Job Posting: Chief Communication Officer (CEA, Level B)

Board of Equalization

JC-491884
-
Chief Communication Officer (CEA, Level B)
C. E. A.

$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 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: 10/21/2025

Job Description and Duties

The State Board of Equalization (BOE) is seeking an experienced communications leader to serve as Chief Communications Officer (CEA Level B). This key executive leadership role is responsible for shaping and directing the agency's internal and external communications, ensuring transparency and building public confidence in California’s property tax system.

As BOE’s Chief Communications Officer, you will:

  • Lead the agency’s internal and external communications to ensure transparency, clarity, and public confidence.
  • Develop and implement comprehensive statewide communication strategies.
  • Oversee media relations, public affairs, and digital engagement.
  • As a member of the Executive Management Team, provide strategic counsel to executive leadership on high-profile, sensitive, and time-critical issues that impact taxpayers, local governments, and the stakeholder community.
  • Foster effective internal communications that support organizational priorities and goals and increase employee engagement.

Travel by motor vehicle or aircraft, including overnight travel, may be required up to ten percent (10%) of the time.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced communications leader to apply their skills and expertise in messaging strategy and public engagement at the executive level at a constitutional agency that oversees a multibillion-dollar statewide tax program.

This position is eligible to participate in BOE’s telework program, subject to BOE’s policies and guidelines.


Under Government Code 14200, this position may be eligible for partial telework for eligible candidates residing in California. All telework/hybrid schedules require staff to report to the office a minimum number of days per week. Schedules are subject to change.

At this time, per the California Budget Act of 2025, all California State Board of Equalization salaries are subject to the provisions of the State of California’s Personal Leave Program.

 Please refer to the duty statement for a full description of responsibilities and qualifications.

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

Working Conditions

  • Telework is available fifty percent (50%) of the time.
  • Standard office environment.
  • Daily use of a personal computer, office equipment, and/or telephone.
  • Requires being in a stationary position, consistent with office work, for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to move/transport documents and/or binders weighing up to twenty-five pounds (25 lbs.), with or without reasonable accommodation.
  • Travel may be required up to ten percent (10%) of the time, which may include overnight travel.
  • Work may require periodic non-standard work hours to meet workload needs and demands.

Minimum Requirements

This position does not have a Classification Specification. Requirements and qualifications for this position can be found in this announcement. For additional questions, please contact the hiring department listed below.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-491884
Position #(s):
290-301-7500-003
Working Title:
Chief Communication Officer (CEA, Level B)
Classification:
C. E. A.
$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 B
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Department Information

Want to make a difference? The talented people at BOE reflect the rich diversity inherent within the State of California. We celebrate the contributions of each individual and strive to create a work environment that is inclusive, collaborative, and welcoming. By joining the BOE, you will contribute to our critical role in property tax administration which protects the tax dollars that schools, local communities, and the State of California depend on every day.

The BOE is one of California’s ten constitutional offices. It is the only elected tax board in the country and is comprised of Four Equalization District Members and the State Controller. Since 1879, the BOE’s constitutional and statutory duties include the oversight of the 58 County Assessors to ensure assessment practices are uniform and consistent statewide. In addition, the BOE directly assesses the property of regulated railroads and certain public utilities, collects the private railroad car tax, and is responsible for the Alcoholic Beverage Tax and Tax on Insurers.

The BOE strives to create a work environment that supports the growth and development of its employees and recognizes the contribution of each individual. We offer all the benefits of state employment, opportunity for career advancement, and the opportunity to work with a dedicated team of professionals.

Department Website: https://www.boe.ca.gov

Special Requirements

  • This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.; for more information about E-Verify, please go to www.dhs.gov/e-verify.
  • This position is subject to the BOE's Conflict of Interest Code and filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) upon assuming office, annually while in office, and upon leaving office.


Statement of Qualifications -

In addition to the Standard State Applications (STD.678), you are required to submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) with direct responses to the statements provided. Within the responses, be sure to include specific information on how your background, knowledge, skills, and abilities meet the needs of this position.

When completing your SOQ, please DO NOT provide a single narrative response. Each SOQ prompt should be addressed separately (i.e.:  first provide a complete and independent response to Prompt #1, then a complete and independent response to Prompt #2, etc.) for consideration. Additionally, each response should be numbered, to clearly indicate which SOQ prompt you are responding to. The SOQ must be typed in 12 point font and must be no longer than a maximum of five (5) typed pages combined. Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.


Please provide individual responses, numbered accordingly, to each of the following statements below:

  1. Please describe your experience developing and implementing organization-wide communication plans and overseeing external affairs and outreach activities, including social media, websites, presentations, and publications.
  1. Please describe your experience leading media relations and serving as an official spokesperson for an organization, including responding to difficult inquiries, preparing talking points, and building effective working relationships with the press.
  1. Please describe your experience formulating, maintaining, or overseeing a communications program that required identifying major internal or external developments or policy changes that involved sensitive or critical outreach.
  1. Please describe your experience advising executive leadership or senior management on communication strategies related to significant organizational initiatives or public policy matters.
  1. Please describe your experience that demonstrates knowledge of the organizations and functions of California State Government, including the organization and practices of the Legislature, the Executive Branch, the roles and responsibilities of constitutionally elected State Board of Equalization Members, and their impact on your communication strategy.



You must provide specific information in your response(s) that demonstrates how your knowledge, skills, and training meet the needs of this position.

Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

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: 10/21/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are eligible to be appointed to this Career Executive Assignment (CEA) by the State of California.

