Public Affairs Manager

Description The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of THE DEPARTMENT The Fremont Fire Department is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through emergency response, prevention, preparedness, and community engagement. Serving a diverse and dynamic community in the heart of the Bay Area, the Department values innovation, professionalism, and strong partnerships both within the organization and throughout the community. Description The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of Public Affairs Manager . The Department is seeking a strategic and highly collaborative Public Affairs Manager to lead communications, public information, and community engagement efforts for the Fremont Fire Department. This position serves as the Department’s primary Public Information Officer (PIO) and plays a critical role in shaping public messaging, supporting emergency communications, and strengthening community trust and preparedness. IS THIS THE ROLE FOR YOU? This is not a traditional communications role. The ideal candidate is equal parts strategist , communicator , collaborator , and problem-solver ; someone who can move seamlessly between executive briefings, community outreach events, emergency response communications, and operational coordination. WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO Thrives in a fast-paced public safety environment Is politically savvy and exercises sound judgment under pressure Builds strong relationships across divisions, departments, and community groups Understands the importance of consistent, accurate, and timely messaging during emergencies and critical incidents Is comfortable preparing messaging, briefing materials, and communication strategies for executive leadership and elected officials Can confidently and professionally respond to media inquiries and serve as a trusted public information resource This role reports directly to the Fire Chief and works closely with all divisions throughout the Fremont Fire Department, as well as the City’s Communications Director, to ensure coordinated and effective public messaging. ABOUT THE POSITION The Public Affairs Manager oversees a broad range of communications, outreach, and public engagement functions for the Department. RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE Serving as the Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and primary media contact Developing and managing public education, outreach, preparedness, and engagement programs Writing and producing press releases, presentations, newsletters, public service announcements, briefing materials, and other communications Managing website content, social media platforms, and digital communications tools Supporting emergency alerting and notification efforts through systems such as Everbridge, Nixle, IPAWS, and official social media channels Responding to field incidents, command posts, emergency activations, and special events outside of normal business hours when necessary Supporting Fire Department initiatives related to recruitment, CERT programs, school outreach, community preparedness, and public education SELECTION PROCESS Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews and assessments may be scheduled once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been established. A resume must be submitted with the completed online application. Applications submitted without a resume may not be considered. Only online applications will be accepted. The selection process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling View phone number on click.appcast.io or emailing View email address on click.appcast.io. CONTACT US For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at: View email address on click.appcast.io PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER - CLASS SPECIFICATION DEFINITION Under general direction, manages community engagement activities which include a variety of public education and outreach programs as well as all public relations and communications activities for a Department. The Public Affairs Manager serves as the primary contact for the public and media in the capacity of Public Information Officer. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a professional management level classification reporting to the Department Head or designee. This class is characterized by the responsibility to manage all public relations, community outreach and community engagement programs. These include the public safety and prevention programs, volunteer programs, technological communications tools such as website and social media, and the enforcement of related city ordinances. The Public Affairs Manager acts as the Department's Public Information Officer which is the primary contact for information by the public and media. This classification has broad discretion and makes independent judgments within the overall policy guidelines established by the department and provides direction and supervision of support personnel within the unit. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Develops, implements, and manages or supports public safety programs, volunteer programs, problem solving and engagement activities, and other public relations programs. Writes, edits, designs and produces press releases, public service announcements, brochures, fact sheets and presentations to create public awareness of Department activities and events. Maintains the City's website, social media and technological outreach systems for content and design, insuring accuracy, consistency and quality. Oversees and enforces city ordinances, permits, and programs including but not limited to Film Office, Special Event Street Light Banner program, High Impact Special Events, Places of Entertainment License program, Alarm Permits, Parking Citations, Administrative Remedy program, Emergency Preparedness Initiatives, Alerting and Notification Systems Outreach, Fire Prevention Week, Fire Public Education, recruitment initiatives, volunteer coordination/outreach, and other special events or programs related to selected public safety activities. Coordinates efforts with department command staff and other city departments as it relates to community events, problems, or nuisance issues. Serves as the Public Safety Public Information Officer, which is the primary contact for information from the public and the media. Responds to field command posts or other special events outside of normal working hours to serve as Public Information Officer. Researches and responds to public inquiries regarding public safety matters. Compiles and analyzes data in order to assess cost, operational feasibility and other aspects of the Department's community engagement programs. Participates in the preparation and monitoring of related unit budgets, RFP's, and contracts. Prepares complete, concise, and accurate staff reports for command staff and City Council regarding matters related to the community engagement. Directs, trains, and supervises professional and technical staff within the Community Engagement Unit. MARGINAL FUNCTIONS Other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Knowledge of: Principles of program management; State and local laws and ordinances as it relates to assigned duties; Principles and practices of communications and public information techniques through different mediums, including print, Internet, television, and PowerPoint; writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences; typical City services, structure and programs; working