Senior Public Affairs Specialist

The purpose of this classification is to develop and execute digital communications activities; research and implement outreach and engagement strategies for various audiences; develop materials for executive speaking engagements; and support planning and production of SCAG’s signature events.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Senior Public Affairs Specialist job is the advanced level within the career family. Individuals in this classification independently perform complex work and have primary responsibility for strategy development over a particular functional area/discipline/or group of projects. This may be demonstrated by having responsibility for CRM solution and independently developing and releasing content to external audiences that proactively address items of media interest.

• Designs and deploys digital communication strategies for agency events and projects

• Develops communication timelines specific to project and event needs and intended outcomes
• Develops and implements strategies to grow SCAG’s audience and identifies opportunities to increase engagement and outreach
• Coordinates and develops materials for external speaking engagements of SCAG executives, including talking points and PowerPoint slide decks
• Authors communications, assists with editorial calendar management, and conducts reporting and analysis
• Conducts programming and speaker coordination and provides general event support for SCAG's signature events

• Provides assistance with CRM content updates
• Performs reasonably related duties within the scope of the classification as assigned

• Any combination of training, education, and experience that would provide the required skills, knowledge, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be with 5 years' experience in a support role, especially in a political setting and a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• Principles, practices, methods, and techniques of communication
• Project coordination and event planning
• Digital communications platforms

• Southern California media landscape
• Regional transportation and land use issues

• Written and oral communications

• Attention to detail
• Organization and time management
• Leadership

• Write clearly and concisely
• Meet scheduled deadlines
• Manage and process data
• Develop and/or review clear, concise communications and reports

• Use basic to intermediate features of Microsoft Office Suite
• Contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the division, the department, and business unit objectives including the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction.

• 
  Limited fiscal responsibility.

• Classification has limited fiscal responsibility. Responsibilities may include: (1) assisting in the collection and preparation of data in support of recommendations for budget allocations, typically within an assigned department; (2) monitoring and documenting project budgets and expenditures; (3) supporting purchasing needs through ordering inventory and monitoring spending. Risk at this level is limited as errors can be identified and resolved quickly and may result in loss of incumbent’s time to correct the error or minor financial loss.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS

The work environment and exposures described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This position is relative free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards and is generally sedentary. Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

TRAVEL

May require transit or car trips exceeding 45 minutes and/or air travel outside of the region, as needed for business purposes.

EEO STATEMENT

Southern California Association of Governments is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, mental condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. We strive to embrace and actively support an inclusive and diverse work environment where the personal dignity of each person is recognized, valued, and celebrated. To achieve this objective, we must hire, retain, and inspire the right people to do the right work. Each member of the workforce is charged with contributing diversity of thought through intersectional identities and experiences.