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Communications Director/Public Information Officer

City of Selma | Selma, CA

Posted Date 6/23/2025
Description Thank you for your interest in our Communications Director/Public Information Officer (PIO) position.

The City of Selma is a vibrant and steadily growing community with a population of nearly 25,000 and is situated in the heart of California’s Central Valley. The City provides a full-range of services to our citizens. We are building Selma into a place of Prosperity, Unity and Strength.

To be considered for this outstanding career opportunity applicants must submit an application with detailed information in each section of the application: Education, Work Experience, Certificates and Licenses, and Skills. Resumes may be attached but will not be accepted in lieu of a complete, detailed application.

This recruitment may include but is not limited to interviews, meet and greets, and pre-employment background screenings.

We look forward to the opportunity to consider you for a position with our department.

PURPOSE:
Under administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, manages, and oversees all public communication, media relations, branding, and public affairs strategies for the City of Selma. This position serves as the City's chief spokesperson and leads a comprehensive citywide communications and community engagement strategy to promote transparency, foster trust, and enhance the City's public image.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a single-incumbent, management-level classification responsible for developing and implementing strategic communication initiatives across all City departments. The incumbent works with elected officials, executive leadership, the public, media, and external stakeholders and may supervise professional staff or contractors. This is an exempt, unrepresented position.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS STATEMENT: Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees may perform the essential functions of the job.
Essential Functions (Illustrative Only):
  • Develops and executes a citywide strategic communications and public engagement plan.
  • Serves as the City's official spokesperson; manages relationships with media outlets and journalists.
  • Drafts and distributes press releases, speeches, statements, talking points, and publications.
  • Oversees branding efforts, ensuring consistent messaging across all departments and platforms.
  • Leads digital communications, including social media strategy, content creation, analytics, and the City’s website.
  • Directs multimedia production including videos, graphic design, photography, and public service announcements.
  • Plans and coordinates press conferences, public events, and community outreach activities.
  • Responds to emerging issues and manages crisis communications; serves as on-call PIO in emergencies.
  • Analyzes communication campaign effectiveness using digital and engagement analytics.
  • Manages vendors and consultants for creative services, media buying, or campaign development.
  • Ensures compliance with public records laws, open meetings requirements, and accessibility standards.
  • Advises City Manager and department heads on strategic messaging, public perception, and outreach.
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:
Knowledge of:
  • Principles and practices of public information, media relations, and community engagement.
  • Public-sector communication strategies, including crisis and emergency communications.
  • Social media platforms, content strategy, analytics tools, and engagement best practices.
  • Graphic design, video production, and editing software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite).
  • Laws and regulations governing public records and open meetings (Brown Act, CPRA).
Ability to:
  • Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
  • Represent the City in a professional, credible, and engaging manner.
  • Develop and execute strategic communications initiatives.
  • Manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, staff, community members, and the media.
REQUIREMENTS:
Education and Experience: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing or a related field required and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in public information, media relations or strategic communication. Experience working in or with public sector agencies is preferred. Supervisory or management experience is desirable.

License: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
May be required to work on evenings, weekends and holidays. May be required to travel.

Physical and Environmental Demands:
Indoor and outdoor working environment. Light work-lifting, carry and/or pushing 25 pounds maximum.
Salary92,853.80 - 119,999.88 Annual
Field
Police

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