Head of Public Relations

Position Title: Public Affairs Manager

Department: Marketing

Reports To: Chief Development Officer

Location: During the probationary period the role is fully onsite in Napa, CA. After probation the position may be assigned to Napa, West Fairfield, or West Sacramento, with the expectation of traveling to various locations as required.

Schedule: Monday through Friday, full‑time (40 hours per week). Occasional work outside standard business hours may be required to support community events. A hybrid remote schedule becomes available after successful completion of the probationary period.

Pay Range: Depends on years of public affairs experience.

Job Overview

The Public Affairs Manager is a strategic, advocacy‑driven role responsible for advancing CommuniCare+OLE’s mission through public relations, government affairs, and policy engagement. The position amplifies the organization’s voice with policymakers, media, and community partners, focusing on protecting and expanding public funding, shaping healthcare policy, and advocating for the communities served.

The ideal candidate has at least five years of experience in public relations and government affairs—ideally within healthcare or a mission‑driven environment—and demonstrates cultural humility, political savvy, and a deep commitment to health equity. Experience working with Latino/Hispanic communities and multilingual or cultural competency skills are highly valued.

Responsibilities

Lead and coordinate advocacy strategies that support FQHC sustainability, healthcare access, and health equity at the local, state, and federal levels.

Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, government agencies, chambers of commerce, legislative staff, and policy influencers.

Support the CEO by tracking, analyzing, and responding to legislation, regulations, and policy developments impacting community health centers.

Organize and support legislative visits, site tours, briefings, coalition work, and advocacy campaigns.

Draft policy briefs, testimony, fact sheets, and advocacy communications that clearly articulate CommuniCare+OLE’s impact and policy priorities.

Coordinate with Outreach, Enrollment, and other internal teams on advocacy campaigns.

Develop and execute proactive public relations campaigns to raise awareness of CommuniCare+OLE’s role in the communities served.

Serve as primary media contact; pitch stories and manage relationships with local, regional, and healthcare media.

Maintain and update contact records in the CRM, including campaign tagging and data integrity.

Write and edit press releases, statements, op‑eds, talking points, and messaging for executives, board members, and clinicians.

Prepare organizational leaders for media interviews, public speaking, and advocacy engagements.

Curate and create quarterly newsletters that elevate patient and community stories in an ethical, respectful, and culturally appropriate way.

Identify, track, and submit nominations for awards and speaking opportunities.

Support crisis communications and rapid‑response advocacy as needed.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications, Public Administration, or a related field (or comparable experience).

Minimum of 5 years of experience in public relations, communications, government affairs, or public policy.

Experience in healthcare, public health, government, or a mission‑driven organization strongly preferred.

Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish highly desirable).

Demonstrated success working with policymakers and managing media relationships.

Excellent writing skills with the ability to translate complex healthcare and policy issues into clear, compelling messages.

Strong relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement skills.

Experience in the healthcare safety net, FQHCs, or community‑based organizations.

Experience working with diverse populations, particularly Latino/Hispanic communities.

Knowledge of California and federal healthcare policy and funding environments.

Proficiency with Salesforce and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage (Employer covers 90% of employee premiums and 50% of dependent premiums).

18 days of PTO (Vacation & Sick).

10 paid holidays plus 1 float holiday.

2% employer match on a 4% employee contribution 403(b) retirement plan.

Tuition reimbursement of up to $2,000 per calendar year for part‑time and full‑time employees (prorated per full‑time equivalent).

Life & accidental insurance coverage.

Employer contribution for Health Savings Account.

CommuniCare+OLE provides an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and life experience. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including Black, Indigenous Peoples, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, people with disabilities, veterans, individuals of all ages and religions, and individuals who have been affected by the legal system.

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