Public Affairs Manager - San Diego Police Department - U2503 (Unclassified)

Public opinion plays a crucial role in shaping an organization's success. Therefore, having an effective Public Affairs Manager is essential. The Public Affairs Manager will oversee the implementation of legislative mandates at the federal, state, and local levels, ensuring seamless integration of legislative changes across the San Diego Police Department. This includes updating departmental policies and procedures, enhancing police training, and refining field practices.

The Public Affairs Manager will evaluate existing police policies through an equity lens to align with the city's diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives. The role requires strong oral and written communication skills, interpersonal skills, and administrative abilities, with a focus on internal coordination rather than outward-facing activities. The manager must be knowledgeable about legislative impacts on law enforcement and skilled in managing media relations, including communication with media outlets and social media. Additionally, the manager will be responsible for updating the community on significant developments within the police department. Reporting directly to the Police Chief, this position is a key member of the Chief's Executive Committee.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Plan, develop, implement, and organize the Police Department's communications, public information, public relations, and community outreach strategies regarding legislative mandates

• Advise command staff on communication strategies and implementation

• Develop and administer goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for public affairs manager

• Facilitate programs for citizens to enhance understanding of policing

• Select and appoint section staff, ensuring their morale, productivity, and professional development

• Develop and administer marketing information for staff, community organizations, and media inquiries

• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's media outlets, social media, messaging and public affairs image and reputation

• Coordinate, train, and align inter-departmental program functions to ensure consistent communication and engagement

• Develop short- and long-range plans for marketing, events, outreach, and engagement needs

• Plan, coordinate, and conduct community events, presentations, and educational programs

• Collaborate with City staff, departments, and divisions to communicate and market programs and services

• Represent the San Diego Police Department in meetings with commissions, community groups, governmental bodies, the media, and the public

• Provide guidance to staff on communicating difficult and complex matters

• Direct and recommend the selection and purchase of materials, equipment, and contractual services

• Develop strategies for public affairs related programs expansion.

• Oversee the production of all department's website, written material, social media, and graphics contents

• Prepare and present comprehensive analytical and statistical reports, interpreting data, identifying alternatives, and justifying conclusions, forecasts, and recommendations

• Oversee one or more direct reports

• Must be able to work weekends and nights to meet departmental and community needs

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communication, or a related field

• Minimum of 5 years of direct professional experience and/or cumulative experiences

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills

• Strong administrative and organizational abilities

• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse populations from various backgrounds

• Adaptable and able to navigate ambiguity with ease

Benefits:

The City offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee's eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.)

• A wide variety of cafeteria-style health and wellness plans or in-lieu cash waiver

• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year

• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee's first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service

• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year

• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child

• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year

• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities

• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services)

• Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate

• Reduced-rate fitness center memberships

• City-paid life insurance

For additional details, please review the Benefits Summary for Unclassified Employees  (Download PDF reader) or contact the Benefits Division of the Risk Management Department at (619) 236-5924.

The Department:

For 134 years, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) has served the residents of the City with professionalism, dependability, and integrity. The mission of the Department is accomplished through the practice of neighborhood-based policing and problem solving through community partnerships. This approach requires a shared responsibility between the Police Department and the residents of San Diego for addressing underlying problems contributing to crime and the fear of crime. Staff at the SDPD work together in a problem-solving partnership with communities, government agencies, private groups, and individuals to fight crime and improve the quality of life for the residents and visitors of San Diego. For more information on department programs, please visit the Police Department's website: sandiego.gov/police.

The City:

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego's strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world-renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City's Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is "Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City." The City's Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region's largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 12,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2024 operating and capital budget of approximately $5 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City's website.

Pre-Employment Requirements and Screening Process:

Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City's pre-employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information.  Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Application Instructions: Kindly adhere to the instructions provided in the "Selection/Application Process" section below, we regret to inform you that online applications will not be considered.

Selection/Application Process:

To be considered for this position, you must submit the following items to the Human Resources Department at: HumanResources@sandiego.gov

1. Resume;

2. Letter of Interest, highlighting your relevant work experience and qualifications for this position; and

3. List of three professional references.

NOTE(S): 

• Attachments must be submitted in either PDF or Word Document format.

• Reference Recruitment Number U2503 in the Subject Line.

• Candidates are encouraged to apply promptly as interviews and selection may begin upon receipt of resumes from qualified individuals.

Following the closing date, resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.  If you have any questions, please email the City's Human Resources Department at HumanResources@sandiego.gov.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.