Manager, Communications

Salary : $96,382.00 - $117,431.00 Annually
Location : Santa Barbara - Goleta
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2023-00074
Division: Superintendent
Department: Communications
Opening Date: 02/01/2024
Closing Date: Continuous
Specific Location: Santa Barbara
General Description
Our ideal candidate
You are an exceptional communicator who is adept at telling an organization's story, orally as well as in writing and images. You demonstrate initiative in mastering new communication tools and strategies. You are versatile, able to work independently and also lead teams in developing and executing plans and projects. You have a passion for the education field and are committed to providing the best service possible to the Santa Barbara County Education Office, school districts, students, and the community.
General description
Under administrative direction, translate organizational objectives into broad terms of public understanding; develop and implement internal and external communication strategies across the organization; provide day-to-day oversight of departmental operations and initiatives; provide functional supervision, guidance, and support to other members of the Communications team; maintain productive relationships with the media and external groups; and ensure that SBCEO has a robust presence across various media channels and platforms.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop strategic and segmented communications strategies for the purpose of ensuring services are provided within established and fulfilling all related requirements.
• Support the Director, Communications in achieving department and organizational communications goals with the purpose of inspiring public and community engagement, and awareness of SBCEO impacts and outcomes.
• Coordinate and collaborate with SBCEO divisions and departments to achieve stated goals, including identifying opportunities for improved systems and best practices (e.g. technology integrations, project management, and branding).
• Draft time-sensitive communication materials such as talking points, remarks and speeches, editorials, and media statements for use by Superintendent and other SBCEO leaders in representing the organization; draft and oversee production of other communication materials, including website content, press releases, brochures, surveys, and forms.
• Independently or by leading a team, develop a wide variety of sophisticated materials, e.g. crisis plans, communications plans, annual impact reports, and newsletters.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of communications resources such as media toolkits and branding guides.
• Respond to requests for public records in accordance with state law.
• Design and execute engaging social media strategies and marketing and promotional campaigns for SBCEO events and initiatives; review analytics to determine effectiveness of campaigns and adjust strategy as needed, manage project budgets as applicable.
• Oversee development of a wide range of digital and print communications copy (e.g. radio commentaries, video scripts, multimedia presentations, social media posts, flyers, and articles) that represents SBCEO in the community.
• Engage in ongoing professional development such as attending workshops, trainings, seminars, and conferences and participating in professional associations to maintain knowledge of industry best practices, trends, and innovations.
• Provide support to County Board of Education meetings, including webinar moderation, video production, presenter preparation, and special events
• As assigned during emergency or disaster situations, provide prompt and accurate information to SBCEO, district staff, and the public.
• May respond on behalf of the organization to members of the public who contact SBCEO to express concerns about sensitive or controversial topics.
• May perform supervisory duties, including: interviewing and selecting staff; planning, assigning, and reviewing the work of assigned staff; providing coaching, training, and professional development; establishing performance standards and evaluating performance; and taking disciplinary action as needed.

Requirements
A typical way to qualify for this classification would be:
Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in journalism, communications, marketing, education, English, or other related field.
Experience: Two years of experience coordinating and implementing communications campaigns and strategies, preferably in the public, education, or nonprofit sectors.
Equivalent combinations of training, education, and experience that provide the required knowledge and abilities will also be considered.
Knowledge of:

• Public relations practices, procedures, and terminology
• Principles and practices of non-profit marketing
• Effective social media practices and strategies for a professional setting, including Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and other platforms
• Principles and standards of web design
• Principles and practices of project management and supervision
• Principles of budget management
• Graphic design
• Website design and maintenance, site development and management, and website analytics
• Correct English usage, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary

Ability to:

• Learn County Education Office organization, operations, policies and objectives
• Plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize work of self and others
• Lead and work effectively with teams to accomplish goals and consistently meet timelines
• Handle multiple tasks, work under pressure, and adapt to priorities and deadlines that are subject to frequent change
• Complete work despite frequent interruptions
• Work independently
• Quickly learn and navigate new technologies
• Draft a variety of written materials independently and from general oral instructions
• Organize and edit rough draft copy
• Take photos using a variety of devices, including camera, phone, and tablet
• Use mobile devices to update digital content
• Represent SBCEO positively to the media, the public, and other agencies
• Demonstrate diplomacy, tact, patience, courtesy, and professionalism
• Operate a computer and other office equipment and related software programs, including a content management system

