Strategic Communications Section Chief

Job Description and Duties

The Strategic Communications Manager is a principal advisor to the Government Affairs Office (GAO) Chief, leading all major communication, outreach, and legislative-support efforts that advance FI$Cal’s mission and statewide visibility. The role turns departmental and GAO priorities into clear, effective strategies for internal and external communications, media relations, digital engagement, public information, Open FI$Cal, and organizational positioning.

Working directly with the GAO Chief, you will navigate sensitive and high-profile governmental and legislative issues, maintain strong awareness of stakeholder priorities, and represent GAO in key engagements when delegated.

This role requires strong leadership, independent judgment, and the ability to translate strategic direction into action, managing rapid priorities, removing barriers, and driving communications that strengthen FI$Cal’s reputation, legislative relationships, and strategic impact.

Please note that to be list appointed for placement in the Manager I classification, you must take and pass the examination .

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee’s monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period in accordance with the applicable bargaining contract. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

At FI$Cal, we are compliant with the Governor's Executive Order, N-22-25, with a default minimum of four in-person days per work week. In-office attendance is mandatory on designated days and is subject to change. Our office is located at 2000 Evergreen Street, Sacramento, California 95815. Candidates residing outside of California are welcome to interview, but proof of California residency is required before appointment. Please note, relocation and commute expenses are the responsibility of the employee. 

This position requires prolonged sitting in an office-setting environment with the use of a personal computer. Employees must demonstrate a commitment to maintain a working environment free from discrimination and sexual harassment. All staff must maintain regular, consistent, predictable attendance, maintain good working habits and adhere to all policies and procedures.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States at all times during their employment with the Department of FISCal.

The Department of FISCal does not :

• Sponsor visas
• Utilize E-Verify for employment authorization/certification purposes
• Participate in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) extension program

Special Requirements

• The position requires a Background Investigation to be cleared prior to being hired.
• The incumbent will use tact and interpersonal skills to develop constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, e.g., stakeholders, customers, management, peers, etc., to facilitate communication to improve the work environment and increase productivity.
• This position requires the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and may require excess hours to be worked.  
• The incumbent is expected to perform functions and duties under the guidance of the Department of FISCal’s core values.
• The incumbent provides back-up, as necessary, to ensure continuity of departmental activities.
• This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment and once per year thereafter.

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:

• Experience interpreting and applying legislation or policy.
• Skill in analyzing and summarizing legislative updates.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience reviewing, editing, and proofreading written materials for consistency and quality.
• Experience supervising staff, providing coaching, and supporting professional development.
• Experience developing communication materials that support organizational priorities.

Benefits

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

Our office has free, gated parking, and convenient electric vehicle charging stations available.

Statement of Qualifications

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate’s ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

When completing the SOQ, you must title the page “Statement of Qualifications” and list the question, providing your answer below. When completing the SOQ please explain your answers thoroughly, including all relevant experience, education and training. The SOQ must be typed in 12-point Arial font and be no more than 2 pages in length with correct grammar use, punctuation and spelling. Your SOQ must address the following:

1. Describe your process for developing, copy editing and executing a comprehensive strategic communication plan for a public outreach campaign.
2. Describe how you measured the success of the campaign.

Please attach your SOQ to your application. Applications received without the SOQ or that do not follow these instructions will not be considered.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications.

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 -

  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with your application. Please see instructions below.

• Other -

  Cover Letter is required and must be included.