Chief of Communications, C.E.A.
Who are we?
The California State Auditor ensures the effective and efficient use and management of public funds and programs. We provide nonpartisan, accurate, and timely assessments of California government's financial and operational activities. Our work results in truthful, balanced, and unbiased information with recommendations for actions that lead to improving government operations.
Why should you join us?
- You want to work with a team of professionals dedicated to making a difference for Californians and future generations.
- You are an innovative and dynamic communicator that is able to digest complex issues and find effective ways to share information with a wide range of audiences.
- You have a passion for public service, creative ideas, and would enjoy collaborating with a team dedicated to improving California government.
- You desire a starting annual salary within the range of $150,000 - $190,000.
What will you do?
The Chief of Communications reports to the State Auditor or his designee and is responsible for managing all external communications, including media relations, external website design, as well as the office's internal communications strategy. The Chief of Communications acts as the office's spokesperson, responds to public and press inquiries, and generally ensures the State Auditor and the office are communicating effectively with both external and internal stakeholders. This individual will also collaborate with executive management, graphic designers, and others to develop communication strategies aimed at improving how we share information and recommendations from audit and investigative reports. Additionally, the Chief of Communications will manage all external inquiries for information, including California Public Records Act requests. Specifically, you will:
- Collaborate with executive management, auditors, investigators, and others to respond to inquiries from the public, news outlets, television, social media, radio, and other organizations.
- Develop and execute a communication plan that includes maintaining and updating the State Auditor's Office public website and other platforms.
- Collaborate with teams on infographics, videos, and other communication tools that will assist in effectively communicating the key findings and recommendations from office publications.
- Oversee the editing and publishing functions and ensure timely completion of projects, audit and investigation reports, and all other external and internal office publications.
- Coordinate with executive management to support the office's preparation for public hearings.
- Manage the intake, tracking, and internal coordination of public record requests.
Who are you?
- You have demonstrated experience communicating complex issues and addressing media inquiries, including in-person and from a wide range of sources such as traditional newspaper, television, radio and through social media.
- You have demonstrated experience overseeing the editing and publishing of external and internal reports and ensuring staff adhere to project deadlines.
- You have experience with or knowledge of the California Public Records Act.
- You have a demonstrated ability to gain the confidence and support of executives and senior leadership to advise them on effective communication strategies and processes.
- You have demonstrated experience exercising a high degree of integrity and confidentiality for sensitive issues and using sound judgment in decision making.
- You have knowledge of the organization and functions of California state government including the organization and practices of the Legislative, Judicial, and Executive branches as well as the legislative process and procedures.
- You have knowledge of the California State Auditor's mission, programs and policies.
- You possess strong leadership and management skills with demonstrated ability to think strategically and function effectively as a member of a dynamic management team.
- You have the supervisory/managerial skills to motivate staff to produce their best work, effectively prioritize and complete multiple projects, resolve conflict, and solve problems.
How do I join?
The California State Auditor is part of the merit-based California civil service selection system. To complete this process, you must do the following:
- Submit a completed State of California job application (STD. 678) and resume.
- Submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) describing your experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the desirable qualifications listed in the "Who are you?" section of this announcement. The SOQ serves as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ MUST address, in numerical order, the desirable qualifications listed above. The SOQ MUST be typed and no longer than three pages in length using 11 or 12 point font. Failure to follow this format may result in disqualification.
You can submit your complete application package via your CalCareer account or by mail:
California State Auditor
Human Resources Office
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 1200
Sacramento, California 95814
Failure to submit the required documentation may result in disqualification from the hiring process.
The Fine Print:
The office has a hybrid telework program that allows employees to work from home when their work is conducive to a telework environment. To see additional working conditions, review the job bulletin on the CalCareers website.
Any applicant receiving a conditional job offer will be subject to a background check, fingerprinting and an inquiry to the California Department of Justice to disclose criminal records prior to appointment. State Auditor's Office employees are excluded from collective bargaining. The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free state work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the state, the rules governing civil service and the special trust placed in public servants.