Job Description

Posting number: 202601767

Department: City Manager

Job classification: Assistant To The City Manager (Unclassified)

Posting type: Open

Categories: Administration, Communications

Summary

The City Manager’s Office provides strategic leadership that supports the Mayor and City Council and motivates the organization to deliver high-quality services that meet the community’s needs. The City Manager’s Office of Communications directs and implements the City’s communications strategy to inform and engage the public. The Office focuses on communicating the City Manager’s priorities; conducting effective public education and outreach; ensuring government openness and transparency; increasing awareness of City programs and initiatives; and improving employee engagement.

About the City

Known as the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” the City of San José plays a vital economic and cultural role anchoring the world’s leading region of innovation. Encompassing 178 square miles at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay, San José is Northern California’s largest city and the 13th-largest city in the nation. With nearly one million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States.

Examples of duties

The City Manager’s Office of Communications is recruiting for an Assistant to the City Manager who will serve as Deputy Public Information Officer and report to the Director of Communications. The Deputy Public Information Officer manages a portfolio of City departments; serves as a media contact and/or spokesperson; and serves as a Deputy Emergency Public Information Officer during emergencies.

Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills are essential for this position. The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about marketing and public relations techniques, technologies, and platforms, including digital and social media and visual storytelling, and will keep equity at the forefront of all communications. The Deputy Public Information Officer will also advise senior-level managers and elected officials about communications, news media, and the community implications of decisions, policies, and programs, as well as potential alternatives. Previous experience in local government and/or at a public relations or advertising agency is preferred.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, business administration, or a discipline related to the business performed by the department, AND six (6) years of management and/or administrative experience in government or private business/industry.

A Master’s degree is preferred and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.

Supplemental information

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications, as demonstrated by their past and current employment history, and will serve as a leader who strengthens and supports the development of individuals and teams:

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Ability to demonstrate empathy when working with diverse audiences and colleagues on a range of sensitive and controversial topics;
• Ability to appropriately handle sensitive and confidential information;
• Ability to delegate effectively and encourage the development of staff throughout the organization; and
• Ability to remain flexible and adapt to change.
• An understanding of and appreciation for the complexities of local government processes and practices, including:

1. Ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations; and
2. Ability to learn quickly, take initiative, solve problems creatively, manage multiple assignments and deadlines, and work well under pressure.

• Proven record of building capacity and directing organizational change to achieve goals, including:

1. Experience in developing and implementing strategies to solve complex organizational, business, and municipal problems;
2. Strong project management experience; and
3. Strong administrative, organizational, and planning skills.

• Detail-oriented, with the ability to balance strategic thinking and the day-to-day management of multiple projects.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, including team members, internal and external executive stakeholders, and the diverse residents of San José.

Key position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Assist with the day-to-day operation of citywide communications programs and projects; develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies; and support coordination with City departments.
• Identify and promote the City’s achievements, innovations, and public policy goals across all appropriate channels.
• Coordinate speaking opportunities and thought-leadership programs, presentations, advertising, and special events.
• Develop targeted awareness or behavior-change campaigns and communications plans.
• Develop and implement regular measurement and reporting tools.
• Manage publications, including planning, graphic design, production, and distribution.
• Manage service vendor contracts and track the Office of Communications budget.
• Oversee the performance of the organization in meeting the City’s goals and carrying out directives of the City Manager.
• Establish and maintain relationships with a diverse range of individuals, community groups, and organizations to help ensure that the City’s programs are carried out effectively.
• Prepare reports and recommendations to the City Manager.
• Represent the Director of Communications as assigned.
• May supervise professional and/or support staff as assigned.
• Evening and weekend work is required.

Selection Process

To be considered for this position, you must complete the online application available on the City of San José website and attach a resume. The selection process will include an evaluation of each applicant’s training and experience based on the application and responses to the job-specific questions. Only candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases may include one or more interviews and reference checks.

You will be prompted to answer the following job-specific questions during the online application process. Please note that each text response is limited to 4,000 characters, including spaces.

Job Specific Questions

• We recognize that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming part of daily life and can be a valuable tool for learning, research, and professional growth. We encourage candidates to use AI responsibly as a support in preparing application materials, live assessments, and interviews. However, we value authenticity, accuracy and truthfulness. Application responses and interview answers must reflect the candidate’s own knowledge, skills, and experiences. While AI can supplement preparation, it cannot replace the originality and judgment we look for in our employees. This ensures fairness, transparency, and equity for all applicants in the hiring process.
• Yes, I acknowledge that I have read and understand the above statement regarding the use of AI in the application and interview process.
• Please specify your degree, field of study, and the institution from which you earned it.
• Please indicate which of the following functions you have experience with and briefly describe your skill and experience level for each (include all that apply):

1. Public Relations
2. Social Media
3. Digital Communications
4. Internal Communications
5. Crisis Communications
6. Visual Storytelling

• Describe your experience developing and managing programs and/or campaigns for large, complex public-sector organizations, including your experience with the City Council, city government, or city services.
• Describe your approach to working effectively with others and how you evaluate the success of that approach.

You must answer all job-specific questions to be considered for this vacancy or your application will be deemed incomplete and withheld from further consideration. References to a resume will be deemed incomplete and your application will be withheld from further consideration.

If you have questions about the duties of this positions or the processes related to selection and/or hiring, please contact Edwin Huertas, CMO Senior Executive Analyst, at Edwin.Huertas@sanjoseca.gov.

The City of San José will NOT sponsor, represent, or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application. To apply, please complete an application via the City of San José’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers. This position will close on Friday September 18, 2026, at 11:59PM. Please submit your application by that date if you would like your application to be included in the first review.

Please allow adequate time to complete the application and submit before the deadline or the system may not save your application. If your online application was successfully submitted, you will receive an automatic confirmation email to the email address you provided. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE THE CONFIRMATION, please email CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov and we will research the status of your application. Please contact Human Resources at (408) 535-1285,

or Human.Resources@sanjoseca.gov if you have any questions.

Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third-party job board application system. To apply, applicants must complete an application via the City of San Jose’s website at www.sanjoseca.gov/citycareers