Director of Communications

Salary : $112,486.00 – $139,713.00 Annually

Location : Garden Grove, CA

Job Type: Full Time Regular

Job Number: 2023-09

Department: Communications

Opening Date: 10/16/2023

Closing Date: 10/31/2023 4:00 PM Pacific

Description

Welcome to Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District’s application process! We are dedicated to serving, educating, and protecting Orange County against vectors and vector-borne illnesses in a positive, professional work environment.

Are you a team player looking to join a team of proactive public health professionals?
If so, APPLY for our DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS position today!

Please note interviews will be held on Thursday, November 2, 2023, via Zoom, those invited will receive details via email communication.

To apply for this position, an application must be completed on the link through the District’s website at www.ocvector.org/employment or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Further instructions are listed in the Supplemental Information section of this job posting.

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. Be an essential part of public health and make a difference in the community. Join a team that believes in its staff and provides a safe and fun working environment.

The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District is committed to achieving its mission in a professional and safe manner based upon a foundation of education, communication, collaboration, innovation, and proactive efforts.
ABOUT THE AGENCY
The Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (the District) is an independent special district dedicated to protecting public health by controlling rats, flies, mosquitoes, Red Imported Fire Ants, and other vector related problems. The operation of the District is overseen by a District Manager and Board of Trustees comprised of 35 members, each appointed by their city of residence (34) with one member representing the County. The District has a full-time staff of 69 employees and a seasonal staff of approximately 70 employees that assist in the day-to-day operations.

ABOUT THE POSITION
The Director of Communications is an executive management level class, which oversees two (2) divisions within the Department – Public Outreach and Public Service. Public Outreach Division consists of three (3) full-time and one (1) part-time staff who are responsible for the education that is required of all staff, building awareness of the District and responsibilities within the community, media relations, and maintaining collaborative relationships with elected officials at all levels of government. Public Service Division consists of two (2) full-time customer service representatives who are often the first, and sometimes the only, contact the public has with the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District.

The incumbent is responsible for the District’s branding, media relations, and outreach activities. The incumbent is expected to exercise independent judgment and initiative in establishing efficient and effective departmental operations consistent with District policies and administrative guidelines.

DEFINITION
Under administrative direction, plans, organizes, manages, and provides administrative direction and oversight for all functions and activities of the Communications Department; implements comprehensive District government relations, community outreach, and media relations programs and activities; coordinates assigned activities with other District departments, officials, outside agencies, and the public; fosters cooperative working relationships among District departments and with governmental and regulatory agencies and various community groups; provides highly responsible and complex professional assistance to the District Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives administrative direction from the District Manager. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff through subordinate levels of supervision.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Develops, directs, oversees, and implements comprehensive public and governmental relations programs utilizing various forms of media including press releases, newsletters, public service announcements, articles, speeches, position papers and other District-produced informational publications; oversees and determines methods of presentation and distribution of information to the public.
  • Plans, organizes, and integrates the work of Communications Department in coordination with other District departments and a wide range of public agencies within the District’s boundaries; serves as a liaison with other agencies to collaborate and develop new partnerships to expand District outreach activities.
  • Manages and participates in the preparation and administration of assigned budgets; maintains and monitors appropriate budgeting controls; monitors compliance with budget parameters and general financial policies.
  • Develops and manages the District’s public relations program, including review of materials developed by other departments for public distribution and outreach programs, projects, and issues of importance to the District; oversees and coordinates information being featured or maintained on the District’s web site.
  • Provides assistance to the District Manager; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
  • Attends and participates in meetings of the Board, commissions, and committees as required and serves on assigned committees, community groups, and task forces; prepares board presentations and reports; stays abreast of new trends and innovations related to public and governmental relations programs.
  • Monitors changes in laws, regulations, and technology that may affect District or departmental operations; enforces safety regulations; implements policy and procedural changes as required.
  • Receives inquiries and provides information to the public regarding a wide variety of topics and successfully communicates with the public, other agencies, and a variety of news media; responds to media questions and inquiries.
  • Ensures that staff observe and comply with all District and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Ability to lead and manage people in accordance with the District’s mission and values.
  • Knowledge of public agency budget development, program development, goal setting, employee supervision, and performance reviews.
  • Experience in developing policies, procedures, and training.
  • Ability to prepare professional reports and correspondence.
  • Experience in public affairs, public outreach, and public relations for a special district or public agency.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

  • Equivalent to graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in journalism, public relations, public affairs, biology, entomology, or a related field, and
  • Five (5) years of recent professional experience managing public outreach, campaign development, marketing, and/or public affairs program(s).
  • Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
  • Experience in a public agency is highly desirable.

