COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Job Description:

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Description

DESCRIPTION

THE PORT OF LONG BEACH IS SEEKING THREE (3) OFFICERS OF COMMUNICATIONS

(This is an at-will position)

Salary Range: $ 103,682.85 - $141,094.83

ABOUT US

The Port of Long Beach, one of the world's busiest seaports, is an international gateway for the reliable, efficient, and sustainable movement of goods and is a leader in environmental stewardship. Credited with moving approximately $200 billion in trade, the Port serves as a critical hub for international commerce and is a major transportation center. East Asian trade accounts for the bulk of Long Beach shipments. Port-related international trade has a wide-ranging economic impact, supporting millions of jobs that benefit the region and the country.

THE TEAMS

The primary objective of the Communications & Community Relations Division team is to cultivate and bolster a positive perception of the Port. This involves fostering awareness and understanding of Port operations across diverse audiences, including the international maritime industry, port complex stakeholders, local and regional communities, and Port employees. The team is dedicated to delivering strategic communication services, refining messaging, managing media relations, elevating brand awareness, and implementing community and education programs. Their responsibilities extend to addressing both anticipated and unforeseen communications challenges and opportunities.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OFFICER (1 OPENING)

Under the supervision of the Manager of Communications & Community Relations, the Public Engagement Officer leads the Port's community outreach efforts, promoting its mission and fostering positive relationships with external audiences. This role involves managing a full-time team, creating impactful outreach programs, and utilizing social media to build community support. Responsibilities include organizing harbor tours, presentations, and events and collaborating with neighborhood organizations. The officer also develops and manages budgets, tracks community feedback, and ensures the Port’s brand is represented consistently across all communications and outreach activities.

ADMINISTRATION OFFICER (1 OPENING)

The Administration Officer, under the supervision of the Manager of Communications & Community Relations, oversees the day-to-day administrative functions of the Division, including budgeting, purchasing, and contract management. This role is responsible for managing key Port programs such as community sponsorships, scholarships, and advertising initiatives. The officer supervises a full-time administrative team, ensures compliance with policies, and provides recommendations on operational matters. Additionally, they collaborate with leadership on resource planning, handle financial and procurement issues, and represent the Port at public events.

MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER (1 OPENING)

Under the supervision of the Manager of Content, the Media Relations Officer is responsible for overseeing the Port’s media relations efforts and promoting its mission and goals to both internal and external audiences. This role manages a team of writers, consultants, and interns, directing the creation and implementation of media strategies, marketing plans, and communications projects. Key responsibilities include developing key messages, writing speeches, press releases, and multimedia content, handling media outreach, and serving as a backup spokesperson. The Officer monitors media coverage, tracks public perception, and ensures that the Port’s brand is consistent across all communications. This position involves coordinating with internal and external stakeholders, managing national media campaigns, and providing support to executive staff for public interactions and presentations.

CANDIDATE CONNECT (INFORMATION SESSION)

To learn more about this exciting career opportunity and the Port of Long Beach, please join our virtual information session on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, @ 5:00 pm PDT via MS Teams. This is a unique opportunity to hear first-hand about the position, speak directly with hiring leaders, ask questions, and learn why the Port of Long Beach is your employer of choice! Candidates are not required to be on camera. To join audio only, call +1 323-451-1087, Phone Conference ID: 913 875 85# Click here to join the meeting .

