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Job Description
SOUTH COAST AQMD AND JOB OVERVIEW
South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the Nation. We serve a four-county region that includes large areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley, which is home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 850 employees, an annual budget of $211.4 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthy environment. South Coast AQMD is an organization you can be proud to work for -- we make a difference in the quality of life in Southern California!
South Coast AQMD’s mission requires diverse perspectives, talents, and life experiences to solve some of the most complex technical air quality issues. We are committed to creating and maintaining a work environment that appreciates the unique contributions of our employees and fosters professional development and growth. South Coast AQMD respects the distinct ideas and perspectives of our stakeholders and works to bring them together toward the common goal of clean air.
ABOUT THE OFFICE of LEGISLATIVE AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS / MEDIA
Our Legislative, Public Affairs and Media Office is comprised of 50 managerial, professional, technical, and support staff engaged in handling intergovernmental relations, State and federal legislative affairs, small business assistance, dissemination of public information, media relations, social media, business and community outreach, and other public assistance activities.
ABOUT THIS POSITION
Under direction, responsible for coordinating all public relations activities, developing communications plans, managing media campaigns, conduct media interviews, and participates in emergency response and other high-profile issues while exercising a high degree of discretion and independent judgment in the performance of assigned duties. The position requires a high proficiency of writing and editing.
CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS:
This management class is characterized by the high degree of discretion and independent judgment required to perform extensive responsibilities for the Communications/Media Office. This class may serve as a representative of the Assistant Deputy Executive Officer at meetings, conferences, hearings, events and coordinates the public messaging, the dissemination of information to the public, graphics, social media outreach, media interviews to strengthen media relations for the agency. Coordination responsibilities include supervising the daily operations of the media office, providing consultation, advice and assistance to management staff in formulating communications strategies and outreach effectively administer South Coast AQMD’s Communications Office.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
The general Example of Duties for this classification are highlighted below, for full description of duties please refer to the job description linked here
Plans, develops, and manages South Coast AQMD's community outreach and engagement programs including, but not limited to, environmental justice and workforce training, contracts and grant administration and implementation, legislative affairs and local government relations program; serves as a liaison with governmental representatives; and represents South Coast AQMD before governmental bodies.
Leads community outreach and engagement programs, including the development of detailed plans and implementation. Builds partnerships with environmental justice and community-based organizations, members of the public, industry, labor, and academia to implement projects. Organizes community steering committee meetings, workshops, public meetings, and other outreach efforts to support implementation of grants and projects.
Manages contracts and grants to ensure compliance with state or federal regulations, including reporting and tracking of outputs and outcomes, expenses and supporting documentation, and other related responsibilities.
In Communications/Media Office (in addition to duties outlined above):
The Public Affairs Manager is responsible for coordinating all public relations activities, developing communications plans, managing media campaigns in line with the agency mission, while exercising a high degree of discretion and independent judgment in the performance of assigned duties. The Public Affairs Manager must display strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to multitask and work comfortably under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
Under the direction of the Assistant Deputy Executive Officer and Deputy Executive Officer, duties of the Public Affairs Manager include but are not limited to:- Interpreting and executing South Coast AQMD rules/regulations and policies/programs as they relate to the coordination and dissemination of readily understandable information to various media outlets.
- Writing, proofreading, and editing all public relations content including press releases, op-eds, speeches, briefing materials, talking points, newsletters, articles, communications materials, and marketing content.
- Fielding and responding to media questions and interview requests.
- Identifying press opportunities and pitch stories to stimulate media coverage.
- Detecting media relations issues as they emerge.
- Organizing and managing press conferences and media events within the agency and with external agencies.
- Develop media relations strategies that will result in high-level coverage in print, broadcast and online media.
- Emergency response and crisis communications strategies.
- Leverage existing media relationships and cultivate new contacts within environmental media.
- Perform as spokesperson for agency.
- Understand and oversee social media platforms, engagement, and strategy.
- Development of modern infographics, fact sheets, photographs, video, and other ways to disseminate information to the public.
