From Flame Wars to Facts: Neutral Response Strategies for Public Agencies

ABOUT THE ROLE The San Francisco District Attorney's Office seeks a Director of Communications to provide strategic leadership and direction for all internal and external communications and marketing. This role shapes the Department's public image, oversees brand consistency, and develops comprehensive strategies to advance organizational goals, inform the public, and build trust. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled, creative writer who thrives in media relations and has a track record of executing successful strategic communications and public affairs strategies. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and implement an integrated communications and marketing strategy aligned with the department's mission and policy priorities. - Advise executive leadership on messaging, public engagement, and reputation management. - Oversee crisis communications planning and rapid-response protocols. - Lead the development and execution of marketing campaigns and enforce brand and visual identity guidelines. - Utilize data and analytics to evaluate campaign effectiveness. - Serve as the primary media contact and spokesperson for the department. - Develop and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, stakeholders, and community organizations. - Oversee press releases, media advisories, speeches, and briefing materials for leadership. - Coordinate press conferences, public announcements, and outreach events. - Guide messaging for internal audiences to promote transparency and employee engagement. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; AND 2. 8 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, marketing, or public affairs, of which 3 years must include experience supervising professionals. 3. Substitutions: An advanced degree may substitute for one year of experience. Additional relevant experience may substitute for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of 2 years). SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must obtain and maintain a DOJ/FBI Live Scan security clearance to access criminal justice systems and information. - Ability to work outside normal office hours as needed. - Desirable qualifications include a Juris Doctorate or advanced degree, professional experience in government or large nonprofit communications, and proficiency in G Suite, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Teams, and PowerPoint. SELECTION PROCESS - Desirable qualifications will be used to identify candidates advancing to the interview process and to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when referred for hiring. HOW TO APPLY - Apply using SmartRecruiters, the City and County of San Francisco's application portal. - For questions, contact Shavaun Tolliver at shavaun.tolliver@sfgov.org or Richard Ng at richard.ng@sfgov.org. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: District Attorney - Job Class: 0931-Manager III - Role Type: Permanent Exempt (PEX). Employees serve at the discretion of the appointing officer and are not subject to civil service selection, appointment, and removal procedures. - Hours: Full-time - Application Opening: September 28, 2026 - Application Deadline: To be determined (recruitment may close at any time) - Location: San Francisco, CA

ABOUT THE ROLE The Senior Manager of Communications leads the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) communications and information functions, ensuring clear, accurate, and timely messaging to customers, stakeholders, and the community. Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, this role develops and executes integrated communications strategies that support service delivery, build ridership, provide operational transparency, and build public trust. Note: Employees hired into this role will remain City of Charlotte employees through December 31, 2026, and will transition to the newly created Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) on January 1, 2027, with no break in service. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and implement communications and marketing strategies supporting service priorities and public information needs. - Oversee development and dissemination of service-related communications, including changes, disruptions, and planned initiatives. - Lead media relations activities, including press materials, inquiries, interviews, and briefings. - Lead internal communications for employees, partnering with HR and leadership to ensure timely and effective messaging. - Oversee content and performance of digital communication channels, including websites, social media, and alerts. - Lead development and execution of crisis communication protocols and response strategies during major incidents. - Lead and manage communications staff, establishing performance expectations and professional development priorities. - Coordinate with Marketing, HR, Customer Service, Planning, Operations, Legal, and executive leadership for integrated messaging. - Evaluate emerging communications tools and implement improvements to workflows and performance tracking. