Job Posting: Public Affairs Manager

Office of Traffic Safety

JC-517182
-
Public Affairs Manager
INFORMATION OFFICER II

$7,498.00 - $9,317.00 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: 5/15/2026

Job Description and Duties

Under administrative direction of the Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs (CEA), the Public Affairs Manager (Information Officer II) is responsible for managing the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Communications and Public Affairs raises awareness of traffic safety issues and promotes a positive traffic safety culture. The incumbent oversees and promotes agency activities through traditional and emerging media that positions the agency as the subject matter expert and voice of traffic safety. The incumbent acts as a lead on many education campaign initiatives and projects, as well as managing the OTS social media content strategy and public outreach and engagement efforts.

The incumbent utilizes principles of graphic design, photo/video production, and storytelling to publicize agency programs and services in a variety of media, offers communications support to key stakeholders and partners, works closely with the media to leverage positive stories about agency programs, and coordinates related internal and external communications with OTS grant sub-recipients and other traffic safety partners.

Eligibility for hire may be determined by your score on the Information Officer II exam. For those who do not have current eligibility (e.g., transfer, permissive reinstatement, or voluntary demotions) and/or who will be new to state civil services employment, you must be on the state examination list to be eligible for these positions. To apply for the exam, please click here and search by typing in the classification title.

PARF #91-26-0014 / JC-517182

Working Conditions

This position is located at 2208 Kausen Drive, Suite 300 Elk Grove, CA 95758.

Multiple positions may be filled from this recruitment. 

The OTS is a Hybrid workplace designed to support remote and office-centered telework arrangements. Our office is located right off I-5 for easy access and includes free parking. This position includes the option to telework except for some in office days.

The work environment is fast-paced, busy, and requires considerable flexibility in managing time, priorities, and assignments. We are a small and energetic department that values individual and team contributions while maintaining a high-quality work-life balance. The incumbent will be required to travel to stakeholder offices or other meeting facilities throughout California. The incumbent will work in a hybrid telework environment. The office is climate-controlled between 64 and 84 degrees under artificial lighting.

New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-517182
Position #(s):
703-006-5595-002
Working Title:
Public Affairs Manager
Classification:
INFORMATION OFFICER II
$7,498.00 - $9,317.00
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:
Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

OTS Vision:  All people will be safe on California roads.

 

OTS Mission:  Deliver traffic safety programs to prevent people from being killed and seriously injured in California.

 

Core Values

Passion:  We are devoted to our critical and urgent mission of saving lives.

Collaboration:  We cultivate collaboration with our partners and with the communities we serve.

Inclusion:  We value all people and engage with communities and stakeholders so that everyone has a voice, prioritizing underserved areas most impacted by traffic safety problems.

Innovation:  We continuously seek new ways to improve our programs and traffic safety.

Integrity:  We lead by example to promote respect, accountability, and trust.

 

Office of Traffic Safety

Special Requirements

Statement of Qualifations:
1. Please provide examples from your previous work experience that demonstrate how you have informed the public through a news release, social media, website, video and other digital content. Also describe how you measured success, and any lessons learned to adapt or refine.

2. Describe a time you had to handle a major crisis or emergency and quickly deliver messages to the media and public. Please explain how you approached the situation, the actions taken, any challenges faced, and the outcome.

3. Describe your previous work experience using a web-based content management system (CMS) and various programs within the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Premiere, etc.). Please provide examples of other design/editing tools you have used for communications materials.

4. Please describe your previous work experience developing and implementing communication campaigns with hard-to-reach communities who may not regularly interact or work with government entities. Please describe the strategies deployed for a more inclusive communications program that reaches different target audiences.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment.  If you are basing your eligibility on education, you must include your unofficial transcript(s)/diploma for verification. Unofficial, original, or official sealed transcripts will be accepted and may be required upon appointment. Applicants with foreign transcripts/degrees must provide a transcript/degree U.S. equivalency report evaluation that indicates the number of units and degree to which the foreign coursework is equivalent. Please visit either of the following two websites for a list of evaluation agencies: https://www.naces.org/members or https://aice-eval.org.  Please redact birthdates and social security numbers

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: 5/15/2026

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. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

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:

Office of Traffic Safety
c/o Department of Transportation
Attn: Caltrans DHR Contact
P.O. Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Office of Traffic Safety
c/o Department of Transportation
Caltrans DHR Contact
P.O. Box 168036
Sacramento, CA 95816-8036
Closed on weekends and State holidays.
08:00 AM - 05:00 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 optional. It may be included, but is not required.
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.

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:
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience with handling media calls, conducting and facilitating interviews.
• Experience with and strong knowledge of social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Ability to apply public relations research and methodologies to address specific problems or issues.
• Experience serving as a spokesperson.
• Ability to perform special event planning, coordination, and promotion.
• Exceptional communication skills, specifically in crisis communications and emergency response.
• Experience with computer applications related to desktop publishing, graphics, website, and video design (Adobe Suite, Canva, Hootsuite, Constant Contact, DiviBuilder, Wordpress, Microsoft Office Suite) and the Internet.
• Public relations and marketing experience.
• Background in journalism, media relations, public relations, or marketing.
• Self-starter who can exercise initiative and think creatively to communicate information.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple changing, complex and competing priorities to complete tasks in an appropriate time frame.
• Ability to execute strong leadership, professional and legal ethics to build credibility through the implementation of clear principles.
• Bilingual fluent in another language.

Benefits

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

Important Application Instructions:

Title: Important Application Instructions:

The State application (STD. 678) is required, and each section must be filled out completely and thoroughly. For mailed or hand delivered applications to be considered for this position, the Job Control number (JC-517182), PARF# 91-26-0014 and title of the position (Insert Classification Title) must be included on the STD. 678 form.

 

Electronic applications through your CalCareers account are highly recommended and encouraged.

 

Candidates that meet the minimum qualifications based on possession of EDUCATION, LICENSE, OR CERTIFICATE must include a copy of your DEGREE/TRANSCRIPTS, LICENSE, or CERTIFICATE, along with your State application (STD. 678), to be considered for this position.

 

NOTE: Do not submit the “Equal Employment Opportunity” questionnaire (page 5) with your completed State application (STD. 678). This page is for examination use only. Do not include any confidential information on any documents you submit for this job vacancy, such as your state application, resume, or educational transcripts.  Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number, birth date, driver’s license number, examination results, LEAP status, marital status, and age.  The job application packet checklist is not required to apply for this position.  Failure to follow these instructions may result in your application not being considered for this position.

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