- Attending and networking with other media organizations at conferences, community events, public workshops, hearings, and townhall meeting, etc.
- Supervising the media office and its staff members.
MINIMUM AND DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to the Minimum Qualifications, the most competitively qualified candidates will possess:- A bachelor's degree in a related field and the ability to read, write and speak Spanish is highly desired
- Directly related supervisory or management experience over a media relations team, preferably in a public agency or public advocacy group
- Knowledge of environmental issues, particularly air quality issues, and the ability to learn technical details of South Coast AQMD's compliance programs, rule development, and legal framework
- Ability to simplify technical content
- Demonstrable experience with building effective media campaigns with full understanding of media needs and media relationships
- Demonstrate experience in developing materials such as press releases, websites, and conducting press conferences and interviews
- Experience in acting as a company spokesperson, giving interviews, etc.
- Natural leader who is proactive and displays strong decision-making and attention to detail
- Must possess organizational and planning skills
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills
- Exceptional writing and editing skills
- Strong relationships with local media outlets
Minimum Requirements
EXPERIENCE: Five years of progressively responsible experience in legislative analysis and advocacy; OR five years of other relevant experience that would demonstrate possession of the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to plan, develop, and supervise a community outreach and engagement program, environmental justice and workforce training, grants and contract management, legislative affairs and local government and stakeholder relations program.
For Communications/Media Office: five or more years of progressive, responsible experience in communications and/or media relations or other relevant experience that would demonstrate possession of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to plan, develop and supervise a communications program.
EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in political science, public affairs/relations, communications, journalism, public or business administration, urban or environmental planning, engineering or other scientific field or related fields.
SUBSTITUTION: A related master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for up to one year of the required experience.
Training and experience which demonstrates the knowledge, and abilities to plan, develop, and supervise media liaison, public affairs and social media programs; knowledge of methods used to evaluate program objectives and goals; principles of management, organization, and supervision; techniques and methods to write, compose, edit, and disseminate educational information, news releases, social media and promotional materials including developing and implementing strategies for successful media campaigns.
Ability to plan, organize, and supervise the work of professional, technical, and clerical staff engaged in the development, preparation, and dissemination of public information; establish and maintain effective relations with community and civic groups, public agencies, news media, and private organizations; coordinate, develop, and edit a variety of written materials for dissemination; speak effectively before large groups.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
APPLICATION PACKETS MUST INCLUDE:
1. A completed employment application covering at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience), and your entire South Coast AQMD employment history if you are a South Coast AQMD employee.
2. Up to four references which include the names and phone numbers of your present and past supervisors or managers, and/or college professors or persons for whom you have directly provided services, not peers.
3. Responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire (SQ). The SQ is a form of written test and will be evaluated as such. Your responses should be well written, clear, concise, and directly responsive to the question.
4. An unofficial copy of your transcripts (or equivalency evaluation if your education was obtained outside the U.S.), documenting all qualifying education claimed, submitted as an attachment to your online application*.
*You MUST submit acceptable documentation for all education claimed on your application. Acceptable documentation consists of an unofficial copy of your transcripts/equivalency evaluation attached to your application.
At a later date, candidates under final consideration will be required to arrange for original, official transcripts (or equivalency evaluation, if applicable) to be mailed directly from their college/university to South Coast AQMD, documenting all education claimed on their application.
Job applications must be completely filled out. A resume cannot be substituted for the required information. Be sure to detail any education, training or other relevant coursework that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
Application packages, including responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire, will first be screened, and the most competitively qualified candidates will be invited to the next step of the process, which may include a writing exercise, oral assessment and/or panel interview (weighted at 100%).
Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.
South Coast AQMD reserves the right to modify the selection process, as needed, based upon the qualifications and number of applicants.
Important note for potential candidates who do not have the continued and unrestricted right to work full time in the United States: If you currently, or will in the future, require sponsorship (i.e., H1-B Visa) in order to maintain your right to work in the United States, you are welcome to participate in this recruitment process, but there is no guarantee that a job offer with the requested sponsorship will be made to you.
