INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST)

About the position

Join the Department of State Hospitals' small-yet-mighty Office of Communications team! We are an energetic, creative and talented team of communications professionals. We value and promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace and empower team members to bring their knowledge, expertise, and skills to their roles. This is a fast-paced Office with the power to educate the public, the media and local lawmakers on the positive results DSH delivers on behalf of all Californians. When we're not hunkering down on a project, we're grabbing a cup of coffee or tea during a team outing near our office building or traveling to one of DSH's five hospitals in Atascadero (San Luis Obispo County), Coalinga (Fresno County), Metropolitan (Los Angeles County), Napa (Napa County) or Patton (San Bernardino County) for an event or assignment. We support the work-life balance and professional development of our team members with hybrid work offerings and ample in-person and online trainings. Under the direction of the Information Officer II (Supervisor) and Assistant Director of External Affairs, the Information Officer I (Specialist) performs difficult professional and technical public relations and public affairs duties, including producing a wide range of multimedia communications assets spanning video, photography, graphic design and social media for the Department, as well as conceptualizing, writing and editing communications for both internal and external audiences. This position also involves extensive webpage content writing/editing and drafting a variety of written materials such as talking points, speeches, press/news releases, media advisories, communications plans, newsletter articles, social media content, creative marketing materials (e.g., flyers and posters), internal and public-facing reports, all-staff emails, and other materials regarding department actions, programs and policies. This position will also assist with responding to requests from the media and fulfilling Public Records Act (PRA) requests in accordance with legal processes.

Responsibilities

• Produce a wide range of multimedia communications assets including video, photography, graphic design, and social media content.
• Conceptualize, write, and edit communications for internal and external audiences.
• Write and edit webpage content.
• Draft a variety of written materials such as talking points, speeches, press releases, media advisories, communications plans, newsletter articles, and social media content.
• Create marketing materials such as flyers and posters.
• Prepare internal and public-facing reports and all-staff emails.
• Respond to media requests and fulfill Public Records Act requests.

Requirements

• Experience in public relations and public affairs.
• Proficiency in multimedia production including video and photography.
• Strong writing and editing skills for various communication formats.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in graphic design.
• Familiarity with social media marketing strategies.
• Knowledge of the Department of State Hospitals' mission and programs.

Benefits

• Sick Leave
• Vacation Leave
• 11 Paid State Holidays
• Paid Personal Holiday
• Paid Professional Development Days
• Health, Vision, and Dental insurance plans
• Medical and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Alternate Workweek Schedules and Flextime
• Enrollment in the CalPERS retirement system