Salary : $102,356.80 – $141,772.80 Annually
Location : Orange County, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 8279MA-0723-063(O)
Department: Social Services Agency
Division/Service Area: Admin Services
Opening Date: 07/10/2023
Closing Date: 7/14/2023 11:59 PM Pacific
CAREER DESCRIPTION
Strategic Communications Manager
SALARY INFORMATION
Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate’s qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
This recruitment will establish an open eligible list and may be used to fill immediate and future Strategic Communications Manager vacancies within the County of Orange – Social Services Agency. The eligible list established from this recruitment may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications within the same occupational series.
DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be closing on Friday, July 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM (PST)
Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately
SOCIAL SERVICES AGENCYAdministering several human services programs, the County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is composed of four business divisions and over 4,000 dedicated employees, providing human services to an average of one-fourth of all Orange County residents. SSA operates under the policy direction of the Orange County Board of Supervisors and the California Health and Human Services Agency. SSA is responsible for planning, implementing, and operating many of the social services programs provided by the County of Orange.
Funding for programs comes primarily from Federal, State and County sources. SSA’s budget is approximately $1 billion, with fiduciary responsibility for an additional $4 billion in services provided because of administered programs.
SSA is composed of the following four divisions: Assistance Programs; Children and Family Services; Family Self-Sufficiency & Adult Services; and Administrative Services. Our mission is to deliver quality services that are accessible and responsive to the community, encourage personal responsibility, strengthen individuals, preserve families, and protect vulnerable adults and children.
Click to learn more about the Social Services Agency.
Click to learn more about the County of Orange.
THE OPPORTUNITYThe Strategic Communications Affairs Manager is responsible for supervising a program or work unit devoted to public information, or public affairs/legislative analysis. Incumbents supervise internal and external communications, legislative strategy, outreach initiatives, messaging and marketing initiatives, event coordination, and special events. Incumbents may serve on a department’s executive team and/or participate in strategic and policy discussions.
This position may serve as a spokesperson to act as a liaison for the SSA with outside agencies and media outlets or may serve as a spokesperson to SSA staff on behalf of the SSA’s Director. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to:
- Coordinate all media coverage, press releases and other media-related items for the SSA on both local and national media levels;
- Effectively communicate legal concepts and serve as the SSA’s spokesperson to radio; newspaper and television reporters;
- Effectively collaborate with internal staff and other County and law enforcement agencies;
- Conduct media relations training sessions for staff as needed;
- Create and develop press conferences and media plans by crafting objectives and strategies;
- Develop internal communications campaign on behalf of SSA executives;
- Write speeches and public communications;
- Advise SSA’s executives on internal communications and public affairs issues;
- Maintain the SSA’s social media accounts and current Web site
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIESThe ideal candidate will possess five (5) years of experience and one (1) year of lead/supervisory experience with public administration, strategic planning, prioritization, and development of operational initiatives and implementation.
In addition, the ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge and experience in the following core competencies:
Technical Knowledge l Experience
- Experience in public relations and media relations
- Experience and skill developing and executing communications efforts that target both internal and external audiences
- Work cooperatively within the department to ensure the clarity and consistency of messages issued through all communication channels
- Authoring and preparing original reports, press releases, content, documents, and presentations
- Understanding and utilizing Microsoft Office and/or comparable programs
- Understanding and utilizing a graphic or video editing platform, e.g., Photoshop or Canva
Leadership l Managerial Skills
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and establish priorities
- Mentor and develop staff by using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
- Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality and excellence
Judgment l Decision Making Skills
- Identifying and resolving technical issues and problems through good judgment and decision making utilizing technical expertise
- Analyzing problems and proposing solutions while dealing with changing priorities
Effective Communication l Interpersonal Skills
- Experience in public relations and media relations
- Experience and skill developing and executing communications efforts that target both internal and external audiences
- Experience in working cooperatively within the department to ensure the clarity and consistency of messages issued through all communication channels
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSClick for information on the minimum qualifications for the Public Information and Affairs Manager classification.
RECRUITMENT PROCESSHuman Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum qualifications. After screening, applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment process. All applicants will be notified via email of their status in the process.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Structured Oral Interview | SOI (Weighted 100%)Applicants will be interviewed and rated by a panel of job knowledge experts. Each applicant’s rating will be based on responses to a series of structured questions designed to elicit the applicant’s qualifications for the job.
Based on the Department’s needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.
Eligible ListOnce the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Veterans Employment PreferenceThe County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONPlease see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related recommendations.Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click to see the latest guidance for more details.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included on your application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with “governmentjobs.com” and “ocgov.com.” If your email address should change, please update your profile atwww.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.For additional questions, you may contact Raylina Avila at (714) 245-6209 or raylina.avila@ssa.ocgov.com.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Please see below for important information regarding COVID-19 related recommendations.
Effective April 3, 2023, it is strongly recommended that County employees working in health care settings and correctional facilities follow vaccination and booster guidelines provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Please click to see the latest guidance for more details.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included on your application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with “governmentjobs.com” and “ocgov.com.” If your email address should change, please update your profile atwww.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc
Click for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For additional questions, you may contact Raylina Avila at (714) 245-6209 or raylina.avila@ssa.ocgov.com.
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administrative Management *
In addition to the County’s standard suite of benefits — such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays — we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:
- Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees’ Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
- Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
- Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
- Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
- Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
- Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
- 457 Defined Contribution Program
*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.
Click for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
01
Do you possess a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with major coursework in public relations, business administration, public administration, political science, or a closely related field? (PLEASE NOTE: If you are substituting one (1) year of experience, you must attach your unofficial transcripts with this application to meet the qualifications of this position. Official transcripts are required if selected for this position.)
- Yes
- No
02
Do you possess five (5) or more years of progressive experience with public administration, strategic planning, prioritization, and development of operational initiatives and implementation? (Four (4) years of experience if you are substituting one (1) year of experience with education; unofficial transcripts must be attached)
- Yes
- No
03
Please specifically describe, in detail, your experience with public administration, strategic planning, prioritization, development of operational initiatives and implementation. Include in your response, the roles and responsibilities, type of setting, and the length of experience. If you do not have experience in this area, please type “N/A”.
04
Please describe any experience with planning and executing communications plans for media and internal stakeholders, e.g., different teams within an agency. If you do not have experience in this area, please type “N/A”.
05
Please describe your experience working with community stakeholders in the development and delivery of culturally competent social services. If you do not have experience in this area, please type “N/A”.
06
Please describe your experience in a leadership or management role within a social services setting. Include in your response, the roles and responsibilities, and the length of experience. If you do not have experience in this area, please type “N/A”.
Required Question