Ability to speak, read, and write Spanish fluently and skills in photography and videography are desirable.
Licenses and certificates
Valid California driver's license; automobile insurance required by law; and the use of a dependable automobile.
Working conditions
Positions in this classification are considered generally sedentary. Most work is performed at a desk and usually involves extensive use of computers, telephones, and other office equipment. Noise levels are typically low to moderate, and interruptions may be frequent. Strenuous physical activity - such as lifting and carrying heavy objects, crawling, or stooping - is not generally associated with this classification. The work of this classification involves the use of the senses, including vision (and color vision) and hearing. This classification is not typically exposed to significant safety hazards.
Work is performed in a typical modern office environment. Local travel to a variety of locations is required. Occasional attendance at evening and weekend meetings and events is also required.
Supplemental Information
Classified Management salary ranges have 9 steps (A-I). Initial salary placement for new hires may be at any step of the range, based on qualifications.
Click here for an Overview of Our Application & Selection Process.
RECRUITMENT INFORMATION:
• All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process for the position.
• The examination process may include one or more of the following: written, oral, and performance examination.
• Candidates must pass all parts of the examination process to be placed on the eligibility list. Final score will determine the candidate's rank on the eligibility list.
• A candidate in the top three ranks (including tie scores) on the eligibility list may be considered for hire; when there are multiple vacancies in the same job classification, additional ranks will be considered.
• This recruitment is Dual Certification, meaning it is open to all applicants, including current SBCEO employees and those from the general public. Dual certification results in one integrated eligibility list based on rank.
• Eligibility lists are generally valid for six months; promotional eligibility lists are valid for one year. Lists may be exhausted prior to the original expiration date, or they may be extended with the approval of the Personnel Commission.
• If you require an accommodation for any step of the application and selection process, please notify Human Resources by the application deadline date (or as soon as possible for an open continuous recruitment).
• Veterans' Preference Points: This recruitment is eligible for veterans' preference points for qualifying veterans.
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
For purposes of this policy, employees include job applicants, interns, volunteers, and persons who contracted with SBCEO to provide services, as applicable.
No SBCEO employee shall be discriminated against or harassed by any coworker, supervisor, manager, or other person with whom the employee comes in contact in the course of employment, on the basis of the employee's actual or perceived race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, religious creed, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran or military status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.
SBCEO prohibits discrimination against employees on the basis of reproductive health decision making, defined as a person's decision to use or access a particular drug, device, product, or medical service for reproductive health.
SBCEO does not discriminate against employees on the basis of immigration status, unless there is clear and convincing evidence that SBCEO is required to do so in order to comply with federal immigration law.
At the Santa Barbara County Education Office, benefits-eligible employees have access to a variety of benefits and opportunities to enhance the quality of their lives. Some of these differ depending on employment as a part-time or full-time employee. Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are available to employees who regularly work at least 50% (20 hours) or more. Part-time employees who work between 20 and 35 hours per week receive benefits on a pro-rated basis. Please see below for information on benefits for substitutes.
The following is a list of examples of benefits that may be included.
For more details, visit our
Paid Sick Leave for Substitutes
Healthy Workplaces/Healthy Families Act of 2014
California law provides for paid sick leave for employees who work for the same employer for 30 or more days within a year from the beginning of employment are entitled to paid sick leave. Accrual begins on the first day of employment.
Insurance, Income Protection, and Tax-Savings Plans
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans are available to employees who regularly work at least 50% (20 hours) or more.

• Medical/Vision (PPO)
• Dental (HMO/PPO)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Voluntary accidental death & dismemberment
• Voluntary long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary short-term disability - We offer this plan for employees who want coverage for accidents or temporary medical conditions that may keep them out of work. SBCEO does not participate in State Disability Insurance.
• Voluntary supplemental insurance plans
  • Critical Illness
  • Hospital Protection
  • Personal Accident
  • Personal Cancer

Flexible Spending Account

• Dependent Care Reimbursement
• Medical Reimbursement

529 college savings plan

Retirement Readiness

• CalSTRS
• CalSTRS Welcome Video
• CalPERS
• CalPERS YouTube Channel
• 403(b) and 457 retirement savings plans. Take advantage of tax-deferred savings in order to supplement your pension benefits in retirement. SBCEO does not participate in Social Security for regular employees.
• Retiree health benefits available

Work-Life Balance
The paid time off benefits listed below are pro-rated based on the employee's full-time equivalent (FTE) and calendar. Individual benefits will also be based on position, bargaining unit, length of service, and other applicable factors.

• Paid vacation for eligible positions
• Sick leave - 12 days per year, with unlimited accrual
• Holidays - 14 days per year, based on the Central Office Calendar. School site calendars vary.

Membership & Employee Discounts

• Coastal Housing Partnership
• Holman Group Employee Assistance Program
• Credit Unions
  • Santa Barbara Teachers Federal Credit Union
  • Santa Barbara Federal Credit Union

Employee Discounts

Professional Development

• LinkedIn Learning
• Classified Employee Professional Growth Program
• Grant Programs