Chief Communications Officer (Open and Promotional)

Salary :

$161,470.40 - $201,905.60 Annually
Location :

County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type:

Regular
Job Number:

D190
Department:

County Executive's/Clerk of the Board
Opening Date:

04/15/2026
Closing Date:

5/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit:

50B

Description
The County Executive's Office is seeking highly qualified candidates for the position of

Chief Communications Officer .
Please view our

Online Brochure

for a detailed description of the position and instructions on how to apply.
Join us for an engaging

LinkedIn Live informational session

to explore this exciting opportunity. We'll provide an overview of the department, position, and what the hiring managers are looking for. Don't miss out-join us on

Monday

, April 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM PST .

Click here to register.
Hear directly from Effie Verducci, Director of Strategic Communications and Community Partnerships, and Chet Overstreet, Talent Acquisition Supervisor, as they share insights about the role and answer your questions.

Don't miss this chance to discover what it takes to succeed in this important role and learn how to make your application stand out!
Application/Examination
Anyone may apply.

Current San Mateo County and San Mateo County Superior Court employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help, or temporary position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questionnaire. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%).

Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online.

If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the

"Apply"

button above. If you are not on the County's website, please go to

http://jobs.smcgov.org

to apply.
Responses to the three supplemental questions in the Supplemental Questionnaire must be provided along with County of San Mateo Employment Application Form.
Tentative Recruitment Timeline

LinkedIn Live Information Session:

Monday, April 27, 2026, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Final Filing Date:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 11:59 PM

Application Screening:

May 6-11, 2026

Panel Interview:

May 20 and 21, 2026
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.
Analyst: Chet Overstreet (04152026) (Chief Communications Officer - D190)
We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will provide detailed information about your background and experiences related to this position. This information will weigh heavily in the application screening by the subject matter experts and will also be used in the selection process. Answer the questions completely, paying attention to the multi-parts of the questions. While being thorough and detailed, also be concise. Your strategic use of language as well as neatness, clarity of expression, attention to detail, proper use of grammar, and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. Responses should be no more than three or four paragraphs per question. While we understand AI is a useful tool, we are interested in your responses to these questions. Please craft your own responses. A resume

will not

be accepted as a substitute for your responses. I have read and understand this information.

Yes
No

02

Describe the education and experience, as well as the professional strengths and abilities you possess, that prepare you for the position of Chief Communications Officer.
03

Describe your experience developing and implementing a strategic communication plan that enhanced an agency's ability to communicate effectively with external target audiences and that united intra-agency departments in communicating with "one voice".
04

Describe your experience managing a team of communication professionals. Provide the number of staff, their job titles, and the name of the agencies where you worked. Describe your skills for building team cohesion and for motivating staff to produce excellent work.
Required Question