Public Information and Affairs Manager

CAREER DESCRIPTION

PUBLIC INFORMATION AND AFFAIRS MANAGER

Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.

DEADLINE TO APPLY
This recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Sunday, November 2, 2025, 11:59pm PST.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE
The County of Orange, County Executive Office implements policies of the Board of Supervisors, supports County departments, oversees the County's infrastructure and real estate assets, prepares the annual County budget, and assists the public. County Executive Office works with members of the Board of Supervisors and their staff, elected and appointed department heads and the County's 18,000 employees to oversee the provision of essential government services through 22 departments. The County Executive Office is organized into six divisions: County Operations, Finance, Human Resource Services, Information Technology, Real Estate, Care Coordination and Government & Community Relations, which includes Communications.

The Government and Community Relations (G&CR) division within the CEO's office provides strategic support and guidance to the Board of Supervisors and across the County. G&CR has two divisions: Communications and Legislative Affairs.

THE OPPORTUNITY
The County Executive Office is seeking a Public Information and Affairs Manager who is a seasoned and politically savvy communications professional with excellent judgment and varied communication and leadership skills to help lead the Communications team of the County Executive Office. The incumbent must have a background and understanding of the operations of municipal governments, as well as experience working with/for elected officials. Ability to produce and respond efficiently, effectively and proactively are foundational to this position. The candidate selected for this position will be responsible for a variety of pivotal assignments including external and internal communications; operational standardization, best practices and corporate branding; external and internal communications; and developing and implementing strategic communication plans for major County initiatives.

Primary responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• Managing/Supervising Communications team, providing relationship-building, professional development and mentorship to team & agency/department Public Information Officers (PIO).
• Planning and coordinating public affairs projects and managing program planning and implementation of resources, while ensuring policies & standards are met.
• Overseeing administrative, budget, procurement and HR needs for team/division/section.
• Collaborating on development and management of public information campaigns.
• Providing oversight, such as performance metrics, quality on execution, and implementing solutions to issues as they arise.
• Maintaining and creating internal and external partnerships by updating and maintaining marketing, branding and design style guides while working with and training PIOs across the County on the need for greater visual cohesion and brand unity.
• Updating, enhancing, and expanding corporate communications and PIO toolkits on IntraOC, to include standards and guidance for communication areas including communication planning, media relations, social media, etc.
• Developing training processes and programs for individuals running County websites & social media accounts.
• Ensuring awareness and adherence to County communications policies and procedures.
• Overseeing the County's Language Access Program.
• Developing and overseeing editorial content for County Connection Newsletter.
• Providing general direction and specific instructions to managers and staff specialists regarding content.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIES
In addition to the minimum qualifications, the ideal candidate will have at least four (4) years of public affairs experience providing strategic communications direction and counsel to departments, executives and elected officials and stakeholders, including two (2) years of experience successfully leading and managing a team.

• 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.).

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 juggle 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.

• 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.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Human Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After the screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the recruitment.

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 (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. Only the most successful candidates will be placed on the eligible list.

Eligible List
Once 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.

Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedure.

Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP)
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 (Download PDF reader) (Download PDF reader) 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

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.