Media Services Program Manager

Req ID: 226

Department: Communications

Personnel Area: Communications Department

Minimum Salary: $155938.00

Maximum Salary: $155938.00

Job Req ID: 226

Department: Communications Department

Salary Range: $155,938.00 to $155,938.00

Job Type: Unclassified

Business Area: Communications

Personnel Area: Communications Department

Closing Date: 11/27/2024

*Please Note: Internal candidates must apply through SuccessFactors. Click Here*

The Position:

Under the direction of the Communications Department Director, the Public Safety Media Services Program Manager will work directly with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, Mayor’s Office, City Council offices, other City departments and programs and outside agencies to coordinate and lead communications strategies related to the City’s Fire-Rescue Department services and programs.

The mission of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is to serve the community of San Diego by providing the highest level of emergency/rescue services, hazard prevention and safety education ensuring the protection of life, property and the environment.

There's no such thing as a "perfect" candidate. The City is looking for exceptional people who want to make a positive impact through their work, will serve their community proudly, and be excited to come to work every day. Education and experience studies have shown that people are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task listed in the job description. The City may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications and we encourage you to apply if you are interested.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Develop communications plans and strategize and create outreach campaigns on behalf of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office and the Communications Department.
Serve as a resource/liaison with the mass media and other departments and agencies.
Write and edit news releases and media advisories; write internal communications for City employees; write, edit and produce videos; draft social media messages and manage the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department’s social media platforms; coordinate news conferences and media availabilities, write talking points; and support public record request responses.
Disseminate information to the Mayor, City Council, management, community stakeholders and business owners regarding any planned emergency activities or projects.
Schedule, coordinate and participate in public outreach efforts such as community meetings and targeted educational outreach programs.
Manage crisis communications and staff the department operations center and/or emergency operations center during a wildfire or other natural disaster or emergency event.
Collaborate with partners including the San Diego Fire-Rescue Foundation, Burn Institute, other fire and public safety agencies.
Manage content on the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department website and consistently ensure information is accurate and up to date.
Respond to media inquiries and collaborate with news organizations to disseminate information.

Minimum Qualifications:

A bachelor’s degree in communications, English, journalism, public administration, policy, business management or a related field.
8 years of professional level public relations, media relations or journalism experience (any combination of education and experience that demonstrates these may be qualifying.)
3+ years of experience in managing crisis communications and media relations.
Must be fluent in both English and Spanish.
This position will require work in the evenings, weekends and on holidays, as the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department is a 24-hour, 7-day per week operation.

Desirable Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Excellent writing and copyediting skills.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Familiarity with public sector emergency management best practices and incident command structures.
Knowledge of the political and environmental landscape in San Diego County.
An understanding of the City’s organization, its functions and services and its strategic plan, combined with demonstration of the use of such understanding to establish programs and accomplish projects.
Experience working in emergency management, overseeing communications on behalf of a public safety agency, and supporting a 24/7 operation.
Experience developing and leading successful outreach and educational campaigns in collaboration with stakeholders and partner organizations.
Familiarity with the City’s organization, its functions and services and its strategic plan.
Experience working with video recording and editing software, social media platforms and web publishing tools; experience creating presentations for the public.

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:

The Communications Department provides information to educate and engage the public and City employees, effectively delivering accurate and consistent messages regarding City initiatives, programs, events, and services in coordination with City departments and the Mayor’s Office. The Communications Department oversees the City’s responses to news, media, and Public Records Act requests; manages content for the City’s website and social media accounts; produces videos, graphics, and printed materials; and manages CityTV programming. This programming includes coverage of news conferences, City Council and Committee meetings, and other public meetings. The Communications Department is also responsible for internal communications to City employees through the City’s intranet, CityNet, employee notifications, videos, and the production of the employee newsletter. For more information, please visit this link.

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 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2025 operating and capital budget of approximately $5.65 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.

Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.

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