Job Description

Job Description and Duties

The Public Affairs Media Specialist will play an integral role as a strategist to advance the Department's Media Affairs efforts. This position reports to the Senior Media Officer an Information Officer II and requires excellent writing and speaking skills and the ability to think strategically, clearly communicate complicated topics, create concise and well-written narratives to respond to media inquiries, and act as a Department spokesperson. The Specialist must possess expert proficiency in drafting public-facing collateral, namely press releases, media advisories and talking points vital to sharing the department's priorities with external parties. Additionally, the Specialist must exercise judgment in identifying negative and emergent media issues or inquiries and exhibit leadership in developing strategic and timely responses. The Specialist will research, plan, write, and edit various ADA accessible information to disseminate to stakeholders, the media, the public and Department staff about the Department's activities and objectives. The Specialist will be responsible for communicating the Director's and Governor's administrative policies to diverse internal and external audiences, while ensuring a coordinated message is conveyed. The Specialist will research information to prepare talking points and press releases and prepare and disseminate internal coordinating memorandum to the Department, other members of the Administration, and the Governor's office and staff. The specialist will also strategically develop and pitch stories to the media favorable to the Department. Media inquiries will require the Specialist to respond in writing and on camera.

CalCareers Exam link: 

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Information Officer I Exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click  here and search by typing in the classification title.

Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Please take this 1-minute Caltrans Recruitment survey to tell us how you found out about this job. 

Apply today to join our team!  We especially encourage applicants to check out our Caltrans Career Compass tool!  The Caltrans Career Compass is a tool to assist and help candidates understand and succeed in applying to Caltrans positions.

PARF#95-5-010 JC#456607

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Working Conditions

This position is located in Sacramento, CA.

This position may be eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and based on Caltrans’s evolving telework policy. Caltrans supports telework, recognizing that in-person attendance may be required based on operational needs. Employees are expected to be able to report to their worksites with minimum notification if an urgent need arises. The selected candidate will be required to commute to the headquartered location as needed to meet operational needs. Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee’s designated headquartered location, primary residence, and may be subject to CalHR regulations or applicable bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the headquartered location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Special Requirements

Interested individuals must submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) along with a state application (form STD 678). The SOQ must specifically address the questions listed below, be numbered in the same order as listed, be no more than two pages long, single spaced. 

1. Why do you want to be a Public Affairs Information Officer.

2. Describe examples highlighting your experience preparing messaging for the press and external audience, including any relevant experience using social media.

3. What is your experience creating content for social media, writing press releases, advisories and preparing responses to the media inquiries.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment.  If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification.  Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment.  Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent.  Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: or .  Please redact birthdates and social security numbers.

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:

1--3 years+ experience in social media content creation and development

Proficiency with web and social media management, publishing and analytics tools

Experience in brand marketing, driving brand awareness

Ability to interpret data, derive insights and translate them into new ideas

Assist with social media campaigns and other marketing initiatives

Bonus graphics experience (Adobe Suite) but not required

Excellent understanding of best practices across social media platforms, particularly META Suite, X

Proficiency in storytelling, copywriting and editing skills with a keen eye for detail and strong sense of brand voice

Ability to multitask, prioritize and manage time efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

to view the Benefits Summary for Civil Service Employees in the State of California.

Important Application Instructions:

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this 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, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

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 -

  Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required. Please see the Special Requirements section for SOQ instructions.

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