Senior Public Information Specialist

We will be accepting online applications on Wednesday October 22 2025 from 8:00 a.m. (PT) until Tuesday November 4 2025 before 5:00 p.m. (PT). All applications must be received before 5:00 p.m. (PT) on Tuesday November 4 2025 to be accepted.

EXAM NUMBER

T1609B

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT:

We welcome applications from everyone.

WHY WORK FOR US

With more than 10 million residents Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the nation! As the largest employer in Southern California over 116000 employees in more than 38 Departments we provide vital public services as diverse as law enforcement property assessment public health protection water conservation cultural activities and many more.

We are dedicated professionals committed to preserving the dignity and integrity of the workplace as well as protecting the rights of each employee. The County has more than 2300 different job descriptions offering a lifetime of opportunities and careers! We offer one of the strongest public-sector benefits packages in the country. Join us and discover a rich selection of health care options robust retirement plans and the flexibility to work relax and rejuvenate to reach your fullest personal and professional potential.

• Serve as a key resource to executive management advise on media relations strategic communications procedures and processes.

• Provide technical guidance or supervise a team of lower-level public information staff.

• In collaboration with Public Affairs leadership develop the departments public information program objectives and devise strategies and tactics to accomplish these objectives.

• Organize and assign work set priorities and follow up to ensure coordination and completion of assigned tasks.

• Participate in or supervise the development and execution of communication strategies tactics and deliverables through various communication channels such as web and social media content email newsletters and print collateral (e.g. brochures annual reports and other content).

• Oversee the coordination and execution of videography photography and graphic design services as needed.

• Research and oversee research of departmental projects for proactive media outreach (e.g. story pitches).

• In collaboration with Public Affairs leadership develop procedures standards and guidelines for the collection review and presentation of information to communicate to the public through various media channels and platforms.

• Work with Public Affairs leadership to coordinate news releases and the distribution of information to the media; organize and arrange public information campaigns and press conferences.

• Identify develop and maintain key communication channels adapt and improve them in alignment with external trends and business needs.

• Handle the intake and response to media requests for information under the California Public Records Act in coordination with departmental management and County Counsel.

• Attend and participate in meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations related to the field of public information and media relations.

• Serve as a liaison between the department and media representatives and develop effective relationships with media outlets.

• Monitor and track issues that affect the department and monitor media channels and inform management accordingly.

• Work with department representatives to develop communications such as an annual report mission and vision statements and other critical documents.

• In coordination with Public Affairs leadership serve as an information conduit to Board staff and Board Deputies; alert them to inquiries in regards to high-profile or controversial issues that affect the department and provide opportunities to generate accurate media coverage to highlight departmental activities to the public.

• In coordination with Public Affairs leadership respond to newsworthy events and media inquiries (e.g. emergencies arising from epidemics or natural disasters) provide contact information and immediate responsiveness to inquiries receive and assess information tailor releases to the audience cooperate with the Board of Supervisors Chief Executive Office communications media and advise appropriate personnel.

• Develop and maintain internal communication projects.

• Staff regional and department-wide events including but not limited to Celebration Quinceanera events covered by local news reporters and the annual DCFS picnic.

• Drive to different sites as necessary.

• Provide training guidance and resources to staff and clients on how to speak to reporters and respond to media requests.

• Prepare talking points for staff and managers when speaking to the media.

For more information please view the classification specification: Senior Public Information Specialist

Check Out Our Outstanding Benefits!

Click here to see a list of employee benefits.

REQUIREMENTS TO QUALIFY:

A Bachelors degree* from an accredited college or university with a major in Communications Journalism Public Relations or English.

-AND-

Option I:Four (4) years of experience at the level of Los Angeles Countys class of Public Information Specialist**.

LICENSE:

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to acquire an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS:

Physical Class II Light: This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10-pound limit and some bending stooping or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

***Professional experience within a media organization is defined as paid work performing the duties of a journalist not as a trainee intern or volunteer within an established newspaper magazine television or radio station or digital news outlet.

• Masters degree or higher from an accredited college or university in one of the following fields: Communications Journalism Public Relations or Public Administration.
• Accreditation in public relations through a recognized trade association (e.g. Public Relations Society of America California Public Information Officers Association)
• Certification from an accredited college or university or a recognized trade association in any of the following areas: Public Relations Strategic Communications Reputation Management Diversity Equity and Inclusion or Corporate and Marketing Communication
• Experience in crisis communications.
• Experience providing technical guidance and supervision over public information staff.
• Experience working with the news media and organizations to communicate an organizations message to the public in support of its goals and purpose.
• Experience managing and creating organizational publications utilizing software such as MS Word MS Power Point and Adobe/Illustrator.

