Public Information Officer and Strategic Communications Services

Public Information Officer and to provide strategic communications counsel on an as-needed basis
1. Strategic communications counsel to the Executive Director and Policy Board leadership
2. Public information officer services and media relations
3. Issues management and rapid response
4. Proactive media placement and storytelling about the agency's programs and projects
5. Community and stakeholder engagement, including Spanish-language capability
6. Message development, content, design and production
7. Support for California Public Records Act requests
8. Measurement, reporting, and a path to bringing capacity in house over time
- Services include:
1. Strategic communications counsel – Senior counsel to the Executive Director, available as matters arise, on the agency's messaging, the timing and manner of its public statements, and when not to comment; senior counsel to Policy Board leadership; participation in the agency's deliberations on matters carrying public exposure; media and presentation training and spokesperson preparation; and periodic review and updating of the strategic communications plan.
2. Public information officer and media relations – Serving as the agency's point of contact for news media and members of the public; establishing and operating media intake, routing and approval protocols; preparing news releases, statements, talking points and fact sheets; maintaining the agency's media list and monitoring coverage; and relieving the Executive Director and senior staff of routine media handling.
3. Issues management and rapid response (Crisis Management) – Preparing the agency to communicate around audits, reports, oversight actions and other matters as they conclude, including advance materials, holding statements and question-and-answer documents, coordinated release with the agency's own statement, and the capacity to support the agency through attention beyond the regional market.
4. Proactive media and storytelling – Developing and placing stories about the agency's programs, projects and investments; supporting milestones, groundbreakings and funding announcements; and preparing presentations and materials for agency representatives.
5. Community and stakeholder engagement – Engagement with member agencies, advisory bodies, business, agricultural, taxpayer and community organizations, and the region's residents, through the channels and messengers they use; Spanish-language capability for written materials and public events; and support for the public participation activities carried out under the agency's Overall Work Program and Public Participation Plan.
6. Message development and content – A core narrative and message architecture for the agency's principal audiences; a periodic agency newsletter and an annual report on agency performance; website and social media content and a content calendar; and graphic design, photography, video and print production.
7. Public records and disclosure support – Assisting StanCOG staff and the Office of General Counsel with requests made under the California Public Records Act, including intake and tracking, assisting in preparing draft responses and correspondence, and advising on the communications accompanying a disclosure.