Board of Supervisors - Communication Director/Deputy Chief of Staff

Full Job Description

Bargaining Unit: Management - Mgmt Classes, Classified & Exempt

Why join the office of Contra Costa County Board Supervisor Shanelle Scales-Preston?
Contra Costa County’s District 5 spans the county’s northern waterfront in almost its entirety. Thus, it is a demographically diverse district with constituents representing several cultural and language groups and many spoken languages. Working in District 5 will afford one the opportunity to engage with a diverse constituency, and address issues such as environmental safety, community health, services for the unhoused, children and family services, and more.

The Board of Supervisors’ District 5 office is seeking a Communication Director - Deputy Chief of Staff to serve as a senior advisor and lead communications professional for the District 5 Supervisor. This position combines strategic communications leadership with hands-on district engagement, multimedia content development, and direct staffing of the Supervisor at public meetings and community events.

You will develop and execute communications strategies that reflect District 5 priorities, support constituent engagement, and elevate community-centered storytelling.

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in multimedia communications, including social media, video, or digital storytelling
• Experienced in performing communications, public affairs, legislative, or executive support functions
• Able to produce clear, concise, and accurate written materials for public audiences
• Experienced in staffing an elected official or serving in a district or executive office
• Knowledgeable of local government operations
• Familiar with District 5 communities and issues
• Experienced in supporting senior leadership or elected officials
• Able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong in interpersonal skills and can work effectively with diverse communities

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Serving as a senior advisor to the Supervisor on communications strategy, messaging, and public engagement
• Drafting, editing, and coordinating talking points, remarks, speeches, editorials, press releases, and official statements
• Assisting the Supervisor at meetings, site visits, and community events; providing real-time briefing and follow-up
• Developing and managing district communications across social media, newsletters, video, and digital platforms
• Monitoring district issues, public sentiment, and emerging events to inform messaging and strategic response
• Representing the Supervisor with community organizations, local agencies, and stakeholders as assigned
• Coordinating with County departments and communications staff to ensure accuracy, consistency, and alignment
• Supporting office operations and special projects as directed by the Chief of Staff

Here are a few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have varied opportunities for community engagement
• You will work in a professional, positive environment that encourages new ideas, creativity, and innovation
• You will work with a collaborative and highly skilled team that is committed to their community
• You will receive competitive pay and benefits

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You may occasionally work some unusual hours, including some evenings and weekends
• You will have to navigate rapidly evolving issues that require quick decision-making and immediate responses
• You will need to balance competing priorities
• You will need to exercise high levels of discretion and confidentiality with potentially sensitive information

Qualifications

Education: Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, business, communications, management, political science, economics, psychology, sociology, social science or closely related field.

Experience: Four (4) years of experience within a public or governmental municipality which involved sensitive public issues and exposure to policy and budget review and interpretation, preferably serving a member of a Board of Supervisors.

License: Possession of a valid driver's license may be required depending upon assignment to perform the essential job functions of the position.

Substitution for Education: Additional years of qualifying experience may be substituted on a year-to-year basis for the required education.

Additional Information

• Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at www.cccounty.us/hr and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date. This includes submitting a copy of your resume and cover letter for this position.
• Application Evaluation: All completed applications received by the final filing date will be evaluated to determine which candidates will move forward in the next phase of the recruitment process.
• Interview: Following review of the applications, a select group of the most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview.

Applications submitted without the required documents listed below will not be accepted:

• Resume
  • Your resume should include your work experience, including job titles, duties, and employment dates
• A cover letter

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer.

If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances.

Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County.

If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.

Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.