Salary: $70,324.72 – $94,938.38 Annually
Location : Hybrid; Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Limited Term (contract)
Job Number: 00389
Division: Government and Public Affairs
Department: Media and Public Affairs
Opening Date: 05/22/2023
Closing Date: 6/12/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Description
The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is seeking a dynamic communicator to fill the role of Community Engagement Specialist – Limited Term. This position is responsible for the development and execution of strategic communications that are essential to the accomplishment of key components of SCAG’s mission, including inclusive collaboration, regional advocacy, and information sharing. This position will be responsible for working with various SCAG programs on their communication efforts.
SCAG’s Media and Public Affairs Department performs many key functions for the agency, such as deploying strategic communications to further agency priorities and foster public understanding of long-range regional planning. The department aims to produce clear and consistent communications, media, and promotional campaigns that exemplify agency values and standards and enhance the SCAG brand as a respected and influential voice for the region by increasing awareness of agency’s work and purpose.
WHO WE ARE
As a mission-driven organization, SCAG is committed to attracting and retaining talent who embody SCAG’s values. SCAG’s workforce is passionate and committed to innovation that improves the quality of life for all Southern Californians. When you join SCAG, you can expect a culture where collaboration and teamwork is fostered.
SCAG operates as a hybrid organization because we recognize that work can be successfully performed in various locations. Designing a work environment and culture where SCAG’s mission, effectiveness, and collaboration can be more flexibly served demonstrates our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) by supporting work-life balance for our employees, retaining our existing dedicated staff, and increasing access to new talent pools.
As part of our Work@SCAG hybrid approach, employees’ eligibility in the three work models (office, hybrid, remote) will depend on the department, position, responsibilities, and duties. All work models require employees to work from a location based within the SCAG region. This position is expected to be in the office two days per week.
WHAT WE BELIEVE
MISSION
To foster innovative regional solutions that improve the lives of Southern Californians through inclusive collaboration, visionary planning, regional advocacy, information sharing, and promoting best practices.
VISION
Southern California’s Catalyst for a Brighter Future.
SCAG CORE VALUES
- Be Open: Be accessible, candid, collaborative and transparent in the work we do.
- Lead by Example: Commit to integrity and equity in working to meet the diverse needs of all people and communities in our region.
- Make an Impact: In all endeavors, effect positive and sustained outcomes that make our region thrive.
- Be Courageous: Have confidence that taking deliberate, bold and purposeful risks can yield new and valuable benefits.
In this role you can expect to
- Liaise with Planning program staff to understand the objectives of their programs and advise on applicable communication approaches and tools for various milestones
- Create tactical communication plans in coordination with Planning program staff and Media & Public Affairs team members
- Collaborate with Media & Public Affairs team to create visual, written, and multi-media content to tell the story of various Planning programs and/or be used to inform/engage audiences at various milestones
- Oversee the development of communications materials and deployment of communications tactics relate to Planning programs
- Collaborate with other departments/divisions to develop and review communications materials, including identifying key players and coordinating activity
- Assist in coordinating public workshops, forums and special events (e.g. the annual Regional Conference & General Assembly), including program development, sponsorship solicitation, vendor coordination, budget planning, and event logistics
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What you’ll bring to this role
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with three years of experience in urban planning and design, project management, planning regulations, or related fields and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.
We’ll be a great match if you also have:
- Experience developing communication materials in written, visual and multi-media formats
- Familiarity with aspects of urban and/or regional planning and public sector planning processes
- Strong writing and editing skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely
- Strong interpersonal communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective cross-functional working relationships
- Strong analytical and organizational skills, attention to detail, and a solutions-oriented mindset
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment while juggling multiple projects and meeting multiple deadlines
- The ability to be successful while working both independently and as part of a team and can exercise sound judgment when needed.
Supplemental Information
Important Applicant Information:
Please note, this posting will remain open until June 12, 2023, with the first application review taking place on May 29, 2023. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to apply prior to that date. We anticipate interviews for this position will be held in five weeks.
