Public Relations Manager jobs in California

Job Description
Department(s): Communications
Reports to: Executive Director, Marketing and Communications
FLSA status: Exempt
Salary Grade: N - $95,000 - $155,078

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date.

About CalOptima Health

CalOptima Health is the single largest health plan in Orange County, serving one in four residents. Our motto - "Better. Together." - is at the heart of our mission to serve members with excellence, dignity and respect. We are a public agency made up of compassionate leaders and professionals working together to strengthen our community's health. We are continuing to build a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion within our community where employees have a sense of belonging, and are valued for their ideas, contributions, and their unique individual perspectives they bring. CalOptima Health has been recognized as one of Orange County's best places to work, so we know there is something special about our organization. It is why people choose to work here and why they choose to stay!

About the Position

The Manager, Communications (Public Relations) will oversee the organization's day-to-day media and public relations activities. The incumbent will develop and implement publicity strategies for the organization's services, outreach activities, and initiatives, including a crisis communications strategy. The nature of the department is dynamic and fast-paced, which requires both excellent task management and independent problem-solving skills. The incumbent must have excellent oral and written communication skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Cultivates and promotes a mission-driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity, and accountability.
• Directs and assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with the leadership team and staff to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
• Creates and manages a public relations plan and calendar, including budgets and timelines.
• Hires, manages, trains, reviews and sets goals for the department and staff.
• Serves as primary liaison with external public relations agency.
• Writes and edits copy for a broad range of external communications tools including, but not limited to, press releases, media advisories, talking points, OpEds, social media content, and promotional content for use by CalOptima Health partners.
• Collaborates with Human Resources to proactively identify opportunities to enhance communications and engagement with employees.
• Collaborates with Government Affairs on key messaging to elected officials and the public.
• Identifies media opportunities and pitches stories promoting CalOptima Health's services, outreach activities and key initiatives across a range of platforms.
• Identifies external speaking opportunities for CalOptima Health's executives and staff.
• Creates and manages content calendar for social media.
• Organizes promotional events including press conferences, media availabilities, and press tours, including coordinating logistics, drafting talking points and press materials, and facilitating interviews with key stakeholders.
• Manages and responds to all incoming press inquiries, coordinating with executives and staff as appropriate.
• Develops talking points and represents the organization during media interviews with executives and staff.
• Monitors media coverage of CalOptima Health, its executives, staff, and board members and promptly responds to any inaccuracies.
• Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external clients.
• Supports other activities and assignments in the Communications and Community Relations department.
• Completes other projects and duties as assigned.

Experience & Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a related field required.
• 5 years of experience in managing communications, public relations, community relations, crisis communication, or media relations for a health plan or public agency required.
• 5 years of experience in media relations required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position such as those listed above is also qualifying.
• Have access to means of transportation for work away from the primary office approximately 40% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree.
• HMO, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and health services experience.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Physical demands: Employee must be able to sit for extended periods of time and work at the computer for long periods. Employee is required to use hands and fingers, especially for typing on the computer and using the mouse. Employee must be able to talk and hear, particularly for frequent communication on the telephone. Occasional travel is required.

• Work Environment: Employee will work in an office environment with minimal to moderate noise levels and controlled office temperatures.

About our Benefits & Wellness options:

At CalOptima Health, we know that a healthy and happy workforce is a thriving workforce, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), low-cost medical/vision/dental insurance options, and paid time off. To support quality work-life balance, we allow flexible scheduling during core business hours, telework options for some positions, work schedules that allow every other Friday off (9/80 schedule), and a wellness program featuring diverse activities. Additionally, CalOptima Health contributes 4% of pensionable earnings to a 401(a) retirement program with no required employee contribution. Employees also have access to 457(b) retirement plans with pre/post-tax contribution options.

CalOptima Health is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse staff, where we will honor your unique experiences, identity, and perspectives. Our organization strives to create and maintain a workplace environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming so we can truly be Better Together.


CalOptima Health is an equal employment opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima Health wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima Health prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima Health also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics.


If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.



Job Location: Orange, California
Position Type:

To apply, visit https://jobs.silkroad.com/CalOptima/Careers/jobs/4377

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