Information Officer II Supervisor

Job Description And Duties 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: https://www.calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1276 You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement . Working Conditions This position is located at: 1416 9th St 13th Fl, Sacramento, CA 95814. 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. • 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. • 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? • 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? • 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. • 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. Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application. Final Filing Date: 6/18/2026 Who May Apply Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s). How To Apply Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below: Address for Mailing Application Packages You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to: Department of Industrial Relations Cert Mailing Address Sacramento Attn: Certifications Unit 1416 9th Street, 13th Floor Sacramento , CA 95814 Address for Drop-Off Application Packages You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at: Department of Industrial Relations Cert Drop Off Address Sacramento Human Resources/Certs Unit 1416 9th Street, 13th Floor Sacramento , CA 95814 08:00 AM - 04:00 PM 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 www.CalCareers.ca.gov. 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. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting. Equal Opportunity Employer The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.