Senior Communications Officer

Salary : $144,006.72 - $175,059.04 Annually
Location : San Jose Metropolitan Area, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-C5H-A
Department: County-Wide Recruitment
Opening Date: 08/27/2026
Closing Date: 9/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 92


Description
Under general direction, to plan, develop, direct, coordinate, implement, and evaluate an assigned County communications program; and to act as a consultant to management regarding communications strategies.

Typical Tasks
The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.

• Formulates, directs, and implements strategies, goals, procedures, policies, standards, and guidelines for collection, review, and presentation of information to be communicated to the public, news media, and County employees;
• Functions as primary media contact and spokesperson for the County/agency/department; reviews and/or writes and submits news releases to online and print newspapers, television, and radio stations; pitches news stories to the news media; serves as a point of contact for the news media regarding incidents, issues, inquiries, and requests, 24 hours per day; develops media list and 24-hour media survival guide;
• Organizes and coordinates press conferences; prepares questions and talking points for County staff;
• Studies the public's interest/knowledge in various programs, activities, and outcomes of County government, or the assigned agency/department; designs and tabulates surveys and conducts focus groups;
• Develops and implements awareness and educational programs using a variety of promotional techniques;
• Designs, writes, produces, or coordinates production of informational materials, such as news releases, brochures, flyers, direct mail, advertising, marketing, website, and social media content using a variety of graphics, desktop and mobile device publishing software, and social media tools; oversees the creation of content by others;
• Develops and maintains social media presence for the County/agency/department;
• Instigates and participates in web-based discussions; ensures discussions among key officials and other appropriate individuals occur across platforms, as necessary;
• Monitors traditional and social media activity pertaining to the County/agency/department, identifies controversies and public relations issues, and initiates corrections to inaccurate media reports;
• Advises County/agency/department management on communications strategies that ensure effective flow of information to stakeholders of programs and services, including appropriate responses to sensitive and complex inquiries and issues;
• Trains and coaches other County employees about subjects and processes related to community and media relations;
• Acts as a liaison with other County departments, government entities, and community organizations to disseminate and exchange information;
• Coordinates, writes, edits, and produces newsletters;
• Creates and makes presentations before various groups on a local, state, and national level;
• Interviews department officials, employees, representatives from various groups and organizations, and members of the public to secure information;
• Establishes measures to evaluate communications efforts and implements improvements;
• May supervise and assign work to subordinate communications and/or support staff on an on-going or project basis;
• May interview, select, train, coach, and discipline subordinate staff;
• In compliance with the County's branding strategy, develops and manages County/agency/department brand visual identity, including logo, letterhead, and communications templates and establishes and maintains brand center and guidelines for usage; ensures staff understand and utilize brand appropriately;
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises special events;
• May prepare or assist in preparing program's budget; monitors program's expenditures;
• Establishes a community information program;
• Conducts research and prepares reports of findings, conclusions, and recommended actions;
• Coordinates and manages special projects;
• Coordinates with and manages vendors and consultants assisting with the County's communications and outreach programs; collaborates with Procurement Department; schedules and purchases media space and time;
• Represents County/agency/department on committees and at meetings, presentations, and special events;
• Provides staff support and direction to advisory commissions, as assigned;
• May establish and maintain a Countywide speakers' bureau;
• May arrange tours of County facilities for interested groups and individuals;
• May prepare risk or emergency communications;
• Upon activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), participates as a member of the public information staff;
• May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:
Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform this function are attained through training and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, Marketing, Journalism, or a closely related field. Relevant analytical, administrative, lead, supervisory, or management experience that includes interpreting rules and regulations, gathering data and formulating recommendations, and report writing can substitute for education on a year-for-year basis;
and
One (1) year of full-time experience planning, directing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating an assigned communications program.
or
Four (4) years of full-time experience as a public information or communications officer, journalist, or related work experience in a public relations/communications function.
Specialized knowledge of assigned agency/department operations is desirable.
Special Requirements

• Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California Driver's License prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and techniques of web page design and development;
• Principles and techniques of copy writing, speech writing, planning press conferences, and preparing news releases;
• Methods and techniques used in evaluating public attitudes regarding County and agency/departmental operations and issues, the determination of public affairs needs, and evaluating the effectiveness of communications programs;
• Concepts of branding;
• Principles and techniques of effective communication, and public relations, and news media relations;
• Principles, practices, and techniques of current and emerging public communications, relations, and information media;
• Interviewing techniques;
• Correct use of English grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation;
• Methods of administrative problem solving;
• Customs and practices of traditional media, social media, and citizen journalists;
• Presentation techniques;
• Research, analysis methods, and report writing;
• Principles of project management;
• Tools and software necessary for audio and video recording and editing;
• Computer applications, such as word processing, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, graphics, and digital photography.

