New

Senior Public Information Officer

The Bay Area Air Quality Management District
$125,685.16 - $152,771.09 Annually
medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, vision insurance, vacation time, paid holidays, sick time, tuition reimbursement, retirement plan, pension, remote work
United States, California, San Francisco
375 Beale Street (Show on map)
Apr 24, 2026
Description The Bay Area Air District (Air District) is a regional government agency, committed to achieving clean air to protect the public's health and the environment. The Air District accomplishes this goal through regulation of industrial facilities and various outreach and incentive programs designed to encourage clean air choices. The Air District's jurisdiction encompasses all of seven counties - Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara and Napa, and portions of two others - southwestern Solano and southern Sonoma. The Air District is currently accepting applications for the position of Senior Public Information Officer in the Communications Division. This is an open recruitment for one (1) vacancy which is a full-time, represented position. DEFINITION Under general supervision, assigns, reviews and coordinates the work of public education and community relations staff; trains staff; participates in the activities of a comprehensive public education outreach and community relations program for the District; develops educational materials as required; performs high level professional public education and information work; acts as District liaison with community and news media to disseminate information about District programs, air quality incidents and events; performs related work as assigned. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is both the working lead level and the advanced specialist in the Public Information Office series. Duties include providing lead direction to Public Information Officers and with staff and performing highly specialized and difficult public education and community relations functions. This is not considered a supervisory class in that the selection and discipline of employees is not assigned to this level and the number of employees for which direction is provided is limited. Examples of Duties for this Position EXAMPLES OF DUTIES (Illustrative Only) Supports and coordinates crisis and emergency communications for air quality incidents, industrial accidents, and emerging public health issues Leads and executes social media strategy, including content planning, platform management, and alignment with Air District communications goals. Analyzes social media and communications performance metrics to inform strategy, improve engagement, and report on outcomes. Develops and implements proactive and reactive media outreach strategies to support Air District priorities and initiatives. Builds and maintains strong media relations, serving as a key point of contact for reporters and facilitating accurate, timely coverage of Air District programs and issues. Coordinates and leads contracts and vendors supporting communications functions, including media monitoring, digital tools, and outreach campaigns. Supports internal communications to ensure staff alignment on key initiatives and messaging Ensures accessibility, usability, and alignment with public information needs Works with the Communications management team to develop messaging and strategies for sensitive or high-profile issues. Leads integrated communications campaigns across media, digital, and internal audiences with goals, timelines, and performance measures to support major Air District initiatives May provide lead direction, training and work review to Public Information Officers and related staff. May organize and assign work, set priorities, and follow up on work to ensure coordination and completion of assigned work. May coordinate and assign the work of staff involved in public informational activities such as volunteer control programs, preparing and disseminating press releases and other informational materials about the District's programs and activities. Provides input into the selection and evaluation of staff and other personnel decisions. Coordinates and participates in public education and community relations activities necessary to achieve District goals and objectives. Represents the District with the media and responds to questions and concerns about the District's activities. Coordinates the preparation and dissemination of educational materials to schools, community and business groups, and others; makes public presentations. Responds to public and media inquiries regarding District regulations, industrial accidents, permit processes, enforcement, legal authority and air quality conditions. Prepares speeches for District management and Board members. Makes presentations before and participates in trade shows, fairs, and school groups. Represents the District at meetings and conferences of community interest groups, professional associations, and public health organizations concerned with the effects of air quality on human life. Designs, writes, and oversees production of media kits, brochures, newsletters, and other informational reference materials. Plans and coordinates news conferences and public meetings. Coordinates the dissemination of air quality information radio, television, and newspaper publications within established guidelines. Develops and implements communication strategies. Assists in the formatting, printing, publication, and dissemination of District regulations and amendments. Organizes and conducts tours of District facilities. Maintains accurate records and files of work performed; prepares periodic and special reports as required. Minimum Qualifications Education and Experience: A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is: Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university with major coursework in journalism, mass communications, English, or a closely related field AND four (4) years of professional experience in developing and implementing a public information/relations awareness program, preferably with a public agency dealing with environmental issues. Experience in the public information or communication field may be substituted for the required education on a year basis to a maximum of two years. How to Apply & Selection Criteria How to Apply Interested individuals must submit a completed Air District application and responses to the supplemental questions by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026. Resumes are encouraged, but not mandatory, and will not be accepted in lieu of the required application materials. Applications are accepted online; please visit our website at www.baaqmd.gov/jobs to apply. Postmarks, faxes, and e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Except as requested in this announcement, do not include any additional documents, such as letters of recommendation, performance evaluations, work samples, etc. They will not be considered. Supplemental Questionnaire Instructions: Individuals who apply for this position must respond to each of the supplemental questions. The responses to the supplemental application questions will be used in accordance with the procedures indicated under the Selection Criteria in the vacancy announcement. Your responses should be as detailed as possible. Instructions: Please limit your responses to one page per question. Do not combine your responses, or reference your application, resume, or any other requested documentation that you have included with your application packet to answer a question. For each question regarding experience, you must provide: the name of the employer where you gained your experience, your job title, length of time in years/months performing the specific function, and detailed examples that illustrate your duties and responsibilities. Please be advised that the information you provide will be evaluated "as is" and incomplete applications will likely receive lower ratings. Therefore, it is very important to provide a concise, organized, and easy to follow response to each question. Selection Criteria Selection may be based upon a competitive examination consisting of a written exercise, interview, or combination of the two. Depending on the number of qualified applicants, an application screening and/or panel interview may be used to determine the most qualified applicants. The Air District may hire from this recruitment process to fill future vacancies occurring within the next 18 months. Persons with disabilities who may require reasonable accommodations during the application and/or selection process should notify the Human Resources Office at (415) 749-4980. The Air District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.