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public administration, or a related field. - Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in public communications, media relations, or public information (or an equivalent combination of education and experience). - Preferred: Master’s degree, public-sector or transit experience, crisis communications experience, digital platform oversight, and experience leading professional staff. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. - Must pass a comprehensive background check (including reference, SSN, education, criminal, credit, sex offender registry, and motor vehicle records checks). - May involve work outside normal business hours, including weekends, during service disruptions, emergencies, or major public initiatives. - Employment will transition from the City of Charlotte to the Metropolitan Public Transit Authority (MPTA) on January 1, 2027. SELECTION PROCESS - Standard application review. - Candidates may be asked to take a skills test and/or participate in other assessments during the selection process. - Final candidates must successfully complete background checks and pre-employment drug/physical screenings. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online via the City of Charlotte careers portal. - Self-service application kiosks are available at the Human Resources Department lobby (700 East 4th Street, Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28202), Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EST), excluding official City holidays. - For questions about the application or hiring process, email Careers@ci.charlotte.nc.us. - Reasonable accommodations for the application process can be requested via the Innovation & Technology ADA request form or by calling 704.336.4120. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Charlotte (Charlotte Area Transit System Department) - Job Type: Full time - Job Requisition ID: JR104474 - Location: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center, Charlotte, NC - Closing Date: September 30, 2026 - Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package provided by the City of Charlotte (transitioning to MPTA provisions in 2027). - The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

About the Role: Under general direction, the Deputy Director assists in overseeing all communications, media relations, and public information strategies related to the Mayor’s Office and City departments. The role supports the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives, directs daily operations, media response, digital communications, and public engagement, and serves as a key advisor to executive leadership. The Deputy Director supports the Director of Communications in managing public information officers and staff, and may serve as acting director in their absence. This is an unclassified at-will position. Key Responsibilities: - Manage internal and external media and public information messaging for the Mayor’s Office and City departments. - Coordinate strategic communications initiatives, media relations, digital communications, and public engagement efforts. - Oversee timelines, deliverables, and communications projects to ensure timely completion and quality control. - Draft, review, and edit press releases, talking points, speeches, social media content, and public statements. - Coordinate and support major events, press conferences, briefings, and public appearances involving executive leadership. - Monitor media coverage and assist in responding to media inquiries, emerging issues, and crisis communications. - Facilitate communication between departments, executive leadership, public information officers, and external stakeholders. - Participate in communications planning and develop long-term messaging strategies and calendars. - Provide guidance to communications staff regarding messaging consistency and standards. - Maintain relationships with media outlets, reporters, community organizations, and partner agencies. - Analyze communications effectiveness, prepare reports, and serve as acting Director of Communications as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: - Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, political science, public administration, public relations, marketing, or a related field (preferred). - Six years of progressively responsible experience in communications, media relations, public information, public affairs, journalism, or a related field (preferred). - Two years of supervisory or lead experience (preferred). Special Requirements: - Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver’s License or the ability to obtain by date of hire. - Possession of a City Operator’s Permit (COP) within six months from date of hire. Selection Process: Not specified in the provided text. How to Apply: Not specified in the provided text. Employment Details: - Department: Mayor's Office / City of Albuquerque - Location: Albuquerque, NM - Job Type: Unclassified at-will position - Working Conditions: Office environment with exposure to computer screens and frequent interaction with media, elected officials, staff, and the public. Requires maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting or standing for prolonged periods, occasional lifting of light materials, and the ability to attend meetings and events outside normal business hours.

