Public Information Specialist

PUBLIC INFORMATION SPECIALIST

Recruitment #26-0320-01 Date Opened 6/9/2026 12:00:00 AM Filing Deadline 6/23/2026 5:00:00 PM Salary $44.77 - $54.96/hour; $93,121.60 - $114,316.80/year Employment Type Permanent Full-Time Employment HR Analyst Tracy Gonzalez Department County Wide Recruitment Type of Recruitment New, open, assembled

INTRODUCTION

THIS

IS A NEW ASSEMBLED EXAMINATION.

The eligible list resulting from this examination will cancel any existing list and may last approximately one year, but can be extended.

Supplemental Questionnaire:

A properly completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each application. Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires must be in the possession of the Human Resource Services Department by 5:00:00 p.m. on the Last Day for Filing. Failure to submit the Supplemental Questionnaire will result in disqualification. Applications and Supplemental Questionnaires will only be accepted on-line.

DESCRIPTION THE POSITION

Under general direction, to develop, maintain, and coordinate public information activities within a County Department or Agency; to advise and assist management in public information/relations activities; and to perform related duties as required. The class of Public Information Specialist is located in multiple departments/agencies within Alameda County and is responsible for internal and external public information/relations activities. For more information about the job classification, visit: Public Information Specialist (#0320).

THE VACANCIES

We are currently recruiting to establish a countywide eligible list that will be used by any County department or agency needing to fill a vacancy in this classification. There are immediate vacancies in the Probation Department and the Sheriff's Office.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications below, ideal candidates will encompass the following attributes, and have demonstrated success in the following areas: Effective time management by balancing competing priorities and ensuring work is completed efficiently. Planning, developing and implementing marketing strategies, marketing communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal. Overseeing development and implementation of support materials and services in the area of marketing, communications, and public relations. Researching prospective content to share on the internet and social media accounts; identifying emerging trends and best practices. Developing long-term interactive marketing plans to guide content creation. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to plan and execute communication and outreach strategies.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, journalism, communications, marketing, English, business administration, or a closely related field.

AND Experience:

The equivalent of two (2) years of experience in journalism, public relations, media, social media strategy, marketing, advertising, or closely related field which included the development and editing of a variety of documents, publications and/or new releases and the exposure of working with media representatives in the coordination of public information and other related program activities.

Substitution:

Additional experience listed above may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Special Requirements:

Some positions will require a full background check and fingerprint to determine suitability for assigned work. A felony conviction may be disqualifying.

NOTE:

The Civil Service Commission may modify the above Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The most suitably qualified candidates will possess the following competencies:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of public information, media relations, community outreach, and program development. Understanding of the working media. Methods and techniques used in gathering and evaluating public attitudes regarding the program. Copyright and trademarks laws pertaining to the use of multi-media. Departmental/Agency programs and activities. Information dissemination techniques and methods. Marketing strategies and techniques. Media relations and outreach. Risk communications. Desktop publishing, basic graphics preparation, presentation applications and equipment. Principles, techniques, procedures, and methods used to create and produce a variety of print, social/digital media, and related communications. Multimedia communications. Current multimedia technologies and digital platform trends and use in the public sector. English grammar, spelling, syntax, and punctuation. Writing styles for different platforms and audiences.

Ability to:

Create and implement a variety of communications, marketing materials, media releases, and outreach products or activities. Develop a public information program. Communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with others. Stay abreast of current communication and marketing trends. Provide a high level of customer service to the public, vendors, contractors, and staff. Manage multiple and changing priorities and meet deadlines. Produce accurate information within short timeframes. Evaluate and analyze information to reach logical conclusions. Organize information in a comprehensive and understandable package. Determine potential public information items. Collaborate and work effectively across diverse teams.

EXAMINATION COMPONENTS THE EXAMINATION WILL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS

A review of applicants' applications to verify possession of minimum requirements. Those candidates who possess the minimum requirements for the class will move on to the next step in the examination process. A review of the supplemental questionnaire to determine best qualified. Those candidates considered the best qualified will move on to the next step in the examination process. An oral interview which will be weighted as 100% of the candidate's final examination score. The oral interview may contain situational exercises.