Deputy Communications Director

GO-Serve is seeking a Communications Deputy Director to oversee strategic communications, align messaging across the organization and support media relations that elevate our statewide service initiatives.

Apply today: https://bit.ly/4trWsbp

Final filing date is 5/1/2026

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.