Job Details

Sr. Communications Manager - Water Programs - SFPUC (9251) (158851)

Join to apply for the Sr. Communications Manager - Water Programs - SFPUC (9251) (158851) role at San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

About SFPUC: Headquartered in San Francisco, SFPUC has 2,300 employees operating across eight counties serving more than 2.7 million customers 24/7. Our mission is to provide high quality, efficient, and reliable water, power, and wastewater services while valuing environmental and community interests. We are committed to an innovative utility leadership with a focus on service, safety, stewardship, and inclusiveness. Learn more at

Role Description

The External Affairs Bureau oversees legislative, policy activities, communications, community engagement, community benefits, and environmental justice programs. The Communications Division guides the SFPUC's brand and promotes the agency's programs, initiatives, and services. The Senior Communications Manager for Water leads a diverse team supporting SFPUC's water operations and is responsible for developing and executing campaigns that increase awareness, elevate perception, and drive strategic messaging for water programs, projects, and initiatives for internal and external audiences. A major component is culturally competent outreach for major construction projects. Other responsibilities include brand public relations, program/project marketing, crisis communications, and leadership of the Water Communications Team.

Responsibilities

• Work with the department head, commissioners, and senior management to develop and execute internal and external communications strategies for water projects, programs, and operations. Use metrics to track effectiveness and present findings to executive leadership.
• Design and implement creative, robust, and culturally competent outreach for major construction projects across Northern California.
• Plan, implement, and supervise events related to departmental activities (e.g., construction groundbreakings, town halls, recognition ceremonies, special events).
• Mentor and lead a team of five direct reports serving diverse communities across a broad geographic area.
• Prepare speeches for senior water executives and other agency leaders.
• Respond to public inquiries and oversee responses to public complaints.
• Participate in after-hours on-call rotation to provide public information during emergencies and repairs (e.g., water main breaks).
• Create, produce, oversee, and edit reports, policies, brochures, and other materials for public distribution; may act as publications editor and coordinate publication processes.
• Update departmental publications to reflect changes in services and facilities.
• Represent the department, including the department head, to the media, Board of Supervisors, community groups, nonprofit agencies, regional partners, and other cities/countries as needed.
• Develop and coordinate strategic public relations campaigns with community partners, influential organizations, and other City departments.

How to Qualify

Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university. AND

Experience: Five years of experience in public affairs, public/media relations, community relations, international relations, or a related field.

Substitution: Additional qualifying work experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

Desirable Qualifications

• Fluency in Cantonese, Spanish, or Filipino
• Experience at a utility agency or major construction firm
• 3 years of supervisory experience managing a public relations team

Selection Process and Other Information

• NOTE: A position-based test is used in accordance with CSC Rule 111A.
• Passing score on the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ) is required to continue in the selection process.
• Eligible list will be created and used for certification; six-month duration (may be extended).
• Information on education verification and eligibility is available at
• Communications: Information about the hiring process, EEO, benefits, and other employment details are provided by SF City resources.

Where to apply: All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through the online portal at

Additional Information

Additional information regarding employment with the City and County of San Francisco is available in the note sections and at the SF Careers portal. The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities, and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, HIV status, or other protected category under the law.

Salary: $152,516.00 - $185,380.00 per year

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