About the Role - Seeks an accomplished Director with at least 5 years of communications experience, ideally within a government setting. - Assumes communications leadership within a complex network of constituents, government, business, and non-profit stakeholders. - Reports to the Deputy Mayor/Chief of Staff and works closely with the senior team and department head-level staff. - Manages the City of Syracuse's internal and external messaging, sets strategy, leads public relations, and acts as a key spokesperson. Key Responsibilities 1. Develops and executes comprehensive communication strategies for internal and external audiences. 2. Manages media relations, builds media contacts, writes press releases, and serves as a spokesperson. 3. Defines and maintains the city's brand voice, tone, and integrity across all platforms. 4. Oversees the creation of diverse content, including digital, video, audio, and print materials. 5. Manages internal communications to keep employees informed and engaged. 6. Supervises and guides communications, marketing, and design teams. 7. Creates and manages the communications budget and tracks engagement using data. 8. Works with departments to ensure effective City of Syracuse government-sponsored events. 9. Creates and executes opportunities to engage with residents, particularly under-engaged communities. 10. Manages the development, distribution, and maintenance of all print and electronic collateral, including newsletters, brochures, and the city's website. 11. Mentors and leads a team member responsible for communications administration and coordination. Minimum Qualifications - Education and Experience: Typically requires 5 years in communications, marketing, public relations, or journalism. Experience in government communications is preferred. - Leadership: Ability to unite teams, innovate, and adapt quickly. - Communication: Exceptional writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills. - Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop long-term communication plans. - Crisis Management: Skill in handling sensitive situations and public statements. Special Requirements - Highly collaborative style with experience developing and implementing communications strategies. - Strong track record as an implementer who thrives on managing multiple key initiatives concurrently. - Demonstrated ability to set and meet deadlines. - High energy, maturity, and leadership, with the ability to serve as a unifying force. - Sincere commitment to working collaboratively with all constituent groups. - Self-starter who is able to work independently and enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives. Selection Process 1. Application Review: Online applications are reviewed for minimum qualifications and experience. 2. Interview and Evaluation: Candidates are evaluated on their communications experience, leadership, and strategic thinking. 3. Background Check: The City of Syracuse may conduct a criminal background check regarding the employment sought. How to Apply - Submit an online application using the designated application link on the City of Syracuse careers page. - For disability accommodations, contact the Office of Human Resources at 315-448-8780 or personnel@syr.gov. Employment Details - Employer: City of Syracuse. - Location: City Hall, 233 East Washington Street, Syracuse, NY 13202. - Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, parental leave, and a retirement plan. - Equal Opportunity: The City provides equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, marital status, national origin, disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other protected class.

ABOUT THE ROLE Under the direction of the Deputy Chief of Landscape Architecture and Interagency Coordination, this role serves as the Agency's main point of contact to the Public Design Commission (PDC). The position is responsible for ensuring the successful approval of 300+ annual designs and facilitating collaborative design policy and special projects with the commission. This position is only open to current full-time annually paid Parks employees. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Serve as the main point of contact to the Public Design Commission (PDC). - Maintain high-level relationships with staff and commissioners to ensure efficient communication during the review cycle. - Manage monthly design submissions for all Parks units, public/private partners, and sister agencies, coordinating with project managers and design consultants to ensure milestones align and materials are complete and submitted on time. - Coordinate responses during the review cycle to ensure accuracy, appropriate agency tone, and approval. - Keep internal records of all correspondence, interagency status memos, and approval certificates, and manage the project database. - Represent the agency in person at every monthly PDC meeting along with the Chief of Landscape Architecture. - Guide and prepare design teams to succinctly convey proposed designs and provide appropriate responses at public hearings and committee meetings. - Nominate agency projects and coordinate materials for awarded projects for the PDC's Annual Awards for Excellence in Design. - Support Design Administration staff, facilitate In-House and Commissioner reviews, and coach presenters ahead of design reviews. - Support administrative duties related to the shared Design Resources folder to promote design quality and consistency for in-house projects. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or 2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or 3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to 1 or 2 above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in 1 above. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Only open to current full-time annually paid Parks employees. - Current employees must include their ERN on their cover letter and resume. - Familiarity with New York City government and Parks & Recreation policies and procedures is preferred. - Degree in landscape architecture, architecture, planning, or fine arts is preferred. - Five years of full-time high-level experience in design or managing design projects is preferred. - Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, writing, editing, and translating between technical and non-technical stakeholders. - Experience with PowerPoint, Photoshop, InDesign, Word, and Excel. - Strong time management, task prioritization, and efficient recordkeeping abilities. - Strong general management and problem solving skills, including the ability to listen to and motivate others. - Valid New York State driver license. - Residency in New York City, Nassau, Orange, Rockland, Suffolk, Putnam, or Westchester counties is required for employees with over two years of city service. New York City residency is required within 90 days of hire for all other candidates. SELECTION PROCESS - No exam required. - Title classification is Non-Competitive-5. - Movement in the face of civil service lists is prohibited under Civil Service Law. - References will be required upon request. HOW TO APPLY - Apply via cityjobs.nyc.gov by searching for Job ID# 797741. The City no longer uses ESS to accept applications. - All resumes must be received no later than the last day of the posting period. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Dept of Parks & Recreation (CP DC For Capital Projects) - Location: Queens (Olmsted Center, Flushing Meadow Pk) - Job ID: 797741 - Posting Date: 09/04/2026 - Posted Until: 09/21/2026 - Title Code: 56058 - Job Level: 00 - Number of Positions: 1 - Employment Type: Full-Time - Experience Level: Experienced (Non-Manager) - Category: Administration & Human Resources - Fees: Hired candidates will be subject to a processing fee between $40.00 to $101.00 based on the salary range. Hired candidates not currently employed by the City will be subject to a $104.50 background check fee. - Benefits: May be eligible for federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs. - The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce free from discrimination and harassment.

