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Job Description
CAREER DESCRIPTION
PUBLIC INFORMATION AND AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATOR
THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
The recruitment is being held to establish a list to fill current and future Public Information and Affairs Administrator positions for the District Attorney's Office and may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange .
Online applications will be accepted beginning on Thursday , October 16, 2025, and will be close on Wednesday , October 22, at 11:59 PM PST.
THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY:
The County of Orange, District Attorney (OCDA) represents the People of the State of California in criminal and civil proceedings, serves the court and criminal justice system, and the Orange County Grand Jury. The mission of the Office of the District Attorney is to enhance public safety and welfare and to protect and respect crime victims and to create security in the community through the vigorous enforcement of criminal and civil laws in a just, honest, efficient, and ethical manner. The Office consists of three major divisions: Legal, Investigative Bureau, and Administration.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Public Information and Affairs Administrator will be the trusted personal representative and liaison from the Office of the District Attorney to other local, regional, state and federal agencies. This position will develop and enhance communications between the Office of the District Attorney and various stakeholders including elected officials, regulatory agencies and the public. The position will also expand public outreach on behalf of the Office of the District Attorney to the community, business, civic and other organizations desiring more information, clarity, and education on county finances. This position will oversee internal and external public information activities on behalf of the Office of the District Attorney.
This position will serve as a 24/7 on-call spokesperson to act as a liaison for the OCDA with outside agencies and media outlets. The selected candidate will have the opportunity to:- Coordinate all media coverage, press releases and other media-related items for the OCDA on local, national, and international media levels;
- Effectively communicate legal concepts and serve as the OCDA's 24/7 on-call spokesperson to radio, newspaper, and television reporters;
- Effectively collaborate with internal staff and other County and law enforcement agencies;
- Conduct media relations training sessions for staff as needed;
- Create and develop press conferences and media plans by crafting objectives and strategies;
- Write speeches, create social media content, and other public communications;
- Host and organize the Victim's Rights Rally;
- Create and develop the OCDA's biennial report;
- Advise OCDA executives on media/public affairs issues;
- Maintain the OCDA's social media accounts and current Web site
The ideal candidate must have experience in media relations, communications, or a related field; knowledge of criminal law and the legal justice system is desirable; and proven experience, ability and expertise which would demonstrate the following desirable qualifications:- A Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, marketing, public/media relations, communications, business administration, advertising or a related field;
- A minimum of five years of experience serving as the spokesperson for a law enforcement agency or other related field;
- Substantial experience working directly with an elected official or Department Head;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proven ability to explain complex legal terminology into easily understandable public communications;
- Substantial experience in print and broadcast media and knowledge of public relations practices;
- Substantial understanding of the role of the District Attorney’s Office as well as the criminal justice system as a whole;
- Strong verbal and written skills to effectively communicate in print and broadcast to media;
- Ability to maintain confidential discretion;
- Ability to bring creative and innovative ideas to an existing organization;
- Demonstrated ability to work well and produce a quality product under pressure;
- Ability to effectively manage multiple employees;
- Work well with varying levels of the organizational hierarchy and varying levels of expertise;
- Proven success in developing effective media campaigns;
- Ability to understand and synthesize complex factual and legal situations and communicate these concepts effectively to the general public;
- Successfully manage competing priorities and fast-changing deadlines;
- Work within the context of applicable California Bar Rules of Professional Responsibilities and policies;
- Ability to create strategic thinking.
Professional | Technical- Experience in public relations and media relations
- Experience and skill developing and executing communications efforts that target both internal and external audiences
- Work cooperatively within the department to ensure the clarity and consistency of messages issued through all communication channels.
- Ability to speak in public as a lead representative at various events
- Use interpersonal skills to guide and coordinate communications throughout the agency
- Experience in public relations, media relations, and/or other inquiries
- Serve as a liaison and spokesperson on behalf of the organization interfacing with political officials, administrators, the community and/or various departments/agencies
- Possess acumen related to communication strategies for organizations with ongoing operations that are sensitive to the public
- Research, organize, accurately interpret, and apply relevant data
- Accurately identify issues, impacts, and solutions
- Integrate new ideas and contemporary approaches into problem solving
- Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, and establish priorities
- Mentor and develop staff by using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis
- Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality and excellence
Please click here to be directed to the class specification for full details regarding the minimum qualifications.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
District Attorney Human Resources screens all applications to identify if the applicant qualifies for the position based on the skills required to meet the needs of the Department. After the initial screening, qualified candidates will be referred to the next step of the recruitment process.