The information you provide on the application and supplemental questionnaire will be evaluated and used to determine your eligibility to participate in the next phase of the hiring process. Please be advised that failure to provide complete and accurate information in the application and supplemental questionnaire may result in disqualification of your application even if you possess the qualifying experience or education. Please be as specific as possible and include all information as requested. Comments such as “see resume or application” will not be considered as a sufficient response. Please note that all information is subject to verification at any time in the hiring process. Falsification of any information may result in disqualification or dismissal.
Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We strive to embrace and actively support an inclusive and diverse work environment where the personal dignity of each person is recognized, valued, and celebrated. To achieve this objective, we must hire, retain, and inspire the right people to do the right work. Each member of the workforce is charged with contributing diversity of thought through intersectional identities and experiences.
The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provision contained in this job announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
Insurance Coverage
Employees may choose from eight HMO’s and three PPO CalPERS health plans and two dental plans. SCAG contributes $800/month towards health insurance premiums with the cost difference paid out in cash. Dental and vision premiums for employee and dependents, are provided by SCAG. Life insurance in the amount of $50,000 is provided by employer. Supplemental life insurance is available at a minimal cost to the employee. Short-term and long-term disability insurance plans are provided by SCAG.
Retirement
Employees become members of the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS). Effective January 1, 2013, for new members of the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS), the retirement formula is calculated at 2% @ 62 with a Three Year Average Formula. In accordance with the Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA), the new member will have a mandatory contribution of 6.25% of reportable compensation. ICMA deferred compensation plan is available. Employees do not pay Social Security.
Employees who are current members of CalPERS or an agency with CalPERS reciprocity, or who have less than a six-month break in service between employment with SCAG or in a CalPERS (or reciprocal) agency will be enrolled in the 2% @ 55 benefit formula. Empower 457 plan is available. SCAG does not participate in Social Security.
Paid Parental Leave
12 weeks of paid parental leave to employees following the birth of an employee’s child or the placement of a child with an employee in connection with adoption or foster care. Employees become eligible for this benefit after 12 months of employment at SCAG.
Holidays
Employees receive 9 designated holidays and 44 hours of Personal Floating Holidays (PFH) per fiscal year, 11 hours for each full quarter worked.
Vacation Accrual
Ten to twenty days per year depending on length of service with SCAG.
0-3 years: 80 hours
4-10 years: 120 hours
11-16 years: 140 hours
17+ years: 160 hours
Sick Leave
Employees accrue sick leave at the rate of one day per month.
Health and Dependent Care Reimbursement Account
A tax-exempt savings plan is offered to pay eligible expenses associated with health and dependent care.
Transportation Incentive Program
SCAG pays $230 towards monthly bus pass. In order to receive this benefit, employees must utilize one of the listed options at least 13 days per month. SCAG also provides a pre-tax parking plan for employees. Employees may defer up to $230 per month pre-tax towards the cost of parking associated with SCAG employment.
Flexible Time/Modified Work Week/Telework
Some employees may work a modified 9-80 work schedule, with every other Friday off. SCAG offers a flexible work schedule to allow employees some flexibility on daily work hours.
Other Benefits
Employees may have their paychecks automatically deposited. Tuition reimbursement up to $5,472 per year is offered for qualified courses after one year of employment.
Probationary Period
All non-Management employees are required to successfully complete a probationary period of 2080 hours prior to achieving regular employment status.
01
Do you require sponsorship now or in the future?
- Yes, I currently require sponsorship
- Yes, I will require sponsorship in the future
- I do not require sponsorship
02
Which of the following best describes your highest level of education you have achieved?
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Some College
- Associate’s Degree
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
- Doctorate Degree
- Other
03
Which of the following best describes your years of experience in urban planning and design, project management, planning regulations, or related fields?
- No experience
- Less than one year
- One year to less than two years
- Two years to less than three years
- Three years or more
04
If you indicated direct experience in the previous question, please summarize one to two of your most significant accomplishment(s) related to your experience in urban planning and design, project management, planning regulations, or related fields. In your example(s), please describe the accomplishment, your role, the actions you took, and the result. If you do not possess this experience, type “N/A”.
05
At SCAG, we are committed to analyzing and addressing the ways in which social and economic inequities impact our region and our work. Please describe your experiences with addressing inequities as it relates to your research, service, or some other aspect of your work. If you have not had direct experience in this area, please tell us about your aspirations.
Required Question