ABOUT THE ROLE The Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice (MOCJ) is seeking a versatile, hands-on Senior Communications Manager reporting to the Chief of Public Affairs. This role requires a self-starter with excellent writing and storytelling skills to translate complex criminal justice issues into engaging, accessible content. The ideal candidate will seamlessly handle content creation, media relations, and web development, knowing when to leverage AI and when a human touch is essential. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Develop and manage social media content and strategy, including short-form video production, editing, photography, and copywriting. - Manage MOCJ’s public-facing website, ensuring content is clear, accessible, and user-friendly. - Support media relations and rapid-response communications, including drafting press releases, responding to inquiries, and building reporter relationships. - Collaborate with program and policy teams to tell compelling stories about MOCJ’s work using community perspectives, data, and research. - Monitor news and social media for emerging issues, opportunities, and risks. - Draft speeches, talking points, one-pagers, briefing materials, and PowerPoint presentations for senior leadership at MOCJ and City Hall. - Support internal communications, including the weekly employee newsletter. - Ensure all communications are accurate, consistent, and aligned with MOCJ and City Hall priorities. - Represent the agency at community meetings, press conferences, and public events, occasionally outside core office hours. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must meet at least one of the following: 1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. 2. An associate degree from an accredited college or university plus two (2) years of experience with administrative, analytic, coordinative, supervisory, or liaison responsibilities. 3. A four-year high school diploma (or approved equivalent) plus four (4) years of experience as described in item 2. 4. A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience equivalent to the above. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred: Experience with social media strategy, content creation (photography, videography, video editing), website development, and media relations. - Preferred: At least five years of experience in government, public policy, advocacy, nonprofit communications, or journalism. Familiarity with NYC’s criminal justice system is a plus. - Residency: New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. Certain City employees with 2 continuous years of service may be eligible to reside in specific surrounding counties (Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange). SELECTION PROCESS No Exam Required. HOW TO APPLY - Apply online through the official City of New York job portal. - Include a short, out-of-the-box cover letter demonstrating why you are the right choice for the role. - Include 2-3 examples of communications work you created (e.g., social media content, campaigns, speeches, websites, or PowerPoint presentations). Links or attachments are welcome; a formal portfolio is not required. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Administrative Staff, Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice - Location: MANHATTAN (1 Centre St., N.Y.) - Job Type: Full-Time - Job Level: M1 (Manager) - Number of Positions: 1 - Job ID: 796520 - Posted Date: 08/30/2026 - Posted Until: 10/29/2026 - Benefits: Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness and state repayment assistance programs. - Equal Opportunity: The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce free from discrimination and harassment.