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:

Board of Equalization
Certification Section
Attn: Harman Ahluwalia (JC-491884)
Human Resources Bureau
651 Bannon Street, MIC: 00
Sacramento, CA 95811

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Board of Equalization
Certification Section
Northeast Tower 1st Floor; Attn: Harman Ahluwalia JC-491884
Human Resources Bureau
651 Bannon Street, MIC: 00
Sacramento, CA 95811
See "Additional Information" below for drop-off information.
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 - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) describes your experience, education, training, knowledge, skills, and abilities as they relate to the information contained in the "Special Requirements" section of this bulletin is required. You must provide specific examples. A SOQ will also serve as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. Please see the "SpecialRequirements" section for additional information.
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.

Examination Qualification Requirements

All applicants must possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements, described in this announcement.

Note: Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in the civil service.

Minimum Qualifications

CEA examinations are open to all applicants who possess the knowledge and abilities, and any other requirements as described in the examination bulletin. Eligibility to take a CEA examination does not require current permanent status in civil service.

General Qualifications

State civil service employees must possess essential general qualifications including integrity, initiative, dependability, good judgment, and ability to work cooperatively with others.

Knowledge and Abilities

Applicants must demonstrate the ability to perform high administrative and policy – influencing functions effectively. Such overall ability requires possession of most of the following more specific knowledge and abilities:

1.  Knowledge of the organization and functions of California State Government including the organization and practices of the Legislature and the Executive Branch; principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, and management; techniques of organizing and motivating groups; program development and evaluation; methods of administrative problem solving; principles and practices of policy formulation and development; and personnel management techniques; the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program objectives; and a manager’s role in the Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

2.  Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures and practices; integrate the activities of a diverse program to attain common goals; gain the confidence and support of top level administrators and advise them on a wide range of administrative matters; develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislature and Executive branches; analyze complex problems and recommend effective courses of action; and prepare and review reports; and effectively contribute to the department’s or agency’s Equal Employment Opportunity objectives.

These knowledge and abilities are expected to be obtained from the following kinds of experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation and/or evaluation of program policies (experience may have been paid or volunteer; in State service, other government settings, or in a private organization):

CEA Level A - Responsible for broad administrative and program activities, including the execution and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level B - Responsible for extensive managerial and program administration or broad program manager experience with substantial participation in the formulation, operation, and/or evaluation of program policies.

CEA Level C - Responsible for extensive highly professional influence and contributes to program, policy, and the methods to provide professional services needed to set policies, to meet the mission of the State department and often exercising technical and or professional skills that are required at this level.

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:
  • Demonstrated experience in delivering complex informtion in a clear, concise and professional manner through verbal and written communication.
  • Experience advising on sensitive political issues and working in a political environment.

Examination Information

The examination process will consist of a screening panel, that will review and score the SOQ's using predetermined evaluation criteria. The SOQ's will be used to evaluate your experience and will serve as documentation of your ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing. The SOQ's will be the only basis for your final score and rank on the eligible list.

Resumes do not take the place of the SOQ.

Specific information regarding the SOQ's can be found in the "Special Requirements" section and in the"Application Instructions" section, under "Required Application Package Documents" of this announcement.

If you meet the requirements stated in this announcement, you may take this competitive examination. Possession of the Examination Qualifications requirements does not assure a place on the eligible list. Your performance in the examination will be compared with the performance of others who take this examination, and all successful candidates will be ranked according to their scores.

A minimum rating of 70% must be attained in the Examination to obtain list eligibility for this position. All candidates will receive written notification of their examination results.

The results of this examination will only be used to fill this position. Applications will be retained for twelve months.

Hiring interviews for the Job may be conducted with the most qualified candidates.

The examining Department reserves the right to revise the examination plan to better meet the needs of the service, if the circumstances under which this examination was planned change. Such revision will be in accordance with civil service law and rules and all competitors will be notified.

Special Testing Arrangements

If you have a disability and need special testing arrangements, answer the Reasonable Accommodations question appropriately on your Application (STD 678). You will be contacted to make specific arrangements. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this announcement.

Benefits

Working for the State offers great opportunities, generous benefits, and career development.


In addition, our location offers:
  • Free parking.
  • Major freeway access from I-5 and I-80.
  • Located near eateries and shopping.

For more information about the outstanding benefits offered to State Employees https://www.calhr.ca.gov/employees/Pages/salary-and-benefits.aspx.

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

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://www.boe.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Harman Ahluwalia
(916) 309-0186
Harmanjyot.Ahluwalia@cdtfa.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Lisa Renati
(916) 274-3563
Lisa.Renati@cdtfa.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Office
(916) 274-3561
EEO@boe.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

ADDITIONAL APPLICATION INFORMATION

Using the online application system as specified in the announcement is the preferred method of applying for civil service job opportunities; however, applicants may instead apply by way of U.S. mail, parcel delivery or courier service, or in person, as set forth in this announcement.

 

Paper applications must include a signature. Dates printed on envelopes by mobile barcodes or equivalent mobile print technology are not acceptable proof of the date the application and any other required documents or materials were filed.

A completed state application (STD. 678) and any documents list under “Required Application Documents” must be submitted with your application package.


Hard Copy Mailing Information

PLEASE NOTE:  Applications received by mail that are not postmarked on, or before, the Final Filing Date WILL NOT be accepted. It is highly recommended that applicants submit application packages either electronically or in person to ensure a timely filing.

Do not send your application materials via interoffice or interagency mail. Applications received in this manner will not be accepted and cannot be returned pursuant to California Code of Regulations §174. It is the personal responsibility of each examination candidate to submit their application materials within the timeframe and manner specified on this posting.

Please remove any confidential information (i.e. social security number, date of birth, etc.) from your documents prior to submission.


Drop-Off Information

To drop-off an application you MUST hand deliver the application package on or before the final filing date to the Sacramento Field Office between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Monday through Friday (excluding Holidays). Applications WILL NOT be accepted by on-duty security guards or if left unattended at the reception desk.

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.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job