INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST)

Department Of Consumer Affairs; California; Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

State of California's Department of Consumer Affairs is seeking a Public Information Officer I (Specialist). The PIO supports the department and boards, developing and implementing effective communications strategies, and must work independently with a high level of professionalism.

The role emphasizes strong media relations, writing, strategic thinking, and the ability to coordinate with stakeholders and trusted messengers.

Qualifications

• Strong media relations experience.
• Experience with social media strategies that increase engagement.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders and clients.

Responsibilities

• Supports the communications efforts of the department and its boards and bureaus.
• Develops and implements effective communications strategies.
• Works independently with professionalism in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Media relations

Social media strategies

Excellent writing

Stakeholder collaboration

Job description

Public Information Officer
INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST)

$6,031.00 - $7,547.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 11/23/2026

In all job functions, employees are responsible for creating an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Employees are expected to provide all members of the public equitable services and treatment, collaborate with underserved communities and tribal governments, and work toward improving outcomes for all Californians.

Under the direction of the Officer of Public Affairs Manager, the Public Information Officer (PIO) supports the communications efforts of the department and its boards and bureaus. In addition to supporting the department, the PIO provides direct support to a portfolio of boards and bureaus and is responsible for developing and implementing effective communications strategies. The PIO must be able to work independently and with the highest level of professionalism. The position requires strong media relations experience, writing skills, strategic thinking, creativity, experience with communications plans and strategies, resourcefulness, flexibility and critical thinking.

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, they must reside in the State of California once they are hired and start working. The incumbent works in an office setting, with artificial light and temperature control. Daily access to and use of a personal computer and telephone is essential. Sitting and standing requirements are consistent with office work. The position may be required to travel, by various methods of transportation.

Effective July 1, 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025) which reduces an employee's monthly salary in exchange for leave credits. Employees appointed to this classification will have their monthly salary reduced and will accrue hours of PLP 2025 on the first day of each pay period as outlined on "Section 2113 - Personal Leave Program (PLP)" of the CalHR Manual. The salary range(s) included on this job posting do not reflect the reduction in pay.

Minimum Requirements

• INFORMATION OFFICER I (SPECIALIST)

# of Positions: Multiple

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) protects and serves California consumers while ensuring a competent and fair marketplace. DCA educates consumers and protects professionals from unfair competition by unlicensed practitioners. DCA is a unique and dynamic department consisting of 36 different boards, bureaus, a commission, and a program that license and regulate more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations, and permits. DCA has many exciting career opportunities available and is dedicated to hiring and retaining qualified employees. The Office of Public Affairs (OPA) supports DCA and its boards and bureaus by developing and executing multifaceted communications plans that help them effectively connect with target audiences. Through a variety of communications channels and a client-centered approach, OPA helps boards and bureaus inform, educate and protect California's consumers. DCA is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in carrying out its consumer protection mission, and DCA solidifies this commitment starting with its recruitment efforts. DCA enriches its diversity through a workforce that reflects the population it serves, delivers successful results through inclusive teamwork where all contributions are valued, ensure every employee receives fair opportunities to succeed, and enables all employees to do their best by providing access to tools, resources, information, equipment and career development.

Desirable Qualifications

• Strong media relations experience
• Experience with social media strategies that result in engagement and increase the reach of information.
• Excellent writing skills
• Ability to work effectively with stakeholders and clients.
• An understanding of trusted messengers, ethnic/community media, and the importance of serving all Californians.

Benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

Contact Information

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

Amanda Ritchey
[phone]
[e-mail]

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
[phone]
[e-mail]

Statement of Qualification (SOQ) Instructions

The Statement of Qualifications’ (SOQ) is requested to elicit information regarding each candidate's interest and experience as related to this position. The complete SOQ should not be more than two (2) pages, using Century Gothic 12 point font size. Please note: Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be considered as responses to the SOQ.

Please answer each question.

1. Describe your experience and process for developing effective audience-based communications strategies. Provide an example of a successful strategy you implemented and how you determined it was a success.

2. Describe your experience in media relations and developing on-the records responses on behalf of an organization and serving as a spokesperson.

3. Describe your experience with developing compelling social media content, including copy, videos and graphics.

4. Describe your experience researching complex issues and fact-checking information to ensure accuracy.

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.