Salary : $89,996.61 – $109,406.83 Annually
Location : Santa Rosa, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 23/06-0906-O
Department: County Administrator’s Office (CAO)
Opening Date: 06/29/2023
Closing Date: 7/13/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
Position Information
Bring your public relations and community engagement experience to the County Administrator’s dynamic communications team!
Starting salary up to $52.42/hour ($109,406/year), a cash allowance of $600/month, and a competitive total compensation package!*
Working at the County of Sonoma offers expansive opportunities for growth and development, the ability to be a part of a challenging and rewarding work environment, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re working to better our communities. You can also look forward to flexible work arrangements and excellent benefits* including:
- A hybrid telework schedule that meets the needs of our staff, department operations, and the communities we serve may be available depending on the assignment
- Eligibility for a salary increase after 1,040 hours (6 months when working full-time) for good work performance; eligibility for a salary increase for good performance every year thereafter, until reaching the top of the salary range
- Competitive vacation and sick leave accruals, 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year
- County paid 100% premium contribution for the majority of employee-only and employee + family health plan options
- An annual Staff Development/Wellness Benefit allowance of up to $1,700 and ongoing education/training opportunities
- County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits
- Retirement fully integrated with Social Security
- May be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment
Join the County Administrator’s Communications Team
County Communication Specialists serve as public information officers for one or more County departments and support the overall communications needs of the County Administrator’s Office and the Board of Supervisors. County Communication Specialists research and produce press releases, talking points, social media posts, videos, newsletter stories, speeches, and other materials both in print and digital formats. Other responsibilities include: media relations – including scheduling or participating in media interviews with subject matter experts; supporting virtual or in-person town hall meetings; content creation; marketing; and photography/video production editing. Occasional staffing of evening meetings will be required particularly during times of emergencies such as fires, floods, and other natural disasters.
The ideal candidate will bring their intellectual curiosity and thrives in a team environment. Additionally, they will possess:
- Superb critical thinking, research, and writing skills
- Experience leading marketing campaigns, public relations programs, and/or communications projects
- Experience in public speaking and utilizing social media for professional communication
- Skills in video production and/or photography
- The ability to interact with a diverse customer base
- The aptitude to meet tight deadlines and work in sometimes-stressful conditions
- Training in one or more of the following areas: crisis communications; social media; marketing; search engine optimization; public relations campaign planning; diversity, equity, and inclusion communication strategies, and/or measurement and analytics
- Fluent bilingual skills (English/Spanish) are a plus, but are not required
Note: If you are offered an interview, you will be required to submit three writing samples/examples of marketing materials (brochures, graphic designs, presentation materials, social media, etc.) that you have directly designed or developed. Instructions on how to submit these documents will be provided by the department if/when an interview is scheduled.
*Salary is negotiable within the established range. Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found in the and our
This recruitment is being conducted to fill a County Communications Specialist position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time, part-time, or extra-help vacancies as they occur during the active status of the list.Qualified County employees who wish to be considered for future vacancies should consider applying to this recruitment.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience: Any combination of education, training, and experience which would likely provide for possession of the stated knowledge and abilities. Normally this would include a Bachelor’s degree in public and/or business administration, communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field, and three years of professional level experience working in public/media relations, marketing, or a closely related field including experience developing communication strategies.
License: Possession of a valid driver’s license at the appropriate level including special endorsements, as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.
Bilingual Designation: Designated positions may be required the ability to speak, read, and write a language in addition to English.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Considerable knowledge of: principles, tools, techniques, and methods of preparing information, news releases, press conferences, and instructional materials, including graphics and written copy; principles and techniques of preparing and disseminating information, including use of relevant social media channels; techniques and methods used in composing and preparing correspondence, memoranda, newsletters, reports, and similar materials; desk-top publishing, web content design and development, graphics preparation/presentation, video/photography, and the operation of related applications and equipment; modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications related to work; and generally accepted rules of English usage, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
Working knowledge of: methods and techniques used in evaluating public attitudes and needs; County program activities and operations, and the relationship of federal and state programs with local government programs.
Ability to: effectively communicate County policies and services to community groups, committees, other agencies and the general public; demonstrate resourcefulness and judgment in the analysis and solution of complex public relations matters; speak publicly and effectively to a variety of diverse community groups; write effectively and edit the writing of others; develop effective marketing and outreach programs to reach diverse target markets; prepare complete, accurate, concise public information materials; select the proper medium to deliver and gather effective public information and feedback; stay abreast of organizational issues and priorities; strategize, develop, and implement a comprehensive media and public relations program for departmental assignments; research and analyze problems; establish and maintain effective relationships; and effectively use computer software such as desktop publishers, presentation software, graphic design, spreadsheets, and databases; develop and manage web pages; compile and analyze statistical information; develop creative and effective verbal and visual presentations; research and prepare technical reports.
Selection Procedure & Some Helpful Tips When Applying
- Your application information and your responses to the supplemental questions are evaluated and taken into consideration throughout the entire selection process.
- You should list all employers and positions held within the last ten years in the work history section of your application. Be as thorough as possible when responding to the supplemental questions.
- You may include history beyond ten years if related to the position for which you are applying. If you held multiple positions with one employer, list out each position separately.
- Failure to follow these instructions may impact your competitiveness in this process or may result in disqualification.
Please visit to review more detailed information about the hiring process, including the application process, examination steps, and department selection process.
APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS REQUIRE THE SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONNAIRE BE COMPLETED.
Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria. Please provide specific and detailed responses of a reasonable length to allow for a thorough assessment of your qualifications. Responses that state “See Resume” or “See Application” may be considered insufficient and therefore may not be scored.
