Information Officer II Supervisor

Job Description and Duties

This is a re-post. If you previously applied, there is no need to re-apply as your application is on file and will be considered.

The Department of Industrial Relations’ Office of Communications and Media Relations is seeking a skilled Information Officer II to lead media relations, manage complex communications, and supervise a team responsible for delivering clear, accurate, and timely information to the public. If you have experience navigating high-profile issues, coordinating across programs, and driving strategic communications in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

Under the administrative direction of the Assistant Deputy Director, the Information Officer II coordinates media relations and communications support for the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). The incumbent serves as a key point of contact for media inquiries, oversees the development of communications strategies and materials, and ensures consistent messaging across the department. The incumbent supervises a team of Information Officers and is responsible for managing workflow, setting priorities, assisting with strategies and ensuring the quality and timeliness of communications deliverables. This position develops and disseminates media, materials, and responses in support of DIR programs, including the Division of Workers’ Compensation, Division of Apprenticeship Standards, DIR administration and directorate, and the department’s boards and commissions.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership and Media Relations

• Supervises and guides Information Officer I staff, including assigning work, setting priorities, and ensuring accountability and performance.

• Serves as a spokesperson for DIR, responding to media inquiries and representing the department in interviews and public-facing communications.

• Independently plans, writes, and edits news releases, media advisories, speeches, and other communications materials for print, broadcast, and digital platforms.

• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with media representatives.

• Prepares DIR leadership and subject matter experts for media interactions and public appearances.

• Analyzes media coverage and develops strategies to effectively communicate complex or sensitive issues.

• Assists in planning and executing press conferences and media events.

• Serves as a backup to COMMS leadership in meetings and communications with executive staff, as needed.

Media Coordination and Workflow Management

• Coordinates media relations activities and support for DIR speaking engagements and interviews under COMMS leadership.

• Ensures consistent, accurate, and timely messaging across programs and divisions.

• Manages workflow and communications priorities across the team, particularly during high-profile or time-sensitive situations.

Public Records Act (PRA) Coordination

• Coordinates and responds to media-related Public Records Act (PRA) requests in consultation with legal counsel.

• Ensures timely, accurate, and organized responses.

• Tracks requests and coordinates with internal divisions and external agencies, as necessary.

Administrative and Operational Duties

• Supervises Information Officer I staff and contributes to staff development and performance management.

• Participates in and/or leads team meetings, planning activities, and workflow coordination.

• Keeps COMMS leadership informed of project status, media activity, emerging issues, and operational needs.

This posting may be used to fill future vacancies in accordance with 2 CCR §249.3

To be considered for this Information Officer II job opportunity, applicants must be either reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility or have reinstatement eligibility. To take the exam and gain employment list eligibility, please click here to access the exam bulletin:

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located at: 1515 Clay Street, Suite 1306; Oakland, CA 94612.

The incumbent will be required to travel (10-25%) to public events, meetings and departmental events. This position also requires responsiveness to the public and media, and attendance of public meetings outside of normal business hours. The incumbent is expected to maintain a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of two days per week in the office, or more based on operational needs. The position requires the ability for prolonged sitting and to work at a computer for extended periods of time, and to move and transport office items in a safe manner.

The incumbent must handle sensitive and confidential materials and matters in a professional manner and establish cooperative working relationships with others. The incumbent has daily contact with other COMMS staff and also has contact frequently with staff in other DIR divisions, programs and units, as well as frequent contact with stakeholders and members of the press.

There is only one position that may be filled in either Sacramento or Oakland. If you are interested in the position at more than one location, please submit a separate application for each job control.

Special Requirements

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license as driving and travel is required.

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted with the Standard State Application (STD 678) and a resume. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered.

The SOQ must meet the following requirements:

• Include the applicant’s name and the classification/position title in the top right corner of the first page.

• Be no more than three pages in length.

• Use 12-point Arial font and be single-spaced.

• Clearly label the document as “Statement of Qualifications.”

• Address each question below in the order presented, restating each question before providing a response.

1. Media Relations & Centralized Communications

Describe your experience managing media inquiries within a centralized communications structure. Include how you ensure consistent, accurate, and timely messaging, and how you coordinate with leadership and subject matter experts when responding to reporters.

2. High-Profile & Time-Sensitive Communications

Describe your experience handling high-profile, sensitive, or time-sensitive communications (e.g., breaking news, incidents, audits, or policy issues). How did you manage deadlines, maintain accuracy, and ensure appropriate internal coordination?

3. Stakeholder Coordination & PRA Management

Describe your experience working with internal divisions, government agencies, and external stakeholders (e.g., elected officials, community organizations, or the public), including your experience managing or supporting media-related Public Records Act (PRA) requests or other formal written responses. How do you ensure transparency, accuracy, and alignment with department policies and communication protocols?

4. Digital Communications, Media Monitoring & Judgment

Describe your experience using digital platforms and media monitoring tools to inform communication strategies. Include how you track coverage, identify emerging issues, and exercise sound judgment when responding to developing or incomplete information.

5. Supervision & Team Leadership

Describe your experience supervising staff in a communications or public affairs setting. Include how you assign and prioritize work, ensure quality and timeliness, and support staff development and accountability.

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 position requires a proactive professional who can anticipate emerging issues and respond effectively. The role also includes close coordination with Information Officer II Specialists assigned to the Labor Commissioner’s Office and Cal/OSHA to ensure alignment and consistency in messaging. The incumbent researches, writes, and edits content on complex and sensitive issues; collaborates with communications staff to develop and execute communication plans; prepares subject matter experts and leadership for media engagement; and coordinates with DIR’s Office of External Affairs on effective web and digital content.

Knowledge of: Methods used to determine needs for public information and education; techniques of preparing, producing and disseminating information, utilizing all major media of communication; principles and techniques of establishing and maintaining good public relations; California State Government; principles of public administration; and effective supervision.

Ability to: Organize and direct a statewide program of public information and education; write and speak effectively; analyze data; supervise the work of an information staff; stimulate interest in an agency's program and secure the cooperation of diverse groups in conducting that program; understand and effectively carry out State and departmental equal employment opportunity and affirmative action policies.

Desirable Qualifications: Appreciation of news value and ethnic media markets; ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt or recommend for adoption by top leadership a practical 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.

Minimum requirements for this position are posted in the class specification:

Benefits

Benefit information can be found on the California Department of Human Resources website, and the California Public Employees Retirement System Website;

Additional Information

Preference will be given to persons with State Restriction of Appointments (SROA) or Surplus status. Applicants must attach a copy of their most recently dated letter that specifies their designation as either SROA or surplus candidate as proof.

Qualified candidates must have eligibility in State employment, be in a reachable rank on an employment list for this classification, be currently in this classification, or have transfer eligibility to this classification. 

If you do not hear from us in 4-6 weeks, you may assume the position has been filled by another applicant. Please note that all additional vacancies that become available may be added to this advertisement.

Please note that the Exam and Certification Online System (ECOS) does not allow you to resubmit your application once you withdraw it. If you have any updates to your online application, please contact the Personnel, Recruitment, & Hiring Unit at View phone number on us.fitly.work.

Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief survey: DIR Applicant Survey

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 -

  Please see Special requirements section of the posting for instructions on the Statement of Qualifications.