Application Appraisal Panel | Application Screening (Weighted 100%): Applications and supplemental responses will be screened/rated for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those candidates that meet the desirable qualifications listed in the job bulletin will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible List
Once the recruitment step has been completed, District Attorney Human Resources will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Based on the Department's needs, the recruitment process listed above may be modified. Applicants will be notified of any change(s) in the recruitment process.
Veterans Employment Preference Policy (VEPP):
The County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click here to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
BACKGROUND SCREENING:
Candidates under consideration for hire by the District Attorney will be required to pass an extensive background investigation to the satisfaction of the department.
EMAIL NOTIFICATION:
E-mail is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct e-mail address is included in our application and use only one e-mail account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply.
Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via e-mail through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your e-mail address should change, please update your profile at www.governmentjobs.com .
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Click here for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, contact Lynda Phan at Lynda.Phan@ocdapa.org or (714) 834-6224
EEO INFORMATION
Orange County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.
Administrative Management *
In addition to the County's standard suite of benefits -- such as a variety of health plan options, sick and vacation time and paid holidays -- we also offer an excellent array of benefits such as:
- Retirement: Benefits are provided through the Orange County Employees' Retirement System (OCERS). Please go to the following link to find out more about Defined Benefit Pensions and OCERS Plan Types/Benefits.
http://www.ocers.org/active-member-information. - Paid Leave: Twelve holidays per year plus sick and vacation time
- Health & Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
- Dental Insurance: County pays 100% of employee and dependent premiums
- Paid Life Insurance: $100,000 life insurance policy
- Paid Accidental & Death and Dismemberment Insurance: $100,000 AD&D insurance policy
- Paid Short & Long Term Disability insurance programs
- 457 Defined Contribution Program
*Effective 07/01/20, management employees who are sworn Public Safety Managers receive health insurance benefits through the AOCDS Medical Benefit Plans.
Click here for information about benefits offered to County of Orange employees.
Closing Date/Time: 10/22/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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County of Orange
Show moreDiscover a Fulfilling Career at the County of Orange
With a population of over 3 million residents and 34 cities, Orange County is a thriving community known for its beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and strong economy. As the third-largest employer in the county, the County of Orange offers over 18,000 employees the opportunity to make a difference in their community and build a fulfilling career in public service.
As a County of Orange employee, you will have the chance to work in a variety of departments, each providing vital services to our community. From law enforcement and healthcare to public works and environmental protection, there is a wide range of career paths to explore. And with opportunities for advancement and professional growth, you can build a long and rewarding career with us.
As a top employer in the region, the County of Orange is committed to providing our employees with excellent benefits, including a competitive salary, flexible work schedules, and outstanding healthcare coverage. We also offer opportunities for career development and training, ensuring that our employees have the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
Whether you're just starting your career or looking for a new challenge, the County of Orange is a great place to work. With a supportive and collaborative work environment, a commitment to excellence, and opportunities for growth and advancement, we invite you to join our team and make a difference in your community.
Community Impact:
Working for the County of Orange means you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in your community. Whether you're providing critical services to residents, protecting the environment, or maintaining public safety, your work will make a difference in the lives of those around you.
Employee Wellness:
At the County of Orange, we prioritize our employees' well-being. We offer telecommuting options, generous health benefits, and wellness programs to promote work-life balance. We believe that by taking care of our employee’s health and well-being, we can help them excel in their careers while still enjoying their personal lives and taking care of their families.
Innovation:
The County of Orange is committed to embracing new technologies and innovative approaches to service delivery. We encourage our employees to think creatively and find ways to improve our processes and systems. If you're someone who loves to problem-solve and think outside the box, you'll find a supportive and dynamic environment here.
Collaboration:
Collaboration is key to our success at the County of Orange. We value teamwork, communication, and mutual support, and we work together across departments and functions to achieve our goals. If you're someone who enjoys collaborating with others and building strong relationships, you'll find a welcoming and inclusive community here.
Equality:
At the County of Orange, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. Our Equity Policy reflects this commitment and guides our efforts to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in everything we do.
Career Advancement:
The County of Orange is dedicated to helping our employees grow and advance in their careers. We offer a variety of training and development opportunities to help our employees reach their full potential. If you're looking for a place to build a long and fulfilling career, the County of Orange is an excellent choice.
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