Strategic Communications Officer
County of Orange, Santa Ana, CA, United States
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
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.
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
CONTACT INFORMATION For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Keren Duran at (714) 667-9718 or keren.duran@ocpw.ocgov.com.
EEO STATEMENT Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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
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.
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
CONTACT INFORMATION For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Keren Duran at (714) 667-9718 or keren.duran@ocpw.ocgov.com.
EEO STATEMENT Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr