Assistant Director, Crisis Communications

California Governor's Office of Emergency Services; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 151,000; Full time

Job summary

The Assistant Director of Crisis Communications is a gubernatorial appointee position within the executive leadership team at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES). It shapes statewide public safety messaging before, during, and after disasters.

This role coordinates with the Governor’s Office, Cal OES leadership, government partners, and news organizations to lead crisis communications strategies, media relations, and public events that protect communities when

Responsibilities

• Lead crisis communications strategies during statewide emergencies.
• Oversee emergency response and recovery messaging, media relations, news conferences, and public events.
• Coordinate sensitive, time-critical communications with the Governor’s Office and Cal OES executive leadership.
• Serve as a department spokesperson during emergencies and other high-visibility situations.
• Direct public outreach and digital communications designed to reach California’s diverse communities.
• Lead and mentor communications professionals carrying out this critical public safety mission.
• Advise executive leadership on emerging issues, public sentiment, and reputational risk.

Job description

This is a gubernatorial appointee position.

Annual Salary Range - $135,264 - $150,660

Now Hiring: Assistant Director, Crisis Communications:

Few communications roles carry this level of purpose or statewide impact.

The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is seeking an accomplished communications leader to serve as Assistant Director of Crisis Communications, a gubernatorial appointee position within the executive leadership team of California’s emergency management and homeland security agency.

During an emergency, clear, accurate, and timely information can save lives. This position helps lead how California communicates before, during, and after disasters, providing strategic direction for public safety messaging and helping millions of Californians understand risks and take protective action.

This position works at the center of California’s response to its most consequential emergencies and high-profile issues, coordinating closely with the Governor’s Office, Cal OES leadership, government partners, and news organizations across the state.

This is an opportunity to serve California at the highest levels of state government, shape communications during defining moments, and help protect communities when information matters most.

In this role, you will:

• Lead crisis communications strategies during statewide emergencies.
• Oversee emergency response and recovery messaging, media relations, news conferences, and public events.
• Coordinate sensitive, time-critical communications with the Governor’s Office and Cal OES executive leadership.
• Serve as a department spokesperson during emergencies and other high-visibility situations.
• Direct public outreach and digital communications designed to reach California’s diverse communities.
• Lead and mentor communications professionals carrying out this critical public safety mission.
• Advise executive leadership on emerging issues, public sentiment, and reputational risk.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

We are seeking an experienced, decisive, and collaborative leader who can:

• Lead crisis communications, media relations, and public affairs in complex, high-visibility environments.
• Exercise sound judgment and operate effectively under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Translate complex information into clear, accurate, and actionable public messaging.
• Demonstrate exceptional leadership, writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Work effectively with executive leadership, elected offices, government partners, news organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Bring a strong commitment to public service and communicating with California’s diverse communities.

Benefits:

The position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• CalPERS-managed pension plan.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Savings Plus Program with 401(k) and 457 retirement savings options.
• On-the-job training for emergency management certification.
• Professional development opportunities.