The San Francisco Department of the Environment (SF Environment) provides solutions that advance climate protection and enhance quality of life for all San Franciscans. SF Environment is recognized worldwide for its environmental policies and programs, which center on achieving zero waste, reducing toxic chemical hazards, advancing environmental justice, promoting sustainable transportation modes, expanding clean energy infrastructure, greening our built environment, and protecting our urban forest. We’re a passionate, mission-driven team that values credibility, collaboration, impact, innovation and equity. SF Environment is also a great place to work, offering an attractive benefits package that includes healthcare and retirement.
• Work in close collaboration with the Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer to determine the Department’s local legislative and policy priorities; develop a legislative calendar/timeline and update accordingly
• Provide strategic guidance and technical support to program staff in developing and drafting public policy for introduction at the Board of Supervisors
• Engage, coordinate, and develop relationships with external stakeholders to receive input on new legislation
• Coordinate legislative and hearing schedules, review, edit, and help prepare materials, such as PowerPoint presentations and fact sheets for Board briefings and Committee presentations
• Respond to Board of Supervisors or other constituent service requests
• Serve as an on the record spokesperson for the Department and assist in fielding media inquiries and responding to requests for comment or information
• Develop a pro-active press and media strategy in coordination with the Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer that helps inform, educate, or generate more public awareness about the Department’s programs and/or policies; manage a press calendar and update accordingly
• Provide strategic guidance and logistics support to successfully execute press conference planning, reporter pitching, and materials development (e.g. press releases, media advisory, talking points, etc.)
• Represent the Department at designated public meetings, events, and other functions
• Write and edit talking points, PowerPoints, and other communications for the Director and senior leadership
• Provide briefings to Director prior to Board of Supervisors hearings, media interviews, or public speeches to provide necessary context, strategy, or message refinement
• Staff the Director at public speaking opportunities, media interviews, or community meetings as needed
• Provide regular political, strategic, or communications advice to Director
• Supervise a job class 5638 Public Affairs Coordinator, fellows, and other interns.
• Manage the Department’s Public Relations consultant contract.
Minimum Qualifications
Desirable Qualifications
• Experience in two or more of the major functional public relation areas preferred (public policy, press relations, and executive communications).
• Experience working within a diverse community.
• Fluency with the legislative process or familiarity with City policymakers and City policy entities (Board of Supervisors, commissions, advisory committees).
• An understanding of key policies topics like zero waste, clean energy, emissions, climate change, and toxic reduction.
• Accomplished writer capable of distilling technical policy language into simple, understandable concepts for talking pts, speeches, op-eds, and other related written materials.
• Superb oral communication/presentation skills in small-group settings as well as large formal settings (publicly-noticed meeting).On-the record experience with members of the media (print, TV, and/or radio) and an understanding of how to triage reporter inquiries and different types of media interactions.
• Proven ability to multi-task, conduct research and analysis, communicate effectively, and negotiate, all while working with a wide variety of individuals and stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and on a team.
• Experience organizing communities and advocates around public policy issues to heighten awareness and spur press inquiries.
The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date, unless otherwise noted.
Candidates are requested to submit a resume and transcript and attach it to their application. Upload these documents as a PDF or Word file, under the “Other” tab in the application system.