Ability to:

• Scale social media accounts to significant levels across multiple platforms;
• Plan, organize, direct, and implement an effective and complex communications program;
• Write, edit, and lay out a variety of clear and concise articles for publication, speeches, scripts for radio and television, and reports and correspondence, often for the signature of executive leaders;
• Measure effectiveness of communication methods and implement improvements;
• Identify and implement emerging and new forms of communications;
• Effectively speak before, and facilitate discussions with, large and small groups;
• Organize, write, design, and lay out various written communications for a broad range of target audiences;
• Prepare clear and concise reports and written communications;
• Be proactive, creative, and resourceful in completing assignments;
• Supervise, train, develop, and motivate staff;
• Effectively utilize information systems;
• Learn the principles and practices of risk, crisis, and emergency communications;
• Learn the County organizational structure/operations, and the laws and regulations pertaining to the operations of the assigned agency/department;
• Understand and communicate technical data to the media and other audiences;
• Use excellent time-management and work prioritizations skills; work quickly and effectively under pressure, with frequent interruptions, short deadlines, and tight schedules; meet deadlines with minimal direction;
• Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Physical Requirements

• Work irregular hours, including some nights and weekends, and be available to respond to County emergencies, as necessary.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more


The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE : Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
01


Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating evaluation has begun. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete. Include a detailed description of your work experience in the following format for EACH employer referenced, in each answer:
a) Employer name(s)
b) Job title(s)
c) Start/end dates of employment
d) Total hours worked per week
e) Description of task(s) performed Do you understand the requirement to provide complete answers in order to determine relevant experience for each area in question?

• Yes
• No

02


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School or GED equivalent
• College (1 to 29 semester units / 1 to 44 quarter units)
• College (30 to 59 semester units / 45 to 89 quarter units)
• College (60 to 89 semester units / 90 to 134 quarter units)
• College (90 to 119 semester units / 135 to 179 quarter units)
• College (120 or more semester units / 180 or more quarter units)
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Doctoral Degree
• None of the above

03


Do you possess a Bachelor's or higher-level degree in the following fields?

• Communications
• Public Relations
• Business Administration
• Public Administration
• Marketing
• Journalism
• Closely Related Field
• None of the above

04


If you selected "Closely Related Field" above in Supplemental Question #3, indicate your related major/area of study and the type of degree you possess. If not applicable, type "N/A".
05


How many years of experience do you have planning, directing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating an assigned communications program?

• None to less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three years or more

06


Describe your experience planning, directing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating an assigned communications program. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
07


How many years of professional experience do you possess as a Public Information Officer, journalist, or related work experience in a public relations/communications function?

• None to less than one year
• One to less than two years
• Two to less than three years
• Three to less than four years
• Four to less than five years
• Five to less than six years
• Six to less than seven years
• Seven years or more

08


Describe your experience as a Public Information Officer, journalist, or related work in a public relations/communications function. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
09


Describe your experience providing executive communications support to senior leadership (e.g., department director, executive management, or executive staff). Include the types of communications you developed and the intended audience. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
10


Describe your experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
11


Describe your experience working with key stakeholders, including elected officials, government agencies, community groups, or businesses, in a public information capacity. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
12


Describe your experience managing media and public relations activities, including media inquiries, press releases, or communications related to complex or sensitive issues. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
13


Describe your experience developing, managing, and coordinating communications programs, projects, and campaigns. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
14


Describe the media tools you have developed (e.g., press releases, newsletters, brochures, ad copy, digital communication, website content), and include your writing experience and specific role. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
15


Do you have experience with crisis communications during an emergency and/or disaster?

• Yes
• No

16


Describe your experience with crisis communications during an emergency and/or disaster. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
17


Do you have experience with community outreach, development of outreach materials, and tabling outreach events?

• Yes
• No

18


Describe your experience with community outreach, development of outreach materials, and tabling outreach events. Include your employer's name, your job title, job duties, your dates of employment and number of hours worked per week. If none, type "N/A".
19


How did you find out/hear about this job?

• In Person Job Fair
• Contacted by County Recruiter
• Email Newsletter
• Virtual Event
• Community Event
• Social Media: Facebook or Instagram
• County of Santa Clara Job Interests Email Notification
• Student Career Center
• Handshake
• Professional Association
• Contacted by an External Staffing Firm
• Hospital Website
• Search Engine (Google, Bing, online search, etc.)
• Governmentjobs.com
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Employee Referral: Friends, Families and Coworkers
• County of Santa Clara Career Website
• Other (Specify in the next question)

20


If you selected an event/fair or other in the question above, please specify. If not, type N/A.
Required Question