PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
OFFICE OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND COMMUNICATIONS (OPAC)

$113,800.22 - $170,699.81 Annually (DOQ)

REGULAR POSITION

Initial salary placement is generally made between the start and mid-point of the posted range. New hires are not eligible to start at the maximum of the posted range.

LACDA Overview
The Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) is a dynamic, innovative agency created in 1982 by the Board of Supervisors. The agency is part of the County family, but an independent agency and not a County Department. LACDA’s core pillars include housing and community development programs that benefit the unincorporated Los Angeles County areas and various incorporated cities that participate in LACDA programs. Funded primarily with Federal grants, the LACDA is an industry leader in sponsoring new solutions to housing and forming partnerships with private and public agencies. To find out more about LACDA, please visit our website at www.lacda.org.

Office Overview
The Office of Public Affairs and Communications (OPAC) has three main roles; legislative analysis, public information, and media coordination. OPAC tracks Federal and State legislation affecting housing, community, and economic development, assesses potential impacts, and prepares reports and legislative correspondence while serving as the primary liaison to elected officials and County advocates. OPAC communicates the agency’s mission and programs to key target audiences and manages the agency’s public-facing communications and responses to California Public Records Act (CPRA) requests. In addition, the division coordinates media communications by responding to inquiries, preparing media advisories and releases, and arranging print or on-camera interviews.

Position Overview
Under general direction, the Public Affairs and Communications Officer provides strategic leadership across legislative analysis, public information, and media coordination to advance LACDA’s mission and priorities and effectively convey the agency’s impact to the public, stakeholders, media, and partner agencies. The Public Affairs and Communications Officer directs the development of agency-wide communication and marketing strategies; oversees legislative monitoring, analysis, and advocacy; directs intergovernmental relations and Board liaison functions; manages media relations and public information functions; ensures accurate, timely responses to CPRA requests; and provides administrative oversight of the Print and Mail Services Unit. Through collaboration with internal leadership and external partners, the Officer strengthens the LACDA’s visibility, supports policy and program goals, and maintains consistent messaging aligned with the agency’s strategic objectives

The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and scope of work performed by this position. This is not a complete listing of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required. Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

Develops, coordinates, and oversees the LACDA’s communication and marketing strategies to foster effective communication and understanding among the public and LACDA employees related to agency-wide vision, strategic priorities, program goals, and services.

Advocates on behalf of the LACDA to local officials, legislators, and other government representatives; participates in meetings and communicates with staff and officials at various levels.

Reviews and analyzes proposed State and Federal legislation; collaborates with management staff to develop positions on proposed legislation; drafts letters of support and position statements.

Oversees the preparation and distribution of legislative updates; coordinates with LACDA management on high priority bills and advocacy positions; and supervises staff supporting legislative analysis, intergovernmental relations, and Board liaison activities.

Receives, analyzes, and responds to public records requests pursuant to the CPRA, coordinating with County Counsel and LACDA staff for appropriate response, and ensuring adherence to required timeframes.

Provides administrative oversight of the Print and Mail Services Unit to support the timely and effective production and distribution of agency communications, marketing, and outreach materials.

Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the operational unit; recommends within department policy, appropriate service, and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.

Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.

Manages the LACDA’s social media presence; oversees development of content for video production and print media; reviews and approves marketing content and printed materials for distribution.

Plans and implements strategic communications such as press releases, digital content, brochures, correspondence, and social media posts to disseminate and manage information; continuously monitors social media platforms and responds to questions from the public. Coordinates press interviews for the Executive Director and in collaboration with Countywide Communications.

Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.

Prepares annual and semiannual reporting documents highlighting agency accomplishments.

Serves as a resource and liaison for assigned functions with other LACDA divisions, departments, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces as necessary.

Maintains files, databases, and records; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.

Represents the LACDA in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public; serves on a variety of internal and external committees.

Ensures staff observe and comply with all LACDA and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of:

Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of assigned area of responsibility.

Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.

Principles and practices of leadership.

Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.

Basic principles and practices of budget administration and monitoring.

Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of public relations, marketing, and communication.

Federal and State legislative process and liaison techniques.

Strategic communication principles and practices.

Principles and practices of project management.

Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances, as well as industry standards and best practices relevant to the assigned area of responsibility.

Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to assigned areas of responsibility.

Principles and practices of business and public administration as applied to assigned area of responsibility.

Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.

Principles and procedures of recordkeeping, document processing, and filing systems.

LACDA and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.

Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and LACDA staff.

Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Ability to:

Provide professional consultation, support, and expertise related to marketing, media, public relations, and legislative affairs functions, operations, and programs.

Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.

Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for assigned area of responsibility.

Leverage knowledge of the department’s business needs to enhance operations, programs, and services.

Evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services and make necessary changes and improvements.

Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical reports.

Prepare and administer program budgets.

Manage and monitor complex projects, on-time and within budget.

Comprehend complex questions and give information rapidly, accurately, and tactfully

Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.

Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.

Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner.

Effectively represent the LACDA to media, legislators, governmental officials, and other outside agencies.

Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.

Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.

Coordinate and collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.

Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

Effectively represent the department and the LACDA in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.

Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural, and legal guidelines.

Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.

Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Authority sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing divisional policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis.

Education

Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in communications, political science, public administration, or closely related field.

Experience

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional experience in communications, marketing, public information/public affairs, governmental and legislative affairs, or related area, including one (1) year of supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Desirable Qualifications
Desirable Qualifications are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered desirable qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. Applicants who possess these qualifications will not automatically be selected.

Experience receiving, analyzing, and responding to CPRA requests.

Experience providing technical guidance and supervision over other public information staff.

Demonstrated expertise in mass communication principles and techniques, including media relations, social media, and digital communications, with a proven ability to deliver clear and compelling messages to diverse, multilingual communities.

Proven ability to lead collaborative initiatives with a broad range of partners, including community leaders, community-based organizations, and government agencies, to align communications strategies and amplify shared goals.

Comprehensive knowledge of the media landscape in Los Angeles County, including established relationships with local and ethnic media outlets, and the ability to leverage those connections to expand outreach and engagement.

Familiarity with the role and responsibilities of organizations engaged in housing and community development with the ability to align communication strategies to support LACDA’s mission and program priorities.

Demonstrated awareness, understanding, and application of principles of transparency, accountability, and service excellence when communicating on behalf of a highly visible public agency.

Creativity and resourcefulness in developing innovative communication strategies, engaging staff, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative organizational culture.

Equal Opportunity
The LACDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to valuing diversity in the workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.

Reasonable Accommodation
If you are an individual with a disability and need to request reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please call the LACDA, Human Resources at (626) 586-1687 or via email at hr.recruiter@lacda.org.

Salary Compensation
Salary compensation is determined based on qualifications, which include experience, education, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Initial salary placement typically falls between the start and mid-point of the posted range. Promotional hires receive a standard promotional increase. New hires cannot start at the maximum of the posted range. Upon employment, regular full-time employees become eligible for annual merit-based salary increases contingent upon their performance ratings, provided there is room within the established salary range.

Conditions of Employment
Candidates selected from the process will receive an offer of employment contingent upon the successful completion of satisfactory reference checks, a post-offer medical examination, a criminal background check, and a driving record check. Background and driving record check information will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability for the position.

Possession of a valid California Driver’s License to be maintained throughout employment or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

Failure to meet these pre-employment requirements will be grounds for withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment.

Proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Employment with the LACDA is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.

DEADLINE: November 25, 2026, at 4:59 PM (PST)

RECRUITMENT NUMBER: 26052

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