Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager

The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of Public Affairs Manager. 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.

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.

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.

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

This position will remain open until filled - however, interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. 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.