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

HOW YOU GET TO CONTRIBUTE:

• Ensure the Ports brand is maintained in the diverse range of content-related internal and external marketing and promotional materials.
• Manage the creation and implementation of Port communications plans; gather consensus on goals and objectives; assign tasks; coordinate assignments and materials; produce communications plans.
• Train and mentor staff; provide leadership with respect to career development.
• Work alongside a team responsible for media relations, community outreach, and administrative operations, including full-time staff, and interns.
• Represent the Port at public events, meetings, and community activities to enhance relationships with external partners.
• Performs other related duties as assigned

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER:

• Manage the Port’s social and corporate responsibility programs, including the community sponsorship and education scholarship programs.
• Supervise administrative functions such as procurement, contracts, invoices, and budget tracking, ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.
• Manage financial responsibilities, including collaborating on the development of the annual budget and controlling costs.
• Schedule, coordinate, and manage administrative projects such as new procurement and advertising strategies.
• Interpret, make policy recommendations, and enforce administrative and operational policies, practices, and procedures
• Advise the Manager, Assistant Director, and Director on Commission office requirements, agenda items, and memos.

MEDIA RELATIONS OFFICER:

• Manage the Port’s media outreach campaign to increase positive coverage and build a strong media presence.
• Create and edit key messages, press materials, speeches, and multimedia content for various communications platforms.
• Monitor media coverage and evaluate opportunities to enhance positive coverage or mitigate negative press.
• Analyze complex issues and provide strategic solutions to improve operations and communications.
• Develops key messages, creates marketing and outreach plans, edits and writes copy for the Port’s print publications, electronic communications, speeches, and multimedia presentations
• Pitch stories to media outlets to increase newspaper, website, and broadcast coverage of the Port of Long Beach and give general presentations to various audiences to educate and inform them about the Port’s operations.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OFFICER:

• Develop and implement strategic communications and media outreach plans to promote the Port’s mission, goals, and initiatives.
• Oversee community engagement efforts, including sponsorships, scholarships, harbor tours, public events, and presentations.
• Liaison with neighborhood associations, community organizations, and other stakeholders to foster support and build relationships.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, offering guidance on performance improvement and career development.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of outreach programs and administrative tasks.
• Foster a culture of performance, customer service, and accountability within the team and across the division.

REQUIREMENTS TO FILE

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, English, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field is required; Substantial relevant experience may be substituted for the educational requirements.
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible management experience in public affairs, marketing, communications, and community engagement is required.
• At least two years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong leadership background in a complex organization, with experience working with diverse teams and technical expertise.
• Knowledge of public and community relations techniques, media operations, and social media trends.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills, with expertise in business communication (spelling, grammar, punctuation).
• Experience in administrative methods, budgeting, procurement, and brand management strategies.
• Understanding of political and community issues affecting the Port and experience with crisis communications is a plus.

TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED:

• Ability to analyze community relations, public affairs, administrative tasks, and media relations issues and make sound recommendations for improvement.
• Proficiency in designing and implementing strategies and methods to improve internal and external communications across various channels.
• High proficiency in Word, Excel, Outlook, and other related applications for managing documents, budgets, and presentations.
• Expertise in using social media platforms and digital communication tools to develop and implement strategic campaigns.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to represent the Port effectively in public settings, with expertise in interacting with media on various platforms, including print, TV, and radio.
• Ability to apply appropriate writing styles for different purposes, such as business communications, public relations, and media outreach.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective solutions to meet goals and improve performance.
• Experience interviewing, training, and mentoring staff to improve performance and meet organizational objectives.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite Lyris and the ability to quickly adapt to new software tools as needed.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and make decisions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to correspond and handle inquiries from internal and external stakeholders, representing the Port professionally in diverse situations.

DESIRABLE:

• A Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Communications, Public Relations, or a closely related field is desirable.
• Local government experience is highly desired.
• Second language speaking ability desirable but not required.
• A strong leadership background is preferred in a complex, similarly situated organization.
• Knowledge of the political and community issues affecting the Port is a plus.
• Familiarity with brand management principles and practices for maintaining consistent messaging and public image.
• Previous experience in managing large-scale public events or community outreach programs is beneficial.

To thrive, you will need strong negotiation skills, political savvy, excellent client/customer relations skills, and exceptional public speaking/presentation skills. You must also establish and maintain effective working relationships with various employees, vendor representatives, officials, and Port management.

