Community Relations Aide

Community Relations Aide

The Office of Supervisor Sylvia Arenas is recruiting for Community Relations Aide position. The position serves as a community relations representative in direct support of an elected official. The position will coordinate community outreach, casework and public information efforts for the District 1 office. Education and/or experience in the fields of public relations, political science, public policy, public information, communications, or marketing is highly desirable. The ability to develop and maintain effective relations with constituents and organizations with a positive and professional demeanor when working in public is essential to this position. Strong writing skills, communication skills, and community or political organizing are preferred skills for this role. Bilingual language skills (Vietnamese, Spanish, and/or Chinese), both oral and written, are desirable, but not required.

Employees in this classification are not members of the classified civil service and appointment would be on a contract "at-will" basis and is for a specified period of time to be determined by the appointing Supervisor and/or Chief of Staff and does not extend past the end of the Supervisor's or appointing authority's term. Candidates must be willing to work evenings and weekends on occasion, and as salaried employees, are not eligible for overtime compensation.

The annual salary range for this position is $65,000 to $75,000, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience. The County offers excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits. Retirement benefits are provided through CalPERS (the California Public Employees' Retirement System). Paid holidays, as well as vacation and sick leave, are also included in this compensation package.

Typical Tasks

• Maintain relationships with constituents and stakeholder groups within the District;
• Provide staff support to the Supervisor at meetings and events;
• Attend meetings and events on behalf of the Supervisor, identify collaborative opportunities within the community;
• Collaborates on the content of articles for the Supervisor's electronic newsletter, constituent correspondence, and mass mailings;
• Respond to constituents seeking help with a variety of issues, including providing resource information and facilitating solutions to concerns involving local, state and/or federal partners;
• Designing flyers, graphics, and materials for community and public information;
• Updating and designing web and social media content;
• Engaging and collaborating with constituents, organizations, and County staff as needed;
• Assisting with talking points, quotes, and messages for events and/or social media outlets.

Employment Standards

Any combination of training, education, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to advise and support the Supervisor on matters of constituent services, public policy, community outreach and engagement, and communications.

Education and Experience: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent and two (2) or more years' experience in public or customer service, public relations, communications, or recreation programming.

Required Licensing: Possession of a valid California Driver's license is required.

Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country.

Desirable experience, knowledge, and skills for this position include:

• Demonstrates strong writing, editing, proofreading, and grammar skills.
• Ability to collaborate with community-based organizations regarding the preparation and management of programs, special events, and community outreach efforts.
• Ability to manage programs, activities, and projects within the scope and authority of the Supervisor regarding community relations methods, programs, and events.
• Ability to complete work assignments in a quick and efficient manner with minimal assistance from others, to work in a team environment with other staff members in an office and in the field.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to carry out and promote the Supervisor's agenda and direction regardless of personal philosophies.
• Knowledge and ability to write complex letters, memoranda, and reports; proficiency in developing public information such as brochures and flyers.
• Photo management and/or graphic design using Adobe or other software.
• Proficiency in software applications, such as Microsoft Suite: MS Word, Excel, Publisher, Office, and PowerPoint.
• An effective and professional communicator, both written and oral.
• Self-motivated, good organizational skills, detail-oriented, ability to prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines.

County of Santa Clara, CA