City and County of San Francisco

Under general supervision, acts as an assistant to, and reports directly to the school district's Communications Director on public relations matters; as directed, plans and coordinates public relations' administrative and technical activities related to public information programs of the San Francisco Unified School District; directs subordinates engaged in public access radio station KALW, community relations activities, and community-based organization relations; oversees and participates in the preparation of detailed reports and recommendations for the Communications Director; establishes and maintains good relations through community partnerships, discussion and interpretation of policies, rules, regulations and procedures; coordinates data gathering activities related to Public Records Act requests; and performs related duties as required.

This class is distinguished from other administrative and public relations positions by the supervisory responsibilities and educational focus of the position.  Specifically, classes 1312 Public Information Officer and 1314 Public Relations Officer do not reflect the educational focus of this class and the requisite knowledge, abilities, and skills required for successful performance.  Additionally, class 9980 positions may provide administrative direction and supervision to lower level position(s) in classes 1312 Public Information Officer and 1314 Public Relations Officer. 

Supervises professional and clerical personnel.

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Assists the San Francisco Unified School District in communicating with and advising the school district administrators, supervisors, and other district employees on a wide range of public relations/administrative activities, issues or projects that may affect departmental operations.

2. Conducts organizational research, analyzes data and prepares recommendations on a variety of problems and issues; prepares routine and complex reports related to public information requests and issues.

3. Supervises the professional and support staff engaged in access radio KALW, community relations, reproduction, photography services and media relations; reviews personnel issues; assists in determining work priorities; and supervises staff engaged in the preparation of information for publication.

4. Prepares budget recommendations and justifications for KALW operations; participates in fund-raising activities to promote awareness and increase resources for the public radio station.

5. Acts as a liaison between the public, community organizations, and elected representatives on district-related matters, including procedural matters affecting the various San Francisco Unified School District departments; provides and exchanges information and explains policies, procedures and regulations relating to the San Francisco Unified School District.

6. Coordinates and participates in special projects dealing with public relations problems involving multiple operating departments and/or schools of the San Francisco Unified School District.

7. Assists the Communications Director in preparing presentations to public and private agencies and officials; arranges conferences for top public and private management staff; organizes and conducts tours of various district facilities and schools by the press, parents and other interested groups.

8. Represents the Communications Director, as directed, at meetings with the press, governmental officials, legislative bodies, representatives of business organizations and community service groups, as well as the general public. 

9. Acts as a primary contact for Public Records Act requests, coordinating timely and accurate responses with district departments and schools, in conjunction with the district legal department.

Knowledge of: Principles and techniques of public relations strategies appropriate to a large, urban public educational institution; laws and regulations governing public school district administration.

Ability to: Supervise the activities of subordinate professional and clerical personnel; interface with the media, governmental agencies, and various organizations; conduct research studies, analyze qualitative and quantitative data, and prepare clear and concise recommendations and reports; design and oversee fundraising campaigns to support operational needs of public access media; establish and maintain effective and tactful oral and written communication with district employees, the media, and the general public. 

1. Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. AND
2. Four years of experience in a position requiring knowledge of the legislative process, legislative advocacy, and/or public relations, including at least one year of experience in a public education setting with significant responsibility for public relations activities.

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.