| Location | San Jose, CA |
| Salary | $142,786.80–$222,272.44 Per Year |
Deputy Public Information Officer (Assistant to the City Manager)
Salary
$142,786.80 - $222,272.44 Annually
Location
San Jose
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
202601767
DEPART
City Manager
Opening Date
09/04/2026
Closing Date
9/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Our diverse and inclusive workforce of more than 7,000 employees play a key role in the success of San José, the heart of the Silicon Valley. All City of San José employees work together as one team to make San José a vibrant, innovative, and desirable place to live and work. Visit here to learn more about our One Team Leadership Values and Expectations, including quality and excellent customer service and here to learn more about San José.
The City of San José is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for all job openings will be considered without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful under any federal, state or local laws. The City of San José is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 408-535-1285, 711 (TTY), or via email at CityCareers@sanjoseca.gov.
About the Department
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.
Position 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.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience
A Master's degree is preferred and may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Other Qualifications
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:
Ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations; and
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:
Experience in developing and implementing strategies to solve complex organizational, business, and municipal problems;
Strong project management experience; and
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:
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):
Public Relations
Social Media
Digital Communications
Internal Communications
Crisis Communications
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
Additional Information:
Employment Eligibility: Federal law requires all employees to provide verification of their eligibility to work in this country. Please be informed that the City of San Jose will NOT sponsor, represent or sign any documents related to visa applications/transfers for H1-B or any other type of visa which requires an employer application.
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. Applicants are expected to write their own essays/responses.
Please note that applications are currently not accepted through CalOpps or any other third party job board application system.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this, or other divisions or departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.
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.
AI and the Hiring Process
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 your 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.
The City of San Jose offers a wide range of core health benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program, Life Insurance, Disability, and Savings Plans. Please visit the Citys benefits page for detailed information on coverage, cost, and dependent coverage.
For information on the City's Retirement Plan(pension for full-time employees), please visit the Office of Retirement Services website. You will be able to view information based on different Sworn/Federated job classification.
In additional to the benefits above, there is an additional perks site to explore further benefits of working for the City of San Jose like paid leave, educational reimbursements, and holiday pay are specific to the job classification and union membership.
01
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.
02
Please specify your degree, field of study, and the college or university where you obtained your degree. You may also include any additional degrees or applicable certifications that you have achieved.
03
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): - Public Relations - Social Media - Digital Communications - Internal Communications - Crisis Communications - Visual Storytelling
04
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.
05
Describe your approach to working effectively with others and how you evaluate the success of that approach.
Required Question
Employer City of San Jose
Address 200 E Santa Clara St
San Jose, California, 95113
Phone (408) 535-1285
Website https://www.sanjoseca.gov/