The selection procedure will consist of the following examination:
An Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) will be conducted to evaluate each applicant’s application and supplemental questionnaire for satisfaction of minimum qualifications (pass/not pass); and for educational coursework, training, experience, knowledge, and abilities which relate to this position. Each applicant will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Relevance of work history, related experience, and achieved level of education and/or training as described in the application and responses to the supplemental questions.
Candidates demonstrating possession of the minimum qualifications will be placed on an employment list in order of most qualified to least qualified based on the achieved score received in the Application & Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination. Scores may be adjusted based on such factors as the number of candidates, anticipated vacancies, past practice, and natural breaks in the scores achieved by this group of candidates.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
A background investigation is required prior to employment. Candidates referred to departments for a selection interview are typically required to sign authorization and release forms enabling such an investigation. Failure to sign prescribed forms will result in the candidate not being considered further for that vacancy. Reference information will not be made available to applicants.
Additional requirements, such as successful completion of a physical exam, drug screen, etc., may apply, depending on the duties and responsibilities of the position. If you receive a conditional job offer for the position, the requirements upon which the offer is contingent will be outlined in the conditional job letter. You may also review the to determine the requirements for this position.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted online at www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org. Paper applications may be submitted by person, fax (707-565-3770), email, or through the mail. All applications and appropriate supplemental information as outlined in the job bulletin must be RECEIVED by the time and date specified on the first page of this job announcement. Applications received after the recruitment closes will not be accepted.
The County of Sonoma values diversity and is dedicated to creating a workplace environment that provides individuals with a sense of belonging. We are committed to having a diverse workforce that is representative of the communities we serve. The County is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer where all aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business need.
HR Analyst: AK
HR Technician: KK
IMPORTANT NOTE: Benefits described herein do not apply to Extra Help positions.
COUNTY OF SONOMA BENEFITS: MANAGEMENT*
These are some of the excellent benefits the County offers:
Paid Time Off: Competitive vacation accrual and sick leave accruals; additional management leave annually; 12 paid holidays, and an additional 8 floating holiday hours per year; and may be eligible for up to 8 weeks (320 hours) of Paid Parental Leave after 12 months of County employment.
Health Plan: Choice of five health plans (a PPO, EPO, HMO, and two deductible HMOs) with a County paid premium contribution.
Cash Allowance: In addition to monthly salary, a cash allowance of approximately $600 per month.
Retirement: Fully integrated with Social Security. For more information regarding eligibility, retirement contributions, and reciprocity with prior public service, please visit
IRS 457 Plan: Pre-tax employee contribution up to the IRS annual maximum.
Retiree Medical: County contribution to a Health Reimbursement Arrangement to help fund post-retirement employee health insurance/benefits.
Plus excellent dental, vision, disability, life insurance, professional development, and more.
For answers to specific questions regarding the employment process and more details about benefits or retirement, please contact Human Resources at Additional details about benefit and compensation packages can be found in the MOUs located at For specific information about health and welfare benefits including plan options, coverage, and premium amounts go to or, contact the Human Resources’ Risk Management-Benefits Office at or
*IMPORTANT NOTES: Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice.
01
How did you first learn about this opportunity?
- Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG)
- CalJobs
- Careers in Government
- College or University
- Craigslist
- DiversityJobs
- Employee of Sonoma County
- Glassdoor
- GovernmentJobs.com
- Handshake
- Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Sonoma County
- Indeed
- Job Fair
- La Voz
- Latino Service Providers
- Los Cien
- Minority Organization or Group
- Press Democrat
- sonoma-county.org/www.yourpath2sonomacounty.org
- Sonoma County Human Resources Office
- Sonoma County Job Line
- Start Here!
- Veterans Services Office
- Women’s Organization or Group
- Workplace Diversity
- Other Internet Site
- Other Publication
02
Please indicate if you would also be interested in future part-time or extra-help (temporary, intermittent, or seasonal employment) positions should they become available. Check all that apply.
- I would also like to be considered for future part-time positions
- I would also like to be considered for future extra-help positions
- I am only interested in full-time positions
03
This eligible list may be used for future bilingual (English/Spanish) positions. Please indicate if you are interested in bilingual positions, and your level of proficiency.
- Yes, I have basic (conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- Yes, I have fluent (reading, writing, and conversational) English/Spanish bilingual skills
- No, I do not have English/Spanish bilingual skills, and/or I do not wish to be considered for a bilingual position
04
For this question, and all subsequent questions, provide sufficient information to allow for a thorough evaluation of your qualifications. Responses to supplemental questions will be scored using position-specific criteria and may be reviewed by hiring managers.
Please detail how you meet the minimum qualifications which typically includes a four-year degree in public and/or business administration, communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field, and three years of professional-level experience working in public/media relations, marketing, or a closely related field.
- List your relevant certifications, coursework, and/or degree(s)
- For each relevant position you list, include job title(s), employer’s name, dates of employment (mm/yy – mm/yy), and a description of your primary responsibilities
05
Please describe your media relations/public information officer experience and detail the entities you supported, intended audience(s), and modes of communication/media output.
06
Please describe a successful marketing campaign, public relations program, and/or communications project that you led. Highlight its desired purpose, your role and responsibilities, and the outcome of its implementation.
07
If you are offered an interview, you will be required to submit three writing samples/examples of marketing materials (brochures, graphic designs, presentation materials, social media, etc.) that you have directly designed or developed. Instructions on how to submit these documents will be provided by the department if/when an interview is scheduled. Please confirm you understand and will be able to provide requested materials.
- Yes
- No
Required Question