Job Description

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Officer of Public Affairs Manager, the Public Information Officer (PIO) supports the communications efforts of the department and its boards and bureaus. In addition to supporting the department, the PIO provides direct support to a portfolio of boards and bureaus and is responsible for developing and implementing effective communications strategies. The PIO must be able to work independently and with the highest level of professionalism.

The position requires strong media relations experience, writing skills, strategic thinking, creativity, experience with communications plans and strategies, resourcefulness, flexibility and critical thinking.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.

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CalCareers Exams: Once you find the job you want, we need to learn more about you. We will evaluate your education, experience, abilities, and knowledge through an assessment. The assessment process can take many forms, including an interview or exam, depending on the job.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working.

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

-Strong media relations experience

-Experience with social media strategies that result in engagement and increase the reach of information.

-Excellent writing skills

-Experience developing effective audience-based communications strategies.

-Ability to work effectively with stakeholders and clients.

-An understanding of trusted messengers, ethnic/community media, and the importance of serving all Californians.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

The State of California offers excellent benefits, including retirement, 401K and 457(b) plans, health and dental benefits, employee assistance programs, and much more. Additional details about benefits can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Great job with a great location! This position is located at the DCA headquarters in North Natomas. Not only is it in a great location with convenient access to multiple freeways, an on-site cafe offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options. Additionally, many restaurants, shopping options and the Sacramento airport are just a few minutes away. Best of all, you can't beat on-site FREE parking!

Statement of Qualifications

The Statement of Qualifications’ (SOQ) is requested to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience as related to this position. The complete SOQ should not be more than two (2) pages, using Century Gothic 12 point font size. Please note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses to the SOQ.

Please answer each question.

1. Describe your experience and process for developing effective audience-based communications strategies. Provide an example of a successful strategy you implemented and how you determined it was a success.

2. Describe your experience in media relations and developing on-the records responses on behalf of an organization and serving as a spokesperson.

3. Describe your experience with developing compelling social media content, including copy, videos and graphics.

4. Describe your experience researching complex issues and fact-checking information to ensure accuracy.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be included. See " Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Instructions" for complete instructions.

  -Other (Cover letter): A Cover Letter is required and must be included. The cover letter should be no more than one page.

  -Other (Writing samples): A professional or academic writing sample is required and must be included. Writing sample must include a cover page providing the date the sample was published/submitted, and context (e.g.,was it a paper for a class? An article for a newspaper or magazine? An internal company newsletter?) Only samples from prior work or study will be accepted.

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