with graphic design software; research and problem solving techniques. Principles and practices of effective employee supervision including selection, training, evaluation, discipline, motivation, and team building and employee development programs; Principles of appropriate conflict resolution techniques; Work load forecasting and staffing models in an extended hours environment; developing and implementing goals and objectives and in applying them to guide and define both communications operations and employee performance through the use of work plans; Skill in: Preparing clear, concise and complete analysis, proposals, reports and other written materials; maintaining accurate records and meeting critical deadlines; researching and analyzing complex problems, evaluating varied information and data, either in statistical or narrative form, and exercising sound judgment within established guidelines; communicating effectively with other professionals and members of the public; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, and working collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups. Demonstrated working knowledge of common office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, and acquire skill in utilizing specialized automated systems. Ability to: Develop, plan, direct and manage a public information function; understand and communicate technical data to the public and the media; analyze issues and draw logical and sensitive conclusions; write, proposals, press releases, articles, etc.; prepare presentations; design and layout electronic and print newsletters and website pages; use desktop publishing and printing techniques; learn the use of specialized computer software applicable to the position; work independently with limited supervision and under multiple deadlines; collaborate and bring key stakeholders together and work with the public tactfully, courteously and effectively; develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of City staff, agencies, organizations and vendors; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position. EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical qualifying background would include: a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, journalism, public relations, public administration, or a related field, and five years of increasingly responsible experience in public affairs, public communications and/or public relations that includes two years in a lead or supervisory capacity. LICENCES/ CERTIFICATES/SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holidays. This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside City limits and requires possession of a Class C Driver's License. Failure to maintain this license will result in discipline up to and including termination. PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS Rare = 66% Sitting: Frequent Walking: Occasional Standing: Occasional Bending (neck): Frequent Bending (waist): Rare Squatting: Rare Climbing: Never Kneeling: Never Crawling: Never Jumping: Never Balancing: Never Twisting (neck): Occasional Twisting (waist): Rare Grasp - light (dominant hand): Frequent Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare Fine manipulation (dominant): Frequent Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Frequent Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare Reach – above shoulder level: Rare PUSH/PULL Up to 10 lbs. Rare 11 to 25 lbs. Rare 26 to 50 lbs. Never 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs. Never LIFTING Up to 10 lbs. Rare 11 to 25 lbs. Rare 26 to 50 lbs. Never 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs. Never CARRYING Up to 10 lbs. Rare 11 to 25 lbs. Rare 26 to 50 lbs. Never 51 to 75 lbs. Never 76 to 100 lbs. Never Over 100 lbs. Never COORDINATION Eye-hand Required Eye-hand-foot Not required Driving Required VISION Acuity, near Required – when/if driving Acuity, far: Required – when/if driving Depth perception: Required – when/if driving Accommodation: Required – when/if driving Color vision: Required – when/if driving Field of vision: Required – when/if driving TALKING Face-to-face contact: Required Verbal contact w/others: Required Public: Required HEARING Normal conversation: Required Telephone communication: Required Earplugs required: Not required WORK ENVIRONMENT Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, being around moving machinery (driving), working below ground, works around others, works alone, works with others. CLASS CODE 1043 FLSA Exempt EEOC CODE 2 BARG. UNIT FAME PROBATION 12 months REV. 05/13 The City of Fremont offers a comprehensive benefit package including general and holiday leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long/short-term disability insurance. To view a summary of the benefits the City offers, please visit: City of Fremont Benefits Summary 01 Please be specific in answering the Supplemental Questions as they will be used to evaluate which applications will be given further consideration in the process. Do not answer "see resume" or "see application," as these are not valid responses. Select "Yes" to reflect that you have read and understand this statement. Yes No 02 What is your highest level of education? Graduation from High School or equivalent (GED, etc.) Some College Associate's Degree Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree or higer 03 If you indicated above that you possess a degree, please list your major below. If you do not possess a degree, please write "NA." 04 How many years of increasingly responsible experience do you have in public affairs, public communications, public information, public relations, or a closely related field? Less than 2 years of experience At least 2 years, but less than 5 years of experience At least 5 years, but less than 7 years of experience 7 years or more 05 Please briefly describe your experience serving as a Public Information Officer (PIO) or communications lead for an organization, agency, or department. In your response, include the name of the agency or organization, your role, and the types of communications responsibilities you handled. If you do not have experience in these areas, please write "NA." 06 Please indicate which of the following areas you have professional experience with (select all that apply): Social media management Website management/content adminstration Press release writing Crisis or emergency communications Community outreach or public education programs Emergency alert systems (e.g., IPAWS, Nixle) Emergency Operations Center (EOC) support Coordination with executive leadership or elected officials None of the above 07 Do you have experience working with a public agency (school district, city, state, municipality, court, special district, etc.)? Yes No 08 Do you have experience working with a public safety department? Yes No 09 Please indicate below your acknowledgement/understanding that this is full-time, on-site position. Yes No 10 This position may require responding to field incidents, emergency operations, community meetings, or special events outside of normal business hours. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement? Yes No 11 The Public Affairs Manager may be required to respond to incidents and emergency activations within the City of Fremont. This position is subject to the City's emergency response requirements, including the ability to reliably respond to emergency call-backs within forty-five (45) minutes. Are you able to meet this requirement? Yes No Required Question #J-18808-Ljbffr