MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER

Media/Public Relations Manager

The Port is currently recruiting for the classification of Media/Public Relations Manager. Under general direction, the Media/Public Relations Manager is responsible for the overall management of media and public relations activities, profile and communications for the Port of Oakland. The incumbent promotes the Port's mission, goals and objectives to internal and external audiences and directs staff in the implementation of media and public relations programs. Performs related work as assigned.

Examples of duties include:

• Serving as one of the principal assistants to the Director of Communications and may act as the director in his/her absence.
• Developing and implementing strategic public relations programs and projects to inform the public, to increase public understanding, and to obtain support and cooperation from the public.
• Managing media relations, including queries, press releases, interviews and placement of stories, press conferences and events for the Port and its various divisions on the local, national and international levels.
• Responsible for producing special stories, feature articles and general information to the media upon request; maintaining media contacts to provide on-going information on the Port's activities and accomplishments.
• Supervising and/or acting as spokesperson for the Port to news media and the general public, as appropriate.
• Serving as advertising manager, creating and placing media campaigns in support of marketing objectives of the revenue-producing divisions; encouraging the media to publicize news of Port activities, facilities, accomplishments, products and services of Port tenants.
• Responsible for production of Port collateral materials, brochures, presentations and special reports. Writing, editing and coordinating the production of Port publications, brochures, slide presentation and exhibits; supervising Public Relations activities, media and the Reprographics Office.
• Coordinating photo opportunities for Port news releases, including providing direct photography services.
• Planning and preparing speeches, special papers, testimonies, radio and television scripts and other materials for Port Commissioners and other Port representatives.
• Supervising, planning and overseeing special events and visitor handling; providing support to the Social Responsibility and Governmental Relations Departments as appropriate.
• Preparing and monitoring annual department budget, staff performance evaluations and department performance evaluation reports.
• Serving as liaison to other departments/divisions to meet their public relations needs.
• Performing other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: This position requires a combination of education and experience reflecting possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical combination would include graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in public relations, public affairs, communication, public administration or a related field PLUS five years of increasingly responsible governmental agency public relations experience and/or media relations. A master's degree is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: To perform the typical tasks and duties of the position successfully, the knowledge, skills and/or abilities listed below are required.

Knowledge of:

• Port's operations and organizational structure.
• Major Port initiatives.
• Principles and procedures of effective media and public relations.
• Aviation, Commercial Real Estate and Maritime organization and activities.
• Organizational communications.
• Collateral design and production.
• Effective use of the media.
• Project management and organization.
• Issues facing various population groups in an ethnically diverse and multi-cultural community.
• Organizational and management practices and methods, including goal setting, program development and implementation, and employee supervision.
• Computer user applications as related to program areas.

Ability to:

• Promote the Port and the Port's activities and major initiatives to the public.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written formats.
• Develop the public message of the Port.
• Exercise sound independent judgment within general policy guidelines.
• Work under deadlines and coordinate several concurrent assignments.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, work standards and internal controls.
• Prepare and administer departmental budgets; negotiate and administer a variety of contracts.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare clear, concise and effective correspondence, reports and other written materials.
• Make effective oral presentations.
• Supervise and direct subordinate professional and support staff; interpret and enforce administrative/operational policies, practices and procedures; analyze and solve problems of a complex nature.
• Analyze complex administrative and program information, evaluate alternative solutions and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties and to work as a team.

Additional Requirements

Must possess a valid California Class C driver license at the time and for the duration of appointment.

This classification requires successful completion of a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which includes a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and a Security Threat Assessment (STA), prior to being considered for this position. This status must be maintained for employment at the Port.

Available for on-call duty as required by emergency situations, or as required for uninterrupted Port operations.