Media Relations Manager

*This is a readvertisement: If you have previously applied for this position under JC 519358, you do not need to reapply.*


The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation is recruiting for one full-time Public Information Officer II position within the Office of Public Affairs. This position is located in the Sacramento office. This recruitment may be used to fill subsequent vacancies of these position the next 180 days.

Under the direction of the Deputy Commissioner for the Office of Public Affairs (OPA), the Public Information Officer II acts as a lead information officer for the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Key duties include the creation of media relations strategies and materials to help educate California journalists about DFPI through various channels of media consumed by California residents, industry stakeholders, interest groups, etc. The incumbent, a strong writer who is familiar with how the media works, is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive media relations program. The individual, who will serve as a subject matter expert to the media and external audiences, will work closely with the Executive leadership and relevant state and federal agencies and other stakeholders. The successful candidate will also help with DFPI's internal communications.


The successful candidate, who will be based in Sacramento, will work with a high level of independence, must be able to comprehend technical language and translate it to create engaging public messaging. The candidate should be able to demonstrate expertise in media relations and social media, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure continuity, transparency, and effective outreach while representing DFPI to the media.

Effective July 1, 2025, The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each full-time employee shall receive a reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits, monthly. The salary range(s) included in the job advertisement do not reflect the reduction in pay.


SEIU Bargaining units (1, 3, 4, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 21) will receive a 3 percent reduction in pay in exchange for 5 hours of PLP 2025 per month.


You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .

Working Conditions
The Sacramento office is in the new state-of-the-art May Lee State Office Complex in Sacramento's River District, conveniently located next to Light Rail. On site parking available for a fee.


This job requires reporting on site, however, telework may be available once established.


Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• INFORMATION OFFICER II

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-528002


Position #(s):
410-104-5595-104

Working Title:
Media Relations Manager


Classification:
INFORMATION OFFICER II $7,498.00 - $9,317.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.


# of Positions:
1


Work Location:
Sacramento County


Telework:
In Office


Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time


Department Information
The Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) protects consumers and oversees financial service providers and products. The DFPI supervises the operations of state-licensed financial institutions, including banks, credit unions and money transmitters. Additionally, the DFPI licenses and regulates a variety of financial service providers, including securities brokers and dealers, investment advisers, payday lenders and other consumer finance lenders. The DFPI offers benefit packages, competitive salary, a robust training program and opportunities for advancement .


Department Website:


Special Requirements
CONFLICT OF INTEREST

This position is subject to Title 10, § 250.30 of the California Code of Regulations, the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation's Conflict of Interest Regulations, the incumbent is required to submit a Statements of Economic Interests (Form 700) within 30 days of assuming office, annually by April 1st and within 30 days of leaving office.


Additional Filing Instructions : Special Requirements

• You are encouraged to apply electronically through your CalCareers account.
• If applying with a hard copy application, please reference "JC-528002 /RPA# OPA 27-032" in the Job Title section of your State application in order to be considered for this vacancy.
• Hard copy applications not received or postmarked by 5:00 pm on the final filing date will not be accepted.
• Emailed and faxed applications will not be accepted.

Please do NOT include any confidential information on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birth date, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications (MQ) will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting MQ's with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts for verification . Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined an applicant does not meet the MQ's, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board.

If education is being used to meet the minimum qualifications, please submit a copy of your college transcripts that contain the following information: name of institutions, completion date of degree conferred, and semester or quarter credits earned. Foreign Degrees must provide Degree Evaluation to verify U.S. equivalency.


Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 8/27/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).


How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:


Address for Mailing Application Packages


You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:


Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
N/A
Attn: Sarah Feuerbach
Human Resources Office
651 Bannon St Suite 300
Sacramento , CA 95811


Address for Drop-Off Application Packages


You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:


Department of Financial Protection and Innovation
N/A
Sarah Feuerbach
Human Resources Office
651 Bannon St Suite 300
Sacramento , CA 95811


08:00 AM - 05:00 PM


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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
• Statement of Qualifications -
  A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required for this position according to the instructions provided. Application packages received without an SOQ as described may not be considered. Please see the Statement of Qualifications Instructions below for specific instructions regarding your SOQ response. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other documents do not take the place of this requirement.
  

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.


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:


• The ideal candidate has excellent written and verbal and communication skills and displays critical thinking and strong interpersonal skills.
• Loves turning complex topics into clear, relatable, and engaging public messaging
• The ability to effectively work with various stakeholders and agencies to develop, coordinate, and message responses for crisis communications and public information
• Remains calm under pressure and demonstrates good judgment and decision-making while managing multiple deadlines.
• Expertise in software applications, including the Microsoft Office Suite 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint.
• Commitment to creating a collaborative working environment.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative and independent judgment while supervising and directing the activities of others.
• Ability to support, promote, and ensure alignment with the organization's visions and values and remain adaptable to changing priorities.


Benefits
State employees may be eligible for health, dental, vision and leave benefits, as well as retirement programs and other benefits. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and may be subject to collective bargaining agreements, which are contracts negotiated between the State of California and employee organizations that define employees' wages, hours and conditions of employment. Other possible benefits include:

• Alternate Work Schedules
• Telework
• Reimbursement Accounts

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


Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Department Website:
Human Resources Contact:
Sarah Feuerbach
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Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Angelina Endsley
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California Relay Service: View phone number on click.appcast.io (TTY), View phone number on click.appcast.io (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.


Statement of Qualifications Instructions
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SQQ). The SOQ must be no more than three page(s) in length, single-spaced, using Arial 12-point font and must have the applicant's first and last name and "Statement of Qualifications" in the upper left corner.


Application packages received without an SOQ may not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and Supplemental Applications do not take the place of the SOQ .


Following the instructions above, please answer the following questions:

1. This position involves proactively communicating critical messages, accurately and effectively to the media. This will include writing press releases, reports, talking points, etc. Please provide two examples from your work experience that demonstrate a successful media interaction you've conducted and the key strategies you employ to convey your organization's message. Include the dates of these examples.


2. Describe a time when you had to handle or engage in crisis communications. What was your role, and how did you prioritize messaging and communicate to the media and various audiences?


3. Describe how your education, training, skills, and experience have helped you to organize a broad media program of public information and education that reached a wide audience.


Examination & Candidate Resources:


Examination: Candidates applying with List Eligibility must successfully pass the examination for this classification.

Please read the Minimum Qualifications section of the Classification Specifications AND the Exam Bulletin carefully to ensure you are currently eligible to take this examination before taking it. Candidates taking the exam prior to being eligible may be disqualified.

Link to Exam Bulletin and Exam: CalCareers

Candidate Resources/Tools:

• State Application Checklist
• Interview Checklist
• Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Tips

Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.


It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.