EXAMINATION CONTENT:

This examination will consist of an evaluation of education and experience based upon application information desirable qualifications and supplemental questionnaire weighted 100% assessing:

• Fundamental Competencies
• Technical Credibility
• Leading Change
• Leading People
• Achieving Results
• Building Partnerships

Applicants must meet the requirements and achieve a passing score of 70% or higher in order to be placed on the eligible list.

Candidates who passed the assessment are placed on a list in the order of their score group for a period of twelve (12) months. We will use this list to fill vacancy in the Office of Pubic Affairs.

We only accept applications filed online. Applications submitted by U.S. mail fax or in person are not accepted. Apply online by clicking on the Apply green button at the top right of this posting. This website can also be used to get application status updates.

Please fill out the application completely. Provide relevant job experience including employers name and address job title beginning and ending dates number of hours worked per week and description of work performed.

We may verify information included in the application at any point during the examination and hiring process including after an appointment has been made. Falsification of information could result in refusal of application or rescission of appointment. Copying verbiage from the Requirements or class specification as your work experience will not be sufficient to demonstrate meeting the requirements. Doing so may result in an incomplete application and may lead to disqualification.

We will send notifications to the email address provided on the application so it is important that you provide a valid email address. If you choose to unsubscribe or opt out from receiving our emails it is possible to view notices by logging into and checking the profile inbox. It is every applicants responsibility to take steps to view correspondence.

New email addresses need to be verified. This only needs to be done once per email address and can be done at any time by logging in to and following the prompts. This is to enhance the security of the online application and to prevent incorrectly entered email addresses.

Federal law requires that all employed persons have a Social Security Number so include yours when applying.

For those who not have access to a computer or the internet we provide access to complete an application at public libraries throughout the county.

All applicants must file their application online using their own user ID and password. Using a family members or friends login information may erase a candidates original application record.

The County of Los Angeles recognizes and affirms that all people are created equal and are entitled to all rights afforded by the Constitution of the United States. We are committed to promoting Anti-Racism Diversity and Inclusion efforts to address the inequalities and disparities amongst race. We support the ARDI Strategic Plan and its goals by improving equality diversity and inclusion in recruitment selection and employment practices.

Department Contact Name: Bryan Centrone

Department Contact Phone:

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES

Employment Information

Any language contained in the job posting supersedes any language contained below.

This document is intended to provide general information about the recruitment process of the County of Los Angeles. Applicants with questions about a specific job posting should contact the exam analyst listed on the posting.

Equal Employment Opportunity/Non-Discrimination Statement:
The County of Los Angeles is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and is committed to non-discrimination in the County workforce regardless of age (40 and over); ancestry; color; ethnicity; religious creed; protected family or medical leave status; disability; marital status; medical condition; genetic information; military and veteran status; national origin; race ; sex; gender; sexual orientation; or any other characteristic protected by State or federal law. For more information please visit: Accommodations for Applicants:
The County of Los Angeles complies with all federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process please contact the testing accommodation coordinator listed on the job posting. Hearing impaired applicants with telephone teletype equipment may leave messages by calling the teletype phone number on the job posting. For more information on accommodations please visit: Chance:
The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except as otherwise permissible under applicable laws you will not be asked to provide information about conviction history unless you receive a conditional offer of employment. The County will make an individualized assessment of whether your conviction history has a direct and adverse relationship with the specific duties of the job and will also consider potential mitigating factors which may include but is not limited to evidence and extent of rehabilitation recency of the offense(s) and age at the time of the offense(s). If asked to provide information about conviction history any convictions or court records which are exempted by a valid court order do not have to be disclosed. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with County Fair Chance Policies and the Fair Chance Act (Gov. Code Section 12952).

Employment Eligibility:
Final appointment is contingent upon verification of U.S. citizenship or the right to work in the United States.

Career PathFinder:
Resources to help current and prospective employees plan a career with Los Angeles County are available. To explore career paths to and from nearly all job titles please visit our interactive Career PathFinder application at .

Veterans Credit:
Pursuant to the County Charter and County policy in all open competitive examinations (i.e. examinations open to everyone) the County of Los Angeles will add a credit of 10 percent of the total credits specified for such examination to the final passing score of an honorably discharged veteran as well as the spouse of a deceased or disabled veteran who served in the Armed Forces of the United States under specific conditions.
For more information on veterans credit please visit: September 2025