The East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) seeks a dynamic public affairs and strategic communications professional and people leader to lead the Public Affairs Division as the Assistant General Manager (AGM).  The AGM leads and directs the operations of the Public Affairs Division to promote, educate, and inform stakeholders and the general public about a wide variety of EBRPD public information programs and initiatives including the delivery of EBRPD’s equity mission.  Public Affairs focuses on services including EBRPD’s website, social media, traditional media, events, exhibits, graphic and environmental design to connect the broader East Bay community with information about the value of the Park District. 

The EBRPD includes 73 parks, 55 miles of San Francisco and Delta shorelines, 1,330 miles of park trails, and a regional green trail transportation network of 250 miles of paved trails all within its 125,000 acres, making it the largest regional Park District in the United States. The EBRPD has a diverse portfolio of parks, from shorelines, lakes, mountains, forests, wilderness areas, swim facilities, golf courses, and cultural sites. These parks reach across two Bay Area counties, which include 33 urban cities.

The AGM is a key member of the executive leadership team who reports to and partners closely with the General Manager and has significant involvement in the long-term operational plans and strategies to meet EBRPD’s vision for the future.  The AGM is the subject matter expert and strategic advisor to the General Manager, executive leadership team, and the Board of Directors on all aspects of public affairs, internal and external communications and maintaining EBPRD’s public image.  The AGM serves as EBRPD’s primary spokesperson and trusted partner for the public and special interest groups and provides technical expertise in community and media relations. 

The ideal candidate is people and community centric; an innovative communications leader with a demonstrated track record of understanding diverse audiences, cross-cultural marketing, and digital engagement that results in the broadening and diversifying of an audience base.  The AGM will have a holistic understanding of how all elements and systems work together – communications, digital strategy, brand/creative design, park user experience and public education/information - to support EBRPD’s unique mission, values, and goals. 

The successful AGM will be deeply committed to and have a passion for EBRPD’s mission, services, and values of equity, inclusion, and access.  The AGM will be a team builder who possesses a coaching and mentoring leadership style and drives creativity and enthusiasm in others.  The AGM fosters a culture of ongoing curiosity, growth, learning creativity, and stakeholder/community engagement. The commitment to working collaboratively and cross-functionally at every level of the organization while supporting the public affairs staff to flourish in their roles is paramount to the success of the new AGM.  The complete position description can be found here.

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public administration, communications, journalism, media or public relations, marketing, or a related field is required.

Candidate must have eight (8) years’ experience in public, community, governmental and/or media relations, including three (3) years of experience in senior management.

A Master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited college or university may be substituted with 3 years of experience.

The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs position comes with an annual salary of $172,286.40 - $219,897.60 and includes a generous benefits package.

The Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs recruitment is being conducted on a regional basis by The Byers Group.  To ensure initial consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter electronically to: agm.pa@byersgroupca.com no later than Friday, July 1, 2022.   The letter of interest should outline why you are interested in joining the East Bay Regional Parks District and your relevant accomplishments and experiences that make you the ideal candidate.  The recruitment will remain open until filled.

Confidential inquiries are encouraged and can be directed to: Ms. Brett Byers, 323-403-8279, brett@byersgroupca.com and/or Ms. Gwendolyn Catchings, 228-456-6610, gwendolyn@byersgroupca.com.