Job Description

Job Description and Duties

At the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA), we are working to rethink what’s possible through strategic communication. Going beyond public information checklists and playbooks of the past, we strive to make a difference through connecting with people and telling the stories that may often get overlooked or lost in the details. We need a passionate and experienced communications professional who’s willing to roll up their sleeves, put pen to paper, and help us make this happen.

This is your chance to drive cutting-edge communications on a state, national, and global stage. The CNRA Communications Officer role is ideal for someone who thrives on action, embraces innovation and new ways of doing things, and has a clear vision of where the communications field is headed—and isn’t afraid to lead the way. We’re looking for someone who is endlessly curious, continuously learning, and unafraid to dive in, push the boundaries, and craft compelling narratives across various channels, including traditional media, digital media, live events, and face-to-face engagement.

As CNRA’s Communications Officer, you’ll work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment under the guidance of the Deputy Secretary for Communications. Collaborating closely with the Assistant Deputy Secretary for Communications and the broader communications team, you’ll play a key role in supporting the Natural Resources Secretary and the CNRA Executive Team by: 

• Leading media relations through managing 1-2 critical issue areas, providing guidance for department operations, and supporting speaking engagements and press events. Exceptional writing skills, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal abilities are essential for building strong relationships and handling high-pressure situations. 

• Driving social media and content creation by taking charge of CNRA’s digital communication channels, developing and maintaining a weekly content calendar, and spotting opportunities to tell agency stories in meaningful ways. This includes knowing the latest trends and news, understanding how to leverage this, creating engaging social media content that breaks through the noise, shooting and editing short-form videos, and translating complex government information into something compelling that someone wants to read or be aware of.
  

• Coordinating high-profile events through partnering with internal teams, leadership, and external stakeholders to plan and execute agency events, digital webinars, and other special event programs. Serve as a representative of the Secretary’s Office and a high-level liaison with the Governor’s Office and department leaders. 

While this position serves under a matrix reporting structure and will regularly work with leaders across all levels of government and the Governor’s Office, the Communications Officer is responsible for prioritizing and organizing workflow, independently driving strategy, spotting opportunities, and delivering content and projects from idea to implementation.

Minimum Qualifications (MQs): The MQs for this classification can be found at . The documents you submit in your application package must highlight how you meet the MQs. If the MQs are not met, you will not be considered for this position.

Hybrid and Telework Employees: Teleworking is only available for employees who reside in California. You must be relocated to California and provide your in-state address prior to your start date.

You will find additional information about the job in the .

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Special Requirements

You must include the following if you are applying by mail or in person:

1) How you are eligible (list eligibility, transfer within state service, reinstatement, SROA/surplus, etc.) in the Explanations box on the first page of the STD. 678.

2) The Job Control number 461930 and the title of the position you are applying for in the Examination(s) or Job Title(s) box on the first page of the STD. 678.

3) Request for Personnel Action Number 130-194 in the Explanations box of the STD. 678.

4) Your original signature at the bottom of the first page of the STD. 678.

5) Include unofficial school transcripts with your application package if the position you are applying for has an educational requirement. You may be required to provide official transcripts if hired.

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: 2/10/2025

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.

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 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:

California Energy Commission

Personnel Office - Postal

Attn: RPA 130-194|JC-461930

715 P Street, MS-3

Sacramento , CA 95814

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

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

California Energy Commission

Personnel Office - Drop Off

RPA 130-194|JC-461930

715 P Street, MS-3

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 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.
• Degree and/or School Transcripts
• Other - Include a cover letter of no more than one page in length describing why you are the best candidate for this position.
• Statement of Qualifications - Include an SOQ that answers the questions below.

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.

Benefits

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

Contact Information

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

Department Website:

Human Resources Contact:
Personnel Office
(916) 654-4309
Personnel.Services@energy.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:
Carousel Gore
(916) 661-8122
Carousel.Gore@energy.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.

Statement of Qualifications

Your SOQ should be no longer than two pages, single-spaced, with no smaller than 12-point font. Applications received without an SOQ will not be considered. Visit  How to Write a Statement of Qualifications for instructions.

1. Describe your view on the direction of modern communications and storytelling, both as a strategic tool and a way for connecting with people. Please share examples of how you apply this to your work as a communications professional.

2. How do you stay current on the latest communication trends, strategies, and needs of the modern audience? Please provide examples of how you apply continuous learning to your daily work as a communications professional.

3. What are the top challenges facing communication professionals today? Please share examples of how you address/overcome these challenges through your work.

4. Starting on day one, what is your vision for this position and how would you use it to make a difference?

5. In a fast-paced environment, how do you practice emotional intelligence and help add value to the team? How do you independently self-manage and self-prioritize during stressful or challenging situations?

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Second job, Remote job, Relocation,

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