Senior Information Officer

Job Description and Duties

Are you passionate about telling stories that inform, educate and inspire? Join a dynamic communications team helping Californians connect with and care for the state's fish, wildlife and natural resources. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Office of Communication, Education, and Outreach (OCEO) is seeking a motivated individual to work as an Information Officer II in downtown Sacramento.

Under the administrative direction of the Deputy Director of Public Affairs and in close strategic collaboration with the Assistant Deputy Director of OCEO, the Information Officer II provides guidance and direction to CDFW’s communications and public information, supervises statewide information officer staff and acts as lead information officer for the most sensitive and confidential department issues.

Supervises and directs five CDFW Information Officer (IO) staff, their assignments, and information campaigns. Creates, edits, and provides feedback to staff on public-facing communications including news releases, media events, articles, interview scripts, brochures, reports, presentations, exhibits, newsletters, website, blog, social media content, and other information vehicles and platforms. Creates, develops, and executes high-impact statewide communications strategy including effective and inclusive messaging to various statewide audiences and user groups. This includes leading and developing cutting-edge news media, communications and outreach content, understanding and use of various digital communications and social media platforms, and analyzing and disseminating information to assist with executive-level decision making.

Serves as the senior public affairs consultant on more complex media-related issues. Works with members of the media, newspapers, radio and television, other agencies, governments and partners to coordinate news releases, press conferences and interviews, and article submissions. Discovers and responds to proactive and positive public messaging opportunities for CDFW. Drafts and edits news releases and other public-facing communications.

Link to Information Officer II Exam: CalCareers

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

Ability to use a computer keyboard several hours a day. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods. Attend meetings and hearings; work with staff statewide to complete work assignments. Up to 20% of travel may be required.

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:

Special Personal Characteristics: Appreciation of news value; ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt or recommend for adoption by top management an effective course of action; ability to gain the confidence and respect of persons contacted in the work; ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relations with the news media and other public groups; emotional stability under stress; application of the need to inform and educate the public on various phases of an agency's program.

Interpersonal Skills: Exercises adaptability and leadership; demonstrates fair-minded and ethical decision-making; works cooperatively with all parties within and outside the Department.

Benefits

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

Filing Instructions

You must reference Position Number 565-008-5595-002and RPA Number E-COMM 26-001 in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) for Which You Are Applying section of the State Application Form (Std. Form 678). Applications that do not list the Position Number and RPA Number may not be considered.

It is recommended that Application Packages be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at . If applications are mailed, we recommend applications are sent certified mail as we are unable to verify receipt.

Applications that do not follow the Filing Instructions may not be considered.

This advertisement may be used to fill additional vacancies for this JC.

Resume – Resumes will be reviewed in addition to the STD 678 for employment history. Resumes must include the complete to and from dates (MM/DD/YYYY) and hours worked per week.

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 -

  The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each applicant's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please follow the instructions below. Resumes and cover letters will not take the place of the SOQ. The SOQ must be no more than two pages in length, in AP style, single spaced,12-point Century Gothic font with one-inch margins.

  1. Please describe how you would determine when you should assign media inquiries to subordinate staff, handle them yourself or elevate them to your supervisor. In your response, provide specific examples to illustrate your decision-making process and the considerations you would give.

  2. Describe your experience supervising or leading staff. Include examples demonstrating your ability to assign and review work; and ensure timely and accurate completion of assigned tasks.

  3. Please describe how your experience and education qualify you to fulfill the job duties of the Information Officer II as described in the duty statement.