If you require accommodation because of a disability to participate in any phase of the application/selection process, please call (562) 283-7500 or email Careers@polb.com .

SELECTION PROCEDURE

The Port of Long Beach will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You are not required to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until you receive a conditional job offer. If the Port of Long Beach has concerns about a conviction that is directly related to the job after making a conditional job offer and conducting a background check, you will have the opportunity to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide evidence to mitigate concerns or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act or https://www.longbeach.gov/hr/about-us/talent-acquisition/the-fair-chance-act/ .

The final filing date for this recruitment is Monday, March 24, 2025 @ 11:59 pm PDT.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume with your application in PDF format . Incomplete applications (without a cover letter and resume) will not be considered.

Individuals most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include a work-related video interview assessment to further evaluate candidate qualifications. We will start conducting Sparkhire video interviews the week of March 24, 2025 (video) and conducting final round interviews on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 15 and 16, 2025 (in-person). Candidates should ensure availability on both dates. The successful candidate will be appointed shortly thereafter. References will be completed for finalist candidates; an employment offer is contingent on conducting a comprehensive background check. The Port reserves the right to extend the closing date without notice in order to accept additional applications. Those individuals determined to be most qualified for the position will be invited to participate in the selection process.

THE BENEFITS:

The Port of Long Beach has established an annual salary range of $ 103,682.85 - $141,094.83

(placement depends on qualifications). An attractive package of benefits is included with the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse and dynamic areas of the United States:

• Retirement - CalPERS 2% @ 62, coordinated with social security. Current member contribution is 8.00% for CalPERS, and 6.2% for social security, paid by the employee.
• Pay for Performance - Pay for Performance is awarded based on employee performance as demonstrated through achievement of individual goals, demonstration of required competencies, and available budget funds.
• Group Health Insurance - Medical and dental options (HMO and PPO). Free vision coverage.
• Disability Insurance - City-paid short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Vacation - Vacation is accrued at the equivalent of two weeks on an annual basis. Vacation can be used after six months of service. An employee’s vacation accrual may be adjusted upon hire to provide credit for previous full-time employment at a public service agency. Credit for public service shall only be given for completed years of service as a full-time permanent employee. Public Service credit shall not apply to any other benefits.
• Sick Leave - Accrued at 8 hours per month. Accruals may be converted upon retirement to cash credit toward health and /or dental insurance premiums or retirement service credits.
• Paid Parental Leave - After six (6) months of City employment, the City pays up to 30 consecutive days (160 hours) for eligible employees to take paid time to bond with the child upon birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of 17.
• Holidays - 11 scheduled holidays per calendar year and four (4) personal holidays.
• Education Reimbursement - Tuition reimbursement allows employees to obtain additional education or training.
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness - As the Harbor Department of the City of Long Beach, a governmental agency, the Port of Long Beach is a qualifying employer for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• 529 college savings plan - The ScholarShare529 plan is an account that allows employees to invest specifically for future education expenses through the Long Beach City Employees Federal Credit Union. Funds can be used from your 529 savings plan to send your grandkids, kids, or even yourself to any accredited public or private U.S. college or university - or two-year technical or vocational institution.

The Port of Long Beach is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. www.polb.com

Employee Benefits

The City of Long Beach offers its employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally.As a permanent employee, you are eligible to receive fringe benefits that include:

• Medical and Dental Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Retirement Plan (P.E.R.S.)

• Paid Vacation, Personal Holidays and Sick Leave

• Deferred Compensation

• Credit Union Membership

• Free Bus Transportation (Long Beach Transit)

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Free Employee Parking
• Paid Parental Leave*
*Paid Parental Leave - after six (6) months of City employment; up to 30 calendar days (160 hours/192 hours for sworn platoon) of PPL, taken in full-day increments, in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster placement of a child, up to the age of seventeen (17).

Closing Date/Time: 3/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$103,682.85 - $141,094.83 Annually