The Public Information Officer (PIO) is a senior executive position that will be responsible for executing external and internal communications for the agency and for maintaining and enhancing the reputation of the Oakland Housing Authority (OHA) through a wide range of internal and external strategies, initiatives, and tasks. The PIO will develop, implement, and lead communication strategies that facilitate OHAs efforts to manage the OHAs reputation and to communicate its mission, policies, activities, and achievements to a constituency that includes OHA employees, clients, media, elected and government officials and the general public. The PIO will work closely with OHAs leadership team, and alongside OHA staff at all levels to implement comprehensive communications processes, and to complete projects and events within and outside OHA. The PIO will serve as a spokesperson for OHA, under the close direction of the Executive Director, and will be responsible for engaging directly with the media, elected officials, and the public, as well as drafting key messages and talking points for the Executive Director. A successful PIO will develop an understanding of the interests and concerns of diverse groups and develop strategic relationships with these stakeholders. This position will also have oversight of internal communications policies and establishing external communications protocols across departments. This position may require handling sensitive documents and information while ensuring adherence to policies according to local, state, federal and HUD regulations around privacy and data security, and record retention policies. The PIO will be responsible for understanding these policies and sharing public information as appropriate in accordance with applicable laws and policies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Media and Public Relations Effectively communicates and promotes a high level of responsiveness to OHA clients, news media, elected officials, and the general public; andDevelops and maintains strong working relationships with local news media and journalists, elected officials, and other public information officers; andPrepares press releases and distributes to the media and general public; andResponds to media and public inquiries for information from OHA stakeholders regarding new developments, controversy and general issues at OHA and shares appropriate information clearly, respectfully, and accurately; andResearch data, gathers facts and work with staff to develop timely, accurate and appropriate responses to media inquiries; and Organizes special events such as press conferences, public hearings, and meetings to announce major news and/or provide essential information. Answers on-the-spot questions when possible and proactively provides updates as developments changes; andIdentifies newsworthy events and develops and distributes briefings, fact sheets and other official communications to the media and other critical constituencies; and Confidently explains OHA programs, policies, and activities; andMonitors the organizations reputation using a variety of methods such as through social media feeds, relevant news articles and explores comments on social media posts to evaluate public sentiment; and Adapts ongoing media strategies to OHAs changing needs with sensitivity to current events and issues outside OHAs jurisdiction; and Establishes procedures and guidelines for members of the organization to follow when interacting with the media and the public; andPrepares written communications for the organization, including writing speeches and talking points, preparing correspondences and reports on behalf of the Executive Director and other OHA Department Directors; andProvides professional staff support at Board Meetings and other OHA-related events where media representatives are in attendance. External Communications Strategy and Implementation Collaborates with management to establish a vision and strategy for the organizations public voice; andEnsures that all collateral developed for the organization is aligned with its mission and values; andIdentifies communications needs and functions that are not being fulfilled, gaps in services and opportunities to improve communications with stakeholders and the public; andIdentifies new communication opportunities and recommends appropriate communication vehicles; andResponsible for the development of press releases, media relations, written materials, website content and communications campaigns; andIndependently anticipates the informational needs of key audiences and proactively develops communications to address them; andEstablishes and manages lines of communication with appropriate HUD offices. Internal Communications Strategy and Implementation Keeps senior leadership informed of developments and provides strategic communications analysis and counsel; andEnsures employees are kept informed through various regular communications channels, such as email, social media, and regular newsletters; andWorks closely with senior leadership to refine organizational messages and formulate internal responses to new developments and issues as they arise; andEnsures internal communications messages are consistent across all mediums and for different departments of the organization, and that internal communications are aligned with external messages; andConsiders feedback from staff and makes appropriate adjustments for continuous improvement; andIdentifies new communication opportunities and makes recommendations; andReviews existing communication strategies and recommends methods to improve employee and labor-related communications.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A
bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with a major in public relations, public administration or a related field and a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in the development and implementation of communications strategies, including a minimum of three (3) years of senior management experience within the public sector. A masters degree in a related field such as public policy or public administration is desirable but not required. Experience in the field of affordable housing is highly desirable, with an understanding of OHA policies, programs, and developments, and their significance to the City of Oakland. A masters degree in a related field such as public policy or public administration is desirable but not required. Must possess a valid California drivers license and an insurable driving record. Bilingual skills in ASL, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese and/or Spanish are a plus. Equivalent combinations of education, training and experience will be considered.
KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
Knowledge of:
Policies and procedures governing the release of information to the general public; statewide and local media markets, local politics and the legislative process, effective communication methods and practices; modern software applications.
Ability to:
Translate complex policy issues into messages that are understandable and accessible to a variety of audiences both internally and externally, represent OHA publicly, including at public speaking events and to the press; working effectively and collaboratively with a diverse group of individuals at all organizational levels; assess and prioritize public information needs and identify appropriate communications channels and solutions; travel to various locations within and outside of the City of Oakland in order to fulfill job responsibilities including the attendance at professional meetings, seminars, conference and training activities; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; develop, edit and finalize press releases; gather and analyze data; appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information; prepare clear and concise reports; supervise and evaluate staff, effectively use standard Microsoft Suite tools (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) in a PC environment.
TO APPLY
Please complete an employment Application online at www.oakha.org. Applications must be received by Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 at 8:59 pm PST.
