Media and Communications Liaison

Job Description and Duties

Under the direction of the Supervisor I of the Digital Communications Office (Office) in the Public Affairs Division (Division) within the Department of Cannabis Control (Department), the Information Officer I (Specialist) provides direct support by writing, editing, and disseminating press releases, talking points, and op-eds. The incumbent will work directly with reporters to schedule interviews, solicit interview questions, draft and organize media responses, work with social media liaisons to develop digital strategies for media outreach, and build and maintain positive relationships with reporters. The incumbent will also be responsible for working with Department staff to help uncover stories of the Department’s work and impact and spotlight internal teams, external partners such as licensees and local cannabis regulators, and individuals through interviews.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon a job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Special Requirements

• The position(s) require(s) a valid California Drivers License (CDL). You must answer the questions addressing your CDL on your application. Ensure you provide your CDL number, class, expiration date, and any endorsements and/or restrictions.

Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Employer Pull Notice (EPN) Program - The incumbent shall participate in DMV’s EPN Program, which is a process for providing the Department with a report showing the driver’s current public record as recorded by the DMV, and any subsequent convictions, failures to appear, accidents, driver’s license suspensions, driver’s license revocations, or any other actions taken against the driving privilege or license, added to the driver’s DMV record.

Travel - The incumbent is required to travel throughout the state of California by various methods of transportation.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

A strong candidate will be able to supervise multiple projects, be a strong writer and communicator, and build strong relationships across divisions and with state partners. If you have experience supervising education and outreach initiatives this position may be right for you.

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Additional Instructions

If using education to meet the minimum qualifications, as specified in the classification specification, please include a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts with your application package. Do not include confidential information such as social security numbers, date of birth, marital status, equal employment opportunity data, examination scores, and LEAP information.

Applicants who submit hard copy applications shall use the most current version of the State application ( STD. 678). Applicants who fail to submit the most current version may be disqualified. Employment information on the STD 678 MUST be complete with dates, duties, responsibilities, and contact information for supervisors. Failure to submit a completed STD 678 may result in being screened out.

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement. Electronic application packages must be received by 11:59 p.m. on the final filing date. Mail application packages must be postmarked before or on the final filing date. Hand delivered application packages must be hand delivered by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Application packages postmarked, personally delivered, or received via interagency mail after 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date will not be accepted.

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -

  Responses must be typed and limited to two pages in 12-point Arial font. Number answers to match each question. Be specific and include examples. For each response, state your total years of experience and the job title or civil service classification in which the experience occurred.

  1. Describe your experience developing, planning, writing, editing, and overseeing the distribution of press releases, op-eds, and other informational documents.

  2. Describe your experience supporting the development and execution of strategies for storytelling and utilizing video, HTML5 ads, newsletter, social media, and YouTube.

  3. Describe your experience working with subject matter experts to develop, copyright, and edit written communication. Include experience with high-level members of the Administration (Directors, Secretaries, etc.)

  4. Please provide a writing sample not to exceed one page. This can be a press release, memo, policy, fact sheet, or other professional work.