Public Outreach Specialist-25233709 at County of San Diego, CA
County of San Diego, CA · San Diego, United States Of America · Onsite
- Professional
- Office in San Diego
About the Department
The County of San Diego Invites Your Interest in an Excellent Career Opportunity!Public Outreach Specialist
Interviews will take place the week of November 17, 2025.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2026 - 4.49% increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 1.49% Market Inc.)
** June 2027 -4.49 % increase to base pay (3.0% Across-the-Board + 1.49% Market Inc.)
The Public Outreach Specialist is responsible for developing and delivering clear, consistent, and creative messaging, information, and outreach across print, digital, and in-person platforms for the department. The Public Outreach Specialist will also cultivate relationships with stakeholders and ensure all community members can effectively participate in the department’s projects, programs, and services.
This position is a specialized communications role in the department. The best candidates will be those who can be both strategic in their thinking and “boots on the ground” implementation. This position is primarily in-office with external meetings/events as needed. If you are a dynamic and forward-thinking communicator with strong leadership skills and a passion for building meaningful community and stakeholder connections, we invite you to apply.
The list established from this recruitment may be used for vacancies in various County of San Diego departments. Current vacancies are for a Public Outreach Specialist with Planning & Development Services.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will possess a professional history that demonstrates the following leadership, competencies, and attributes:
•Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple, simultaneous projects to meet deadlines and priorities with minimal supervision.
•Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize, summarize, and provide verbal and/or written briefings to executives on complex information and multiple perspectives.
•Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build strong relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and communities.
•Strong writing and editing skills, including understanding of audiences and channels across a variety of platforms.
•Experience developing and implementing strategic communication plans, developing outreach and media materials, and conducting communications and marketing activities.
•Experience providing strategic guidance and support for technical and complex projects.
•Ability to communicate technical information in plain language.
•Facilitation skills for public meetings to drive meaningful engagement with stakeholders and community members on projects and priorities.
•Political acumen to thoughtfully navigate, communicate, and respectfully engage diverse internal and external stakeholders on complex and controversial items
•Builds and supports mutually beneficial relationships within the enterprise, external organizations, associations, and community contacts.
•Strong teamwork and collaboration skills, and the ability to build trust.
•Thrives in a fast-paced environment; is strategic, driven, and has a forward-looking approach.
Hiring Process and Timeline
- Job Offer and Background Process begins in November 2025. Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
- Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately three (3) days following successful background investigation results.
- Anticipated Start Date: Start date will be based upon successful completion of medical screening or other mutually agreed upon date.
If you are not selected for this interview process, you may have the opportunity to compete for future vacancies.
Minimum Qualifications
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited U.S. college or university, or a certified foreign studies equivalency in journalism, telecommunications, English, or a closely related field; OR,
- Two (2) years of full-time experience writing professional news and feature articles, developing and producing commercial audio or video presentations, or working directly in the field of media relations.
Click here to review the complete job description, including minimum qualifications, examples of duties, working conditions, etc.
Required Attachment
For your education to be considered, you must attach a copy of your diploma, complete transcripts or foreign studies equivalency certificate to your application. Required documents submitted on or after February 29, 2008 do not need to be resubmitted. Please only attach the documents required.
The Department of Human Resources removes personally identifiable information from all recruitments. This practice, called Blind Applicant Screening, hides a candidate’s personal information that could influence or bias a hiring decision. Personal information includes name, phone number, address, gender, age and race. This process helps contribute to a fair and equitable selection process leading to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.
The most highly qualified candidates, based on the evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. Be sure to include your experience in meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the Application.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of the application Work History and/or supplemental questionnaire.
Condition of Employment
As part of the County of San Diego’s pre-employment process, prospective candidates will undergo a background check (including fingerprinting) and a pre-employment medical screening prior to beginning County employment. Additional types of background investigations may be conducted based on the job-related activities of the position. Current County employees may be excluded from this process.
Evaluation Process
Please ensure all information is complete and accurate as the responses you provide on the supplemental application form will be reviewed using an automated evaluation system. If you are successful in the initial screening process, your application will be reviewed individually to confirm that the information you provided is accurate and qualifying.
Veteran’s Preference Policy The County of San Diego offers preferential credits for military service to assist qualified applicants in transitioning from military to civilian careers with the County of San Diego.
Military Skills Translator Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help!
The County of San Diego and its employees embrace the vision of: a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all. Our values include: integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. Each of which are infused throughout our operations. While also embracing a mission of strengthening our communities with innovative, inclusive, and data driven services through a skilled and supported workforce. Click here for more information on our Strategic Plan (sandiegocounty.gov) (Download PDF reader) as well as our commitment to serve everyone, to build a Framework for the Future that will create a County that works for all.
