Strategic Communications Officer

Job Description:

Strategic Communications Officer

Description

CAREER DESCRIPTION

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
(Public Information and Affairs Manager, Senior)

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 and will establish an open eligible list. This list will be used to fill current and future Public information and Affairs Manager, Senior vacancies. This eligible list may be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will close on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PST). Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply immediately.

THE DEPARTMENT
OC Public Works (OCPW) provides services on a regional basis to unincorporated areas, cities, and other County agencies and departments. The primary mission of the department is to protect and enrich the community through the sustainable delivery of projects and services. OC Public Works’ guiding principles are safety, integrity, quality, teamwork, and adaptability.

OCPW is a unique County department comprised of ten (10) service areas: Administrative Services; Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights & Measures; OC Construction; OC Development Services; OC Environmental Resources; OC Fleet Services; OC Facilities Design & Construction; OC Facilities Maintenance; OC Infrastructure Programs; and OC Operations & Maintenance.

Administrative Services
This unit leads the financial, administrative, and information technology operations for the agency. This includes management of policies and procedures, strategic financial planning, budget and payroll, goods and services procurement, public records requests, parking and building administration, and information technology services.

For more information on the County of Orange click here.
For more information on OC Public Works click here.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The Strategic Communications Officer plays a critical role in shaping the reputation and operation of the department, and the County, by developing and disseminating key internal and external information. The position is an essential part of the Strategic Communications team and the department due to the high workload of planned activities that support all department service areas, yet also due to numerous unplanned or emergency type activities that must be performed on behalf of the County at times. The Communications Officer performs a variety of duties in preparing and distributing key information about flood, roadway, public safety, environmental, and building initiatives and projects to various stakeholders, producing promotional materials and presentations, responding to public inquiries and more. The Strategic Communications Officer also serves as the Public Information Officer for communicating with the news media and public during emergencies and natural disasters, including supporting the County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in a public information role.

Duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Communications Strategy, Planning, and Rapid Response
  • Lead day-to-day communications operations for department priorities, including editorial planning and rapid-turn response when unplanned events occur.
  • Develop communication plans, public notifications, key messages, and stakeholder updates for distribution to the public, community groups, partner agencies, and internal audiences.
  • Create briefing materials (talking points, FAQs, backgrounders) and coordinate approvals to maintain unified direction and message consistency.
• Executive and Stakeholder Alignment
  • Advise department executives and staff on communication strategies for sensitive and highly visible public matters, ensuring messaging supports operational realities and public expectations.
  • Coordinate with internal leaders and external stakeholders to secure timely approvals and ensure consistent presentation across channels.
• Media Coordination, Public Information, and EOC Support
  • Monitor news media (online, print, and television) and provide accurate, timely information in response to media inquiries and interview requests.
  • Plan and support press conferences, media availabilities, and high-visibility public events, including real-time coordination when conditions shift.
  • Serve as Public Information Officer during emergencies and natural disasters; support EOC communications functions with defined roles, timing, and escalation paths to maintain message discipline.
• Digital, Social, and Publishing Operations
  • Manage content for OCPW’s external website and internal portal, collaborating with IT staff to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and timely updates.
  • Post timely updates and announcements on department social channels, using publishing QA practices to maintain accuracy, consistency, and readiness across platforms.
  • Build repeatable publishing workflows (templates, checklists, approvals, and version control practices) that improve speed and quality at scale.
• Content Production (Photo/Video/Graphics)
  • Produce and/or oversee creation of public-facing materials, presentations, graphics, and visual storytelling content that explains projects and initiatives clearly to non-technical audiences.
  • Capture photographs and videos of infrastructure projects and internal events; coordinate field capture protocols and production resources as needed.
  • Oversee content standards, including brand consistency, accuracy, and controlled distribution practices.
• Public Inquiries (AccessOC) and Service Coordination
  • Process and often directly respond to incoming inquiries and requests submitted by the public through the County’s AccessOC system; triage, route, and track responses to completion.
  • Coordinate with program areas to obtain accurate information quickly, ensuring consistent responses and stakeholder trust.
• Event Planning and Project Management Coordination
  • Plan and host both public stakeholder meetings and internal County meetings.
  • This may be for planning departments, public noticing sessions, public information sessions, or even staff moral events or learning and educational events.
  • Must have a demonstrated ability in project coordination and execution.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
OC Public Works is seeking a seasoned, politically aware communications professional with excellent judgment, strong operational discipline, and the ability to lead communications in both planned and time-sensitive environments.