LICENSEPossess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver License with satisfactory driving record at the time of appointment and throughout employment in the position is required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS
Salary Range: The annual salary for this position is $112,486 – $139,713. Salary range contains nine (9) steps approximately 2.75% apart.
A 3% Cost of Living Increase is scheduled for 07/01/2024.

9/80 Schedule: The District offices are open Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Employees work a 9/80 schedule which includes two (2) rotating shifts with every other Friday off. Employees may be assigned to work a varied schedule including weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.

Retirement: The District participates in the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS/PERS). For eligible “Classic” Members, the District provides the 2% @ 60 formula with the employee paying the 7% PERS contribution. For eligible “Non-Classic” (PEPRA) Members, the District provides the 2% @ 62 formula with the employee paying the 6.75% PERS contribution. The California Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) is defined as:

  • A member who joined CalPERS prior to January 1, 2013, who, on or after January 1, 2013, is hired by a different CalPERS employer following a break in service of more than six (6) months.
  • A new hire who joined CalPERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in another California public retirement system.
  • A new hire who joins CalPERS for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and was a member of another California public retirement system prior to that date, but who is not subject to reciprocity upon joining CalPERS.

District employees do not pay into the Social Security System except for the Medicare deduction.

Deferred Compensation: The District provides a matching deferred compensation benefit in the amount of $170 per pay period. MissionSquare Retirement and Nationwide are the 457 Deferred Compensation providers.

Health, Dental, and Vision Plans: The District contributes a monthly allowance ranging from $1,200 to $1,920 per month based upon employee’s dependent level of medical coverage for Executive Management. This allowance is to be used toward medical, dental, and/or vision premiums. Medical coverage is offered through CalPERS; dental coverage is offered by Guardian Dental; and vision coverage is offered by VSP Vision. A Cash-in-Lieu benefit is available to eligible employees declining the District offered medical, when providing proof of other qualifying medical coverage, in the amount of $920.

Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, and Short-Term and Long-Term Disability: The District provides a Basic Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance policy in the amount of $100,000 for Administrative Management employees. A short-term disability policy with a seven (7) day waiting period and a long-term disability policy with a 60-day waiting period is provided to for the employee. Additional employee paid voluntary benefits, including accident, critical illness, cancer, and short-term disability are available through AFLAC.

Retiree Health: All employees retiring from the District receive the CalPERS PEMHCA minimum when they choose to participate in the District’s group health plan. Additional funds are provided for employees retiring at ten (10) plus years of full-time service for the District.

Vacation: All Administrative Management employees shall accrue vacation based upon years of service:

  • 0 – 3 Years = Three (3) weeks per year
  • 4 – 7 Years = Four (4) weeks per year
  • 7+ Years = Five (5) weeks per year

Vacation cash-out available for Administrative Management employees to a maximum of 80 hours per fiscal year.

Executive Leave: Executive Management employees shall receive 49 hours of executive leave per calendar year.

Sick Leave: Ninety-six (96) hours per year are earned on an accrual basis commencing from date of hire. The District allows eligible employees to participate in an annual Sick Leave Buy Back.

Paid Holidays: All District employees receive eleven (12) paid holidays per year, plus two (2) floating holidays, based on start dates.

Automobile Allowance: $400 per month auto allowance for Directors.

Bilingual Pay: The District provides $40 per pay period.

Tuition Reimbursement: Eligible employees are provided up to $2,500 per year for the cost of tuition, registration fees, laboratory fees, and books from an accredited institution for job-related coursework.

Longevity Pay: The District provides longevity pay in the amount of an additional 2.75% of base pay for employees with 20 plus years of service; 5.5% of base pay for employees with 25 years of service; and 8.25% of base pay for employees with 30 plus years of service.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATIONTo be considered for this opportunity, interested, and qualified applicants are required to submit the following:

  1. Online application, including supplemental questions, through the District’s website at www.ocvector.org/employment or at www.GovernmentJobs.com. Additionally, be sure to include four (4) current professional references. (From your Government Jobs homepage, select “your name”, select “Profiles”, select “References” adding all the requested information.)
  2. Resume, not to exceed three (3) pages.
  3. Letter of interest, addressed to the District’s General Manager, specifically addressing your qualifications for our position.

Please note:

  • Resumes are not accepted in lieu of a fully completed District application.
  • The resume and cover letter must each be attached individually as two (2) separate PDF documents.
  • Applications submitted without ALL required materials WILL NOT be considered.

Communications from the District regarding each candidate’s status in the recruitment process will be sent via Government Jobs to the email address listed on the application. If you have problems while applying online, please contact the Government Jobs Help Desk at (855) 524-5627.

Paid Vacation – All Administrative Management employees shall accrue 120 vacation hours per year, 160 hours at three (3) years, and up to a maximum of 200 hours at seven (7) years of employment and beyond.

