success. Assist with maintaining department brand, style, and voice across all platforms and through all content. Support department communications efforts with drafting of public statements, media releases, talking points for leadership, and event briefing notes. Assist the department custodian of records with coordination of requests for public records. Perform additional duties assigned by the department Communications Director. Minimum Qualifications 1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university AND two (2) years of administrative/professional experience in community development, housing and/or housing development, workforce development, finance, education, social work, children/youth work, criminal justice or elections related work; OR 2. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a major in one of the following fields: public or business administration, urban planning, government, social work, education, finance or criminal justice AND one (1) year of administrative/professional experience in community development, housing and/or housing development, workforce development, finance, education, social work, children/youth work, criminal justice or elections related work; OR 3. Possession of a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in public policy, planning, social work, public administration, finance, education, criminal justice, or business administration; OR 4. Possession of a Ph.D. or Juris Doctor degree from an accredited college or university. Verifiable administrative/professional experience involving community development, housing and/or housing development, workforce development, finance, education, social work, children/youth work, criminal justice and/or elections related work may substitute for the educational requirement in Minimum Qualification #1 on a year-for-year basis. Equal Employment Opportunity The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law. #J-18808-Ljbffr