Communications and Public Information Officer

Position Title: Communications and Public Information Officer

Salary Range: $3,811.89 - $5,631.89 Biweekly / $99,109.14 - $146,429.14 Yearly

Reports to: Director, Equity and Engagement

The Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) is one of 21 Regional Centers that are community-based, private non-profit corporations under contract with the California Department of Developmental Services. RCEB provides intake, assessment, diagnosis, and coordinates community-based services for over 25,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities in Alameda and Contra Costa counties.

RCEB envisions a future where persons with developmental disabilities are truly a part of the community. Persons with developmental disabilities receive supports and services they need to succeed. The supports and services change as the need changes.

In our dream, children with developmental disabilities live with families in typical communities. Many choose to attend their neighborhood schools and play with neighborhood friends. Adults with developmental disabilities live in the residence of their choice – with family members, with friends, or with their spouse / significant other. They engage in activities of their choice – work, volunteering, education, training, or leisure. They have meaningful relationships with friends and coworkers and are seen as valuable, contributing members of their communities.

Role Description:

As the Communications and Public Information Officer, you will manage, plan, organize, and oversee the implementation of the strategic focus areas for Communication and Engagement for the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB). This role is responsible for ensuring messages set clear expectations, foster transparency, and support a positive organizational culture.

You will lead the development and delivery of internal communications to ensure staff are well-informed about key initiatives, organizational updates, and operational changes. Internally, you will collaborate with leadership and departments to craft consistent, accessible messaging that strengthens employee engagement, builds trust, and promotes alignment with RCEB's mission and values.

Externally, you will serve as RCEB's voice to the community, individuals served, families, and key stakeholders. You will manage the creation and distribution of public information through multiple platforms including the agency website, newsletters, press releases, and social media. You will ensure that all communication reflects the organization's values and priorities, increases public understanding of RCEB's work, and enhances the agency's visibility and reputation.

This role requires strategic thinking, strong writing and storytelling skills, and the ability to adapt content for diverse audiences. It is essential that you can manage multiple communication channels, respond swiftly to information needs, and uphold a consistent and inclusive communication strategy across the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create and drive media campaigns to facilitate agency communication through various channels, including website, collateral materials, and positive presence in the press and social media.
• Engage and collaborate with community stakeholders to bring relevant content to RCEB's communications.
• Initiate media communications and pursue/respond to press and social media interactions.
• Manage public relations efforts to support efficient communications and enhance communications channels.
• Manage content on the RCEB website and agency intranet, collaborating with IT and other agency staff, as needed.
• Create internal and external newsletter to inform employees and the broader community about RCEB.
• Manage internal communication channels, working to streamline, organize and prioritize communication.
• Coordinate, publicize, and participate in agency outreach, education, and training events.
• Develop, administer and report results of community satisfaction surveys.
• Establish guidelines and expectations for communications through email signatures and voicemail messages.
• Develop an internal resource to better connect people contacting RCEB.
• Act as the agency's liaison, attending meetings and providing information about the regional center.
• Collaborate with members of the Executive Team to develop monitoring and reporting tools and reports for RCEBs Performance Contract with DDS, as well as RCEB's progress related to the National Core Indicators.
• Collaborates with leadership and key stakeholders to develop and deliver internal communications that clearly articulate organizational priorities, major initiatives, and internal changes. This includes crafting timely, relevant, and accessible content that informs, aligns, and engages staff across all departments.
• Develop and implement web governance and branding guide for RCEB assets, including written, electronic and social media.
• Oversees the development, and publishing of high-quality content across RCEB in print and digital that adhere to web governance and brand standards, including web content, annual reports, brochures, informational fact sheets, campaign talking points, newsletters and other public materials.
• Develop annual report that supports RCEB goals and interest, highlighting issues that promotes excellence and inclusive practices for the IDD community.
• Use data insights to optimize communication strategies and tactics for continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, education or any other closely related field. Master's degree preferred.

Experience and Capabilities:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in a public agency or large non-profit organization with demonstrated competence in communications strategy and engagement, with at least two (2) years in a leadership role.
• Experience in community engagement and outreach, including community members and businesses.
• Experience working in large, multi-tiered organizations and with diverse constituents.
• Ability to communicate with elected officials, staff, businesses and community members.
• Demonstrate ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to use discretion and maintain all confidentiality.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communications, presentation, public speaking and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrate ability to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) principles into communications and marketing efforts.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity and an ability to work effectively and collaboratively with culturally diverse populations.
• Possession of a valid California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record, possession of or access to a vehicle insured for the minimum required by law, and willingness/ability to travel during working hours and after hour emergencies.
• Ability to develop policies and procedures, conduct communications risk assessments and lead trainings.
• Demonstrated experience, knowledge, or a strong willingness to learn about developmental disabilities and the values of inclusion, accessibility, and respectful representation in all communication.

Benefits:

At the Regional Center of the Easy Bay, we offer a full spectrum of competitive benefits including:

• 3 weeks paid vacation + 12 sick days
• 13 paid holidays + 3 floating holidays
• Multiple options for medical care (including Kaiser at 100% employer paid for employee)
• Dental and vision plans
• CalPERs Retirement (pension),
• Student Loan Forgiveness*
• Flex schedule, if applicable
• Work at Home schedules, if applicable
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health care

• The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program is a federal program that forgives student loan debt for nonprofit employees after 120 qualifying payments. Employees who work at least 30 hours per week for a governmental, 501(c)(3) nonprofit, or other qualifying nonprofit organization may apply to have the balance of their student loans forgiven (tax free) after making 120 monthly payments.

Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB) does not discriminate against job applicants on account of race, color, creed or religion, national origin including language use restrictions, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, age, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, medical condition or HIV/AIDS status, political affiliation, military or veteran status, genetic characteristics, or ancestry.