Director of Communications

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Description

 

 

  

WHO ARE WE
Established in 1945, the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) provides retirement, death, disability and cost-of-living benefits to retirees of the County of Orange and certain County districts. Serving approximately 48,000 members, OCERS is governed by a ten-member Board of Retirement that is responsible for managing a $21 billion dollar fund. For more information about OCERS, please click here.

Mission
OCERS mission is to provide secure retirement and disability benefits with the highest standards of excellence.

Vision
OCERS vision is to be a trusted partner providing premier pension administration, distinguished by consistent, quality member experiences and prudent financial stewardship. 

Values

  • Open and Transparent
  • Commitment to Superior Service
  • Engaged and Dedicated Workforce
  • Reliable and Accurate
  • Secure and Sustainable

 

THE OPPORTUNITY
Under general direction, the Director of Communications will set and guide the strategy for all communications, websites, publications, and public relations messages to consistently articulate OCERS mission. This position will work closely with OCERS senior management on a variety of strategic initiatives and will lead and coordinate the organization’s overall communications strategy.

The Director of Communications is an upper management position that reports directly to the Assistant CEO of External Operations. OCERS management staff is expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability, Employer focus, and system efficiency. The Director of Communications is responsible for managing OCERS communications functions and delivering an effective communications program based upon OCERS mission, vision, values, and strategic plan for the benefit of the Members, Employers, Board of Retirement, stakeholder groups, and the public.

 

Essential Duties, and Responsibilities:   
Include but are not limited to the following:

Strategic and External Communication 

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate the communications plan for OCERS and its Employers
  • Manage the production and printing of publications by vendors, including blue lining/proofing, selection of printing materials, color schemes, and distribution/mailing
  • Analyze OCERS-wide communication needs and determine the appropriate communication instruments
  • Design, write, and coordinate the publication and distribution of OCERS internal employee newsletter and external member newsletter
  • Coordinate the design and purchase of creative promotional items to promote services to retirement system members
  • Develop communication programs, initiatives, and collateral material consistent with the needs of OCERS, analyze their effectiveness, and make recommendations for improvement to senior management staff
  • Develop and implement communication strategies to achieve objectives related to media outreach, speaking engagements, and social media platforms and engagements
  • Lead OCERS efforts related to media relations, social media, surveys, and the website; oversee content development and manage regular updates of various outlets and sites
  • In partnership with executive management and the Legal department, oversee responses to public information requests by the press and the public
  • Prepare press releases and respond to requests from the media relating to Board of Retirement meetings, investment policies, and other issues
  • Plan, organize, advertise, and coordinate special events for the membership, including program content, guest speakers, enrollment, and location logistics
  • Plan and coordinate OCERS appearances at all Employer-sponsored health fairs, which involve the distribution of information and staffing OCERS’ booth
  • Coordinate the review, revision, and approval of agency correspondence to the public, members, and employees
  • Serve as a representative and spokesperson for OCERS in matters related to media relations
  • Schedule, coordinate, and oversee member enrollment in seminars held at OCERS, as well as coordinate the activities of external partners related to the seminars

Operations

  • Manage and direct division staff in accordance with OCERS personnel rules, policies, and labor contract provisions, including hiring, monitoring, evaluating performance, motivating staff, and other managerial duties as assigned
  • Design and edit publication of pamphlets, including narrative and statistical information for retirement system benefits
  • Prepare instructional videos
  • Write and edit frequently asked questions, forms and letters, published booklets, summary plan descriptions, fact sheets, event calendars, benefits calculators, and status of impending changes to retirement benefits
  • Plan, prepare, adjust, maintain, and monitor the division's fiscal year budget, including the administration of contracts for Communication-related services
  • Share, manage, and schedule the implementation of the Communications Division’s strategic and business plan goals
  • Oversee the development and maintenance of the OCERS website, including coordinating all content and posting publications and the latest news items
  • Assist OCERS management in researching pension-related topics, including media articles, television/radio news reports, and actions taken by other public pension plans
  • Perform other duties as assigned

 

Core Competencies
OCERS Executive management will be expected to:

  • Manage and develop their talent
  • Represent Senior Executives when needed
  • Participate in vetting and onboarding new staff
  • Manage business plan initiatives with a plan for achievement
  • Maintain a high level of oral and written communication
  • Act as a model for OCERS culture
  • Maintain a high level of accountability
  • Focus on the strategy and long term goals of the organization
  • Have foresight on future challenges and develop a plan for how to face them
  • Have clear expectations on personal career development

 

Minimum Qualifications
The minimum qualifications required for entry into the classification are as follows:

Education and/or Experience
A Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English, Business Administration, or a closely related field.

                                                   AND

Three (3) years of progressively responsible professional experience involving the development and coordination of public relations programs and projects, managing a broad range of communications projects, in-house publications, websites, and presentation videos. A minimum of one (1) year of experience must be in a management or supervisory capacity with responsibility for budget planning and control, along with the supervision of subordinate professional-level staff.

                                                    OR

Four (4) years of progressively responsible professional experience involving the management of public affairs, public relations, and/or public relations programs and projects. A minimum of two (2) years of experience must be in a management or supervisory capacity with responsibility for budget planning and control, along with the supervision of subordinate professional-level staff.

 

Benefits
OCERS offers a competitive benefits package that includes a choice of several health plans, annual leave, and paid holidays. Additionally, OCERS has a defined benefit pension plan which has reciprocity with the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) and a deferred compensation 457 plan. OCERS offers up to an annual $10,000 Educational and Professional Reimbursement, a $3,500 taxable optional benefit plan, and a flexible/hybrid work schedule.  

For additional information and details about the OCERS pension and benefits offered, please click here.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Only on-line applications with the completed supplemental questions will be accepted for this opportunity. For additional information and to apply, please visit https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers.

 

EEO INFORMATION
OCERS, as an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.  

Job ID
225
Job Title
Director of Communications
Application Deadline
03/02/2023
Salary Range
$139,292.00 - $215,903.00
Job Location
Santa Ana, CA
Website
https://www.ocers.org/careers-ocers 

Contact Information

Name
Felicia Durrah
Phone Number
(714) 558-6200
Email
fdurrah@ocers.org 
Best Method of Contact