C. E. A.

Job Posting: Communications Deputy Director

Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement

JC-515351

• Communications Deputy Director

C. E. A.

$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 per Month

Final Filing Date: 5/1/2026

Application Methods:

Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)

By Mail

Drop-off

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Job Description and Duties

Under the general direction of the GO-Serve Communications and External Affairs Senior Deputy Director (CEA C), the Communications Deputy Director (CEA B) is responsible for managing public communication and communication strategies for GO-Serve. The Communications Deputy Director is responsible for developing and implementing organizational communication policies to ensure consistent, effective, and aligned messaging across both internal and external communication channels. The Communications Deputy Director also provides support to media relations efforts to promote transparency, foster public engagement, and build trust in GO-Serve's programs and services.

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

Working Conditions

Persons appointed to this position must be reasonably expected to exert up to 10lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects with or without a reasonable accommodation. Involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Occasional/overnight travel up to 10% may be required. Occasional extended hours outside of normal working business hours may be required.

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.

• C. E. A.

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details

Job Code #:

JC-515351

Position #(s):

428-202-7500-001

Working Title:

Communications Deputy Director

Classification:

C. E. A.

$12,131.00 - $14,453.00 B

# of Positions:

1

Work Location:

Sacramento County

Telework:

Hybrid

Job Type:

Career Executive Assignment - Non Tenured, Full Time

Work Shift:

8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Work Week:

Monday to Friday

Department Information

The Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement (GO-Serve) elevates paid service and volunteerism in the state, promotes more youth and community engagement, and advances public awareness and outreach campaigns to tackle the state's most pressing challenges. Go-Serve consists of the Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), California Volunteers (CV), and the Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC).

Telework

This position is eligible for hybrid work in accordance with the Governor's Executive Order N-22-25 and at the sole discretion of the Governor's Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation (LCI) under California Government Code Section 14200. All telework schedules are subject to change and may be re-evaluated at any time. The incumbent will be expected to report for in office work 2 days per week and attend work related in-person events as deemed operationally necessary. Telework does not change the terms and conditions of employment, the essential functions of job duties, or required compliance with the LCI policies.

Persona Leave Program Reduction

In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction. For more details, please click here to visit the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) website.

CA residency

Candidates who reside outside of the State of California may be admitted to the job interview. However, upon job offer, candidates must provide proof of residence in California prior to their appointment becoming effective, or the offer may be rescinded.

Department Website: https://serve.ca.gov/

Special Requirements

The incumbent must be detail-oriented and possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Highly organized, creative, and self-motivated with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced team office environment. Demonstrated ability to act independently and as a member of a team with open- mindedness, flexibility, and tact. Ability to problem-solve and use critical and creative thinking to effectively perform work. Display good interaction skills and the ability to deal professionally, congenially and in a personable manner with the public, other governmental entities, and staff at all levels. Communicate successfully in a diverse community as well as with individuals from varied backgrounds.

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: 5/1/2026

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:

Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement

Primary Exam Contact

Attn: Cristina Granado

1400 10th St

Sacramento, CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement

Primary Exam Contact

Cristina Granado

1400 10th St

Sacramento, CA 95814

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 required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications -

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is REQUIRED and MUST be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Applications received without the SOQ will not be considered. Résumés in lieu of the SOQ will not be considered.

Refer to the SOQ Requirement Section of this job posting for the SOQ questions.

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.

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:

• 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.
• 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:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex policy concepts into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Politically savvy, proactive, and comfortable navigating ambiguity.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, adapt, and implement strategic communications plans aligned with organizational goals in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing organizational communication policies that ensure consistent, effective, and aligned messaging across internal and external communication channels.
• Skilled in media relations with a strong understanding of earned media and experience working across traditional and digital platforms.
• Proficient in technical aspects of communications, including copywriting, graphic design, social media marketing, content management systems, and website management.
• Strong interpersonal skills; able to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven, team-oriented environment.
• Proven ability to integrate diverse perspectives, contextual factors, and stakeholder input into effective communications strategies.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in communications and workplace culture.
• Highly organized and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Exercises excellent judgment, acts with integrity, and adapts quickly to evolving circumstances.
• Eager to learn and apply new skills while supporting a culture of teamwork, empathy, and mutual support.
• Experienced in making effective decisions and driving results under pressure in dynamic settings.

Examination Information

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

There are many benefits to joining our team!

GO-SERVE employees are eligible for a number of benefits. Health benefits and leave programs are available for most employees. Benefit eligibility may depend on length of service and collective bargaining agreements.

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

Some added benefits GO-SERVE offers include:

• 11 paid holidays
• Alternate work schedules
• Flexible work hours
• Hybrid schedule
• Nearby cafes and restaurants
• Walking distance to public transit

Contact Information

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

Department Website: https://serve.ca.gov/

Human Resources Contact:

Cristina Granado

(279) 259-1534

cristina.granado@lci.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:

Alanna Dayton

(279) 228-3940

Alanna.dayton@lci.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 Instructions

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.

All information regarding your employment history must be included on the State Employment Application STD. 678. Applications that are submitted blank or with "see resume" in place of duties performed or applications received without the following information for each job entry will be considered incomplete and will not be accepted:

• "To" and "from" dates (month/day/year)
• Hours worked per week
• Private sector job titles
• Supervisor name and phone number
• Job duties performed
• State employees must list the specific departments for which they worked and indicate the specific civil service classification titles held (not working titles).

Transcripts

If you are meeting minimum qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcript for verification. If selected, you will be required to provide official transcripts at the time of hire. Foreign transcripts must include official verification of U.S equivalency prior to appointment by an organization found here.

Personal Identifying Information

Please do not include your Social Security Number, date of birth, veteran status, personal photos, LEAP information, or any other personally identifying information on any documents in your application package.

Statement of Qualifications

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS (SOQ)

CEA - Communications Deputy Director

A Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) is required and must be submitted along with your State application (STD 678). The SOQ explains how the applicants' education and experience align with the evaluation criteria below and demonstrate their qualifications for the position.

Instructions: When completing the SOQ, you must title the page "Statement of Qualifications" and include your name and the Job Control number at the top of each page. You must list each question and provide your answer below each question. Responses should be no longer than four (4) pages in total length, single-spaced, and 12-point Arial font. Include all relevant experience, education, and training for the statements below.

Note: Resumes, letters, and other materials cannot substitute the SOQ.

• Share specific examples of your expertise in managing statewide communications efforts for a state agency or department, such as news media relations, publications, flyers, reports, presentations, electronic communications, social media and websites. How did you integrate principles, techniques, and procedures related to the responsibilities outlined in the job description?
• Describe your experience serving as a spokesperson and handling media relations. How have you acted as a liaison with the public, media, and stakeholders?
• Describe your experience leading and directing a broad, complex, innovative, productive, and responsive communications team and your ability to develop a compelling and tangible vision to inspire a team and stakeholders.
• Describe your experience developing and executing strategic communication plans to advance policy goals. Include specific examples of your execution, the outcomes achieved, and how you managed a team throughout the process.

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.