Sick Leave – Ninety-six (96) hours per year are earned on an accrual basis commencing from date of hire.

9/80 Schedule – The District offices are open Monday – Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Employees work a 9/80 schedule which includes two (2) rotating shifts with every other Friday off. May be assigned to work a varied schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Holidays – All District employees receive eleven (11) paid holidays per year and two (2) Floating Holidays (18 hours). Employees may be assigned to work a varied schedule including weekends, evenings, and holidays.

Tuition Reimbursement – Employees may receive up to $2,500 per fiscal year to attend accredited colleges.

Insurance – Medical, Dental, & Vision – The District contributes a monthly allowance ranging from $1,150 to $1,870 per month (or cash in lieu of benefits $920) dependent upon employee’s level of coverage. This allowance is to be used toward medical, dental, or vision premiums. Medical coverage includes choice of any of the area health plans offered by CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System).

Life Insurance and Other Coverage – Administrative Management employees are eligible to receive a term-life policy of $100,000 with premiums paid by the District. Accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D), short-term and long-term disability coverage are also provided at the District’s expense. Section 125 and 129 flexible spending accounts are also available.

Auto Allowance – Directors receive monthly auto allowance in the amount of $400. Those designated as Managers receive $250 per month.

Retirement – The District is a member of CalPERS (California Public Employees’ Retirement System). For new full-time employees, the District provides a 2% at age 60 for “Classic” Members; 2% @ 62 for “PEPRA” Members retirement benefit. Full-time District employees do not pay into the Social Security System except for the Medi-care deduction.

Deferred Compensation – The District provides a $160 per pay period matching deferred compensation benefit.

FLSA Exempt – Administrative Management employees are exempt from the minimum wage and overtime requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

01

It is important that you read and become familiar with the job bulletin for this position. The application, supplemental questionnaire, and PDF attachments must be completed and submitted in its entirety. If any field does not apply to you, indicate by typing “N/A”. Additionally, attach only the requested resume and cover letter in PDF format. Incomplete application materials and/or inaccurate information may lead to disqualification from the entire selection process. Incomplete application materials may include, but is not limited to, omitting dates of education or work experience, references to “see resume” in lieu of completing the duties section for each employer, failure to indicate a reason for leaving employment, failure to provide supplemental questionnaire responses, attaching more documents or attaching documents in a format other than requested, and/or leaving sections blank. I acknowledge that I have read and understand all of the above.

  • Yes
  • No

02

Please indicate your highest level of education completed.

  • Master’s Degree or higher
  • Bachelor’s Degree
  • Associate’s Degree
  • Some College-level Coursework and/or Certificate(s)
  • High School Diploma

03

For each college degree you possess, please list the college, degree, and major.

04

Please identify your years of professional public relations, public information, community outreach or media related full-time equivalent experience.

  • Ten (10) or more years of related experience
  • Seven (7) to ten (10) years of related experience
  • Five (5) to seven (7) years of related experience
  • Less than five (5) years of related experience
  • No related experience

05

Describe your experience working with elected or appointed officials, agency/city staff, and community leaders to successfully implement public education/information projects or initiatives.

06

Please indicate the number of media interviews you conduct on an annual basis in your current position.

  • 40 plus media interviews per year
  • 20 to 40 media interviews per year
  • 10 to 20 media interview per year
  • Less than 10 media interviews per year
  • I have not conducted a media interview

07

Please rate your level of experience with Adobe Creative Suite.

  • I can use just about any feature available
  • I use Illustrator/Photoshop/InDesign regularly and can create graphics and marketing material
  • I use it occasionally and edit simple graphics/photos
  • I have taken some training
  • No experience or training

08

If you indicated experience in the previous question, please describe that experience, specifying main responsibilities. If you answered “No Experience” to the previous question, please indicate “N/A” in the space below.

09

Do you have have Public Health Outreach or Vector Control experience?

  • Yes
  • No

10

How does the position of Director of Communications with the Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District align with your career goals?

11

All applications will be reviewed and evaluated based upon the information provided on the application and the responses to the supplemental questions. Only those applicants who best meet the needs of the District, on the basis of education, training, and work experience, as submitted, will be contacted for participation in the next step(s) of the recruitment process. I acknowledge I have read and understand the above information.

  • Yes
  • No

12

I certify that all the information provided is accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief, and that I understand purposely providing false information may be grounds for disqualification from the process.

  • Yes
  • No

Required Question

Job Category
Media, PR and Communications
Job Type
Full Time/Permanent
Salary
USD 112,486.00 - 139,713.00 per year
Country
United States
City
Garden Grove
Career Level
unspecified
Company
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District
JOB SOURCE
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/ocvcd/jobs/4243291