Senior Public Information Representative - Energy Department

San José Clean Energy, or SJCE, is San José’s local, not-for-profit electricity supplier operated by the City of San José’s Energy Department. Since 2019, our dedicated and motivated team has provided clean energy for residents and businesses at competitive rates, while also offering community programs, local benefits, and increased transparency and accessibility. SJCE has more than 350,000 customer accounts and has contracted more than 1 GW of power.

Joining our team means that you will be making a big impact on the fight against climate change. SJCE plays an important role in meeting San José’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and in implementing the City’s climate action plan, Climate Smart San José. Thanks to SJCE, San Jose has one of the cleanest energy mixes of any large city and offers a 62% renewable product and a 100% renewable product.

Serving our community with respect and integrity is at the core of what we do. We center equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in our work. The department also hosts active staff-led Culture and Racial Equity committees and has won awards for its education and outreach work with Spanish and Vietnamese-speaking communities.

For more information about San José Clean Energy, please visit: www.sanjosecleanenergy.org. 

Salary Range for the Senior Public Information Representative classification is: 
$130,472.16 - $158,951.52 Annually

This salary range(s) includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

The Energy Department is seeking to fill one (1) full-time Senior Public Information Representative who is an experienced and savvy senior communicator with strong strategic and tactical abilities. This position will report to the Marketing and Communications Manager and will help lead public information aspart of the Account Services and Marketing and Communications team.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent writing and presentation skills and have substantial experience developing and executing effective communication plans using a wide range of approaches and tools. Collaboration is key for this position; the individual in this role will work with the public information team, internal partners, and external stakeholders to accomplish marketing goals and report on results. In addition, the Senior Public Information Representative will have well-developed interpersonal skills to influence and guide a diverse team of people who may not directly report to them. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience in public information, marketing, or public relations. Candidates with public sector, corporate, or energy industry experience are invited to apply. Typical duties of this position may include, but are not limited to:

• Develop Marketing and Communications plans to support SJCE’s programs and customer experience, engaging full time staff and outside vendors.

• Media relations support including writing talking points, press releases, op-eds, etc.

• Present, as needed, to internal and external stakeholders. 

• Create content for social media, web and various communication channels.

• Assist with communication compliance with regulatory requirements, including customer notifications.

• Contribute to City Council memos and presentations.

• Supervise and coach a team of communication professionals. 

• Cheerleading San Jose’s commitment to environmental justice, and a healthier more sustainable world for all.

Education 
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in the fields of journalism, communications, advertising, marketing, public relations, public administration, or closely related fields.

Experience
Four (4) years of increasingly responsible public information, marketing, or public relations experience.

Licensing Requirements (such as driver’s license, certifications, etc.)
Possession of a valid driver's license is required.

Form 700
This position requires a disclosure of outside investments, real property interest, income, and business positions. You must complete and file an “Assuming Office Form 700” with the City Clerk’s Office within the first 30 days of employment with the office.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history.
Job Expertise 
Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies and federal and state rules and regulations.

Analytical Thinking 
Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, sequential approach.

Collaboration 
Develops networks and builds alliances; engages in cross-functional activities.

Fiscal Management
Understands the relationship of the budget and resources to the strategic plan; complies with administrative controls over funds, contracts, and procurements.

Flexibility
Makes effective decisions and achieves desired results in the midst of major changes in responsibilities, work processes, timeframes, performance expectations, organizational culture, or work environment.

Leadership
Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.

Planning
Acts to align own unit's goals with the strategic direction of the organization; defines tasks and milestones to achieve objectives, while ensuring the optimal use of resources to meet those objectives.

Project Management
Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.

Vision/Strategic Thinking
Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and values; understands how an organization must change considering internal and external trends and influences; builds a shared vision with others and influences others to translate vision to action.

Communication Skills
Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills and displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.

Selection Process: 
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Jennifer Macias at [email protected].