The ideal candidate will possess knowledge and experience in the following core competencies:

Technical Experience & Knowledge

• Developing strategies and coordinating interaction with local, regional, state, and national television, radio, and print media
• Researching, writing, and/or editing articles, columns, op-ed articles, and website copy
• Assisting in the planning and conducting of press conferences and media events
• Developing and implementing an effective social media program across multiple platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube, etc.)
• Marketing and brand strategy experience
• Graphic Design, Photo Editing, Video Editing, and media management experience

• Designing multi-platform capture and distribution workflows (web/social/video), including asset standards, delivery specs, and repeatable systems

Analysis/Problem Resolution/Results Oriented

• Making sound business decisions based on limited, complex, or contradicting information and relevant public service ethical principles
• Integrating new ideas and contemporary approaches into problem solving
• Collecting, analyzing, and applying information skillfully
• Exhibiting innovation and creativity in identifying and resolving problems as they occur.
• Effectively analyzing problems and situations and readily committing to action
• Identifying areas for improvement and seeking creative solutions
• Making decisions that reflect sound judgment

Planning and Organization

• Applying business savvy, strategic and ethical skills to envision, develop and implement innovative ways of improving business processes
• Recognizing the need for new processes and procedures, providing recommendations for improvements and overseeing successful implementation
• Determining necessary sequence of activities and the efficient level of resources needed to achieve short- and long-term goals
• Maintaining a high level of energy and commitment to complete multiple tasks and priorities
• Exhibiting cost consciousness and conserving departmental and/or County resources
• Coordinating with team members in response to multiple, competing demands to ensure work is completed in a timely manner

Effective Communication

• Initiating and coordinating project meetings with departments, reviewing progress, providing guidance to departments and updating to executive team about the progress on each project
• Possessing written communication skills to accurately convey both substance and intent
• Composing and confidently interacting with the public, executive management, and elected officials
• Planning, implementing, and managing a communications program, including the conceptualization and production of informational materials
• Building and maintaining open and productive partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, business and community organizations and the public
• Presenting ideas and complex material clearly, concisely, logically, and persuasively both orally and in writing
• Developing and implementing media and communications training initiatives for department staff

Leadership | Management

• Effectively managing, leading and coordinating with employees, management and executive staff to successfully compile business plans
• Effectively assigning work to others and providing challenging assignments that give responsibility, authority and autonomy to match developmental readiness
• Effectively directing, persuading and motivating others
• Displaying broad organizational perspective in dealing with issues
• Working cooperatively with executive management in identifying goals, priorities, and tactics
• Working cooperatively within the department to ensure the clarity and consistency of messages issued through all communication channels
• Efficiently and effectively managing concurrent/multiple assignments and a fast-paced work environment
• Providing oversight and day-to-day supervision and guidance to direct reports
• Aligning organizational vision with County strategic goals and department business objectives

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Click here to learn more about the minimum qualifications for Public Information and Affairs Manager, Senior.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) screens all application materials for minimum and desirable qualifications. After screening, candidates who meet the minimum and desirable qualifications will be referred to the next step in the recruitment 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 candidates that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.

Structured Oral Interview (Weighted 100%)
Applicants will be interviewed and rated by an oral interview 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 procedure listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Eligible List
Once all assessments have 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 Preference
The 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 here to review the policy.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our 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 at www.governmentjobs.com .

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.

For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Keren Duran at (714) 667-9718 or [email protected] .

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.
  http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information.
• 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 here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.

Closing Date/Time: 3/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$127,878.40 - $177,132.80 Annually