ABOUT THE ROLE Incumbents in this position are responsible for developing and coordinating all communications and public affairs efforts for a division of a large City department or agency. Duties include coordinating public relations activities such as press conferences, public appearances, speaking engagements, interviews, and special events; writing and editing press releases, news articles, features, speeches, and television scripts; developing marketing and promotional materials; and giving presentations to various groups. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Coordinate and support the combined preparation and response efforts of multiple departments in gathering, validating, and distributing emergency information - Coordinate public relations activities such as press conferences, public appearances, speaking engagements, interviews, and special events - Write and edit press releases, news articles, features, speeches, and television scripts - Act as division spokesperson, answer questions from the press, present information to news media and the public, and give presentations to groups - Develop marketing and promotional materials such as brochures, publications, newsletters, videos, simple infographics, television programming, and web pages - Act as public information advisor to other division staff, review correspondence and speeches, and coordinate all interview requests - Record and take pictures for use in publications, slide shows, special events, and social media - Monitor media for coverage of division activities and utilize social media to spread awareness - Serve as website contact for the department, coordinating with the City's web team to keep pages up to date MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. A Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Public Relations, Communications, or a closely related field. 2. OR four years of communications, marketing, or public relations experience. 3. OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Ability to perform basic level data analysis including reviewing, classifying, categorizing, prioritizing, and referencing data - Ability to provide paraprofessional level counseling in semi-specialized areas - Ability to operate a variety of office equipment such as computer terminals, printers, and photocopiers - Ability to exercise independent judgment to adopt or modify methods and standards - Work is normally performed in an office environment under generally safe and comfortable conditions - Physical requirements include lifting files and office materials up to 20 pounds - City residents who have resided in the City for at least one year receive a five-point preference on the exam, plus one additional point if receiving another preference - Veterans preference points are available upon submission of a DD 214 SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application Evaluation: Experience and Training are scored at 100 percent weight. 2. Background Investigation: Pass or fail assessment. 3. Medical Examination: Pass or fail assessment. HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit a fully completed Employment Application through the City of St. Louis portal, as resumes will not be accepted as a substitute. 2. Thoroughly describe your education, training, and experience in the Employment History and Educational/Training History sections. 3. Submit a copy of your DD 214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with the application to be eligible for veteran's preference points. 4. Contact the Office on the Disabled if you require assistance or accommodations with the job application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of St. Louis, Multiple Departments - Position Grade: 13G - Job Type: Full-Time (Permanent) - Location: St. Louis, MO - Examination Number: EX1678 - Benefits: Not specified in the posting

ABOUT THE ROLE The Office of Innovation & Technology is seeking a candidate with considerable technical knowledge and experience in the telephony field. The Telecommunication Technician will be responsible for the installation, maintenance, and operational support of all Voice communications, interfacing with the Communications manager, voice technical team, network, IT support team, and various departments. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Troubleshoot and identify software, hardware, and telecommunications problems, including traditional and VoIP systems, using diagnostic equipment - Configure, install, and program communication systems and related equipment, assembling component parts and reviewing diagrams and technical manuals - Troubleshoot, repair, and inspect communication systems and equipment such as headsets, including disassembling and reassembling phone units - Use testing equipment to locate trouble sources, test for system failures, and verify proper operation of installed components - Run, terminate, and test voice and data cabling, and troubleshoot cable pairs using telephony tools - Run system backups and work on NEC SV9300, SV9500, and legacy NEC Neax2000 phone systems MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Completion of an associate degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a closely related field. 2. Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Innovation & Technology and Human Resources. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Required knowledge of installations, maintenance, and service of VoIP services, traditional voice services, and over-the-top communications services - Knowledge of NEC SV8300/9300, NEC SV8500/9500, NEC 2000, and ACD/IVR systems is highly desired - Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both in writing and verbally, and speak effectively before customers - Excellent analytical, organizational, and team-working skills with the ability to work independently and take direction - Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application Review: Evaluation of the submitted application and mandatory cover letter to ensure minimum qualifications are met. 2. Interview and Assessment: Standard City of Philadelphia hiring procedures to assess technical, telephony, and communication skills. HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit a completed application through the official City of Philadelphia careers portal. 2. Include a cover letter, as applications without one will be considered incomplete. 3. Ensure all relevant technical experience and qualifications are clearly detailed in your application materials. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Philadelphia, Office of Innovation & Technology - Residency Requirement: Must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire - Benefits: Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified employer, 25% tuition discount program, comprehensive health coverage, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and generous retirement savings options - Equal Employment Opportunity: The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer