The Fremont Fire Department is recruiting for the position of Public Affairs Manager.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Fremont Fire Department is committed to protecting life, property, and the environment through emergency response, prevention, preparedness, and community engagement. Serving a diverse and dynamic community in the heart of the Bay Area, the Department values innovation, professionalism, and strong partnerships both within the organization and throughout the community.
The Department is seeking a strategic and highly collaborative Public Affairs Manager to lead communications, public information, and community engagement efforts for the Fremont Fire Department. This position serves as the Department’s primary Public Information Officer (PIO) and plays a critical role in shaping public messaging, supporting emergency communications, and strengthening community trust and preparedness.
IS THIS THE ROLE FOR YOU?
This is not a traditional communications role. The ideal candidate is equal parts
strategist,
communicator,
collaborator, and
problem-solver; someone who can move seamlessly between executive briefings, community outreach events, emergency response communications, and operational coordination.
We’re looking for someone who:-
Thrives in a fast-paced public safety environment
-
Is politically savvy and exercises sound judgment under pressure
-
Builds strong relationships across divisions, departments, and community groups
-
Understands the importance of consistent, accurate, and timely messaging during emergencies and critical incidents
-
Is comfortable preparing messaging, briefing materials, and communication strategies for executive leadership and elected officials
-
Can confidently and professionally respond to media inquiries and serve as a trusted public information resource
This role reports directly to the Fire Chief and works closely with all divisions throughout the Fremont Fire Department, as well as the City’s Communications Director, to ensure coordinated and effective public messaging.
ABOUT THE POSITION
The Public Affairs Manager oversees a broad range of communications, outreach, and public engagement functions for the Department.
Responsibilities include:
- Serving as the Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) and primary media contact
- Developing and managing public education, outreach, preparedness, and engagement programs
- Writing and producing press releases, presentations, newsletters, public service announcements, briefing materials, and other communications
- Managing website content, social media platforms, and digital communications tools
- Supporting emergency alerting and notification efforts through systems such as Everbridge, Nixle, IPAWS, and official social media channels
- Responding to field incidents, command posts, emergency activations, and special events outside of normal business hours when necessary
- Supporting Fire Department initiatives related to recruitment, CERT programs, school outreach, community preparedness, and public education
HOW TO APPLY
This position will remain open until filled - however, interested applicants are encouraged to apply immediately. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews and assessments may be scheduled once a sufficient pool of qualified candidates has been established. A resume must be submitted with the completed online application. Applications submitted without a resume may not be considered. Only online applications will be accepted. To be considered for this outstanding employment opportunity, please
complete an application online by clicking "Apply" just above this box.
Applicants will be notified electronically via Government Jobs as to their status in the selection process. Please review your settings in government jobs to ensure that you receive all updates regarding your status in the recruitment.
SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process may include individual and/or panel interviews, professional reference checks, fingerprint check for criminal history, and other related components. Only those candidates who have the best combination of qualifications in relation to the requirements and duties of the position will continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an invitation to participate in the process.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
Human Resources will make reasonable efforts in the examination process to accommodate persons with disabilities. Please advise Human Resources of any special needs a minimum of 5 days in advance of the selection process by calling (510) 494-4660 or emailing
[email protected].
CONTACT US
For additional information, please contact Human Resources Department at:
[email protected]
The information contained herein is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
________________________________________________________________________________
Public Affairs Manager - Class Specification
Definition
Under general direction, manages community engagement activities which include a variety of public education and outreach programs as well as all public relations and communications activities for a Department. The Public Affairs Manager serves as the primary contact for the public and media in the capacity of Public Information Officer.
Class Characteristics
This is a professional management level classification reporting to the Department Head or designee. This class is characterized by the responsibility to manage all public relations, community outreach and community engagement programs. These include the public safety and prevention programs, volunteer programs, technological communications tools such as website and social media, and the enforcement of related city ordinances. The Public Affairs Manager acts as the Department's Public Information Officer which is the primary contact for information by the public and media. This classification has broad discretion and makes independent judgments within the overall policy guidelines established by the department and provides direction and supervision of support personnel within the unit.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of: Principles of program management; State and local laws and ordinances as it relates to assigned duties; Principles and practices of communications and public information techniques through different mediums, including print, Internet, television, and PowerPoint; writing and editing techniques for a variety of audiences; typical City services, structure and programs; working with graphic design software; research and problem solving techniques. Principles and practices of effective employee supervision including selection, training, evaluation, discipline, motivation, and team building and employee development programs; Principles of appropriate conflict resolution techniques; Work load forecasting and staffing models in an extended hours environment; developing and implementing goals and objectives and in applying them to guide and define both communications operations and employee performance through the use of work plans;
Skill in: Preparing clear, concise and complete analysis, proposals, reports and other written materials; maintaining accurate records and meeting critical deadlines; researching and analyzing complex problems, evaluating varied information and data, either in statistical or narrative form, and exercising sound judgment within established guidelines; communicating effectively with other professionals and members of the public; establishing and maintaining effective working relationships, and working collaboratively with diverse individuals and groups. Demonstrated working knowledge of common office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, and acquire skill in utilizing specialized automated systems.
Ability to: Develop, plan, direct and manage a public information function; understand and communicate technical data to the public and the media; analyze issues and draw logical and sensitive conclusions; write, proposals, press releases, articles, etc.; prepare presentations; design and layout electronic and print newsletters and website pages; use desktop publishing and printing techniques; learn the use of specialized computer software applicable to the position; work independently with limited supervision and under multiple deadlines; collaborate and bring key stakeholders together and work with the public tactfully, courteously and effectively; develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of City staff, agencies, organizations and vendors; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.
Education/Experience
Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of and competency in requisite knowledge, skills and abilities would be qualifying. A typical qualifying background would include: a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in marketing, journalism, public relations, public administration, or a related field, and five years of increasingly responsible experience in public affairs, public communications and/or public relations that includes two years in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Licenses/Certificates/Special Requirements
Must be willing to work evening, night, weekend and holidays.
This classification requires the ability to travel independently within and outside City limits and requires possession of a Class C Driver's License. Failure to maintain this license will result in discipline up to and including termination.
Physical and Environmental Demands
Rare = < 10%, Occasional = 11-33%, Frequent = 34-66%, Constant = >66%
Sitting: Frequent
Walking: Occasional
Standing: Occasional
Bending (neck): Frequent
Bending (waist): Rare
Squatting: Rare
Climbing: Never
Kneeling: Never
Crawling: Never
Jumping: Never
Balancing: Never
Twisting (neck): Occasional
Twisting (waist): Rare
Grasp - light (dominant hand): Frequent
Grasp - light (non-dominant): Occasional
Grasp - firm (dominant hand): Rare
Grasp - firm (non-dominant): Rare
Fine manipulation (dominant): Frequent
Fine manipulation (non-dominant): Frequent
Reach - at/below shoulder: Rare
Reach – above shoulder level: Rare
Push/pull:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Lifting:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Carrying:
Up to 10 lbs. Rare
11 to 25 lbs. Rare
26 to 50 lbs. Never
51 to 75 lbs. Never
76 to 100 lbs. Never
Over 100 lbs. Never
Coordination:
Eye-hand Required
Eye-hand-foot Not required
Driving Required
Vision:
Acuity, near Required – when/if driving
Acuity, far: Required – when/if driving
Depth perception: Required – when/if driving
Accommodation: Required – when/if driving
Color vision: Required – when/if driving
Field of vision: Required – when/if driving
Talking:
Face-to-face contact: Required
Verbal contact w/others: Required
Public: Required
Hearing:
Normal conversation: Required
Telephone communication: Required
Earplugs required: Not required
Work environment:
Works indoors, works outdoors, exposure to extreme hot or cold temperature, being around moving machinery (driving), working below ground, works around others, works alone, works with others.