Please call Human Resources at (909) 396-2800 at least one week in advance if you need accommodation at any step during the selection process.
MANAGEMENT EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OVERVIEW
BENEFIT
DESCRIPTION
Monthly Benefit Allotment
$2,060.00 to purchase medical, dental, and life insurance, with unused portion paid to you as cash. Your insurance coverage becomes effective on the first of the month following completion of 30 days of continuous service. Dependent children may be covered to age 26 on medical, dental and vision plans.
Medical Health Plans
Blue Shield PPO
Blue Shield PPO Savings Plus 2250 (High Deductible Plan)
Blue Shield HMO
Kaiser HMO
Kaiser HSA HMO 1500 (High Deductible Plan)
Dental Plans
Delta Dental PPO (without orthodontic benefits)
Delta Dental PPO (with orthodontic benefits for children only)
DeltaCare (PMI) Dental
Vision Plan
EyeMed - Optional
Life Insurance
$5,000 Term Life Insurance
(Optional additional life insurance, paid by you, at 1X, 2X, or 3X your salary)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Claremont EAP, powered by Uprise Health. EAP benefits are available to all employees and their families at no cost. EAP offers confidential advice, support and practical solutions to real-life issues. Services include: confidential therapy, 24-hour crisis help and online peer support groups.
Term Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment
$50,000 coverage paid by South Coast AQMD
(Additional optional coverage paid by you)
Long-Term Disability Coverage
Paid by South Coast AQMD
Employee-Paid Long-Term Care Plan
Optional
Section 125
Optional Plans (Medical Reimbursement; Dependent Care)
Work Schedule
Four 10-hour days, Tuesday through Friday
Vacation
80 hours per year, increasing to 120 in years two through five
Holidays
13paid holidays per year
Sick Leave
100 hours per year
Other Leaves
Bereavement; Jury Duty; Military; Witness
Professional Licenses & Memberships
Reimbursed up to $300 per year; $478 for attorney bar dues
Wellness Reimbursement Program
Reimbursed up to $300 per year towards the cost of wellness initiatives
Salary Continuation Plan
Eligible after one year of service
Tuition Reimbursement
Reimbursed up to $5,000 per year
Deferred Compensation (457 Plan)
South Coast AQMD matches, dollar for dollar, 100% of your regular contribution, up to $8,800. South Coast AQMD matching contribution will be paid to your 401(a) plan.
Retirement
2.5% @ 67 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees hired on or after January 1, 2013 who, at time of hire, were not members of the San Bernardino County Employees' Retirement Association (SBCERA) or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
2.0% @ 55 defined benefit plan - Applies to employees who, prior to January 1, 2013, were active members of SBCERA or another public employee retirement system through which reciprocity may be established.
Employees pay only the Medicare portion of Social Security.
01/01/2024
Closing Date/Time: 3/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific -
ABOUT THE COMPANY
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South Coast Air Quality Management District
Show moreSouth Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD) is one of the largest and most technologically sophisticated environmental regulatory agencies in the nation. We serve a four-county region that includes all of Orange County and the urban portions of Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, home to more than 17 million people. South Coast AQMD's headquarters is located in Diamond Bar, 30 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, at the junction of the 57 and 60 freeways. With a highly diverse "Clean Air Team" of over 750 employees, an annual budget of $170.9 million, and a state-of-the art air quality laboratory, our mission is to ensure clean air and a healthful environment.
Mission
To clean the air and protect the health of all residents in the South Coast Air District through practical and innovative strategies.
What is the South Coast AQMD?
South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. The region is home to more than 17 million people–about half the population of the entire state of California.
Despite significant improvements to air quality, more work needs to be done to protect public health through innovative and practical strategies. Air pollution can cause or worsen many health problems, including asthma attacks, heart disease, certain types of cancers and premature death. South Coast AQMD has been at the forefront of the nation’s air pollution reduction efforts for more than eight decades.
What South Coast AQMD Does
South Coast AQMD is responsible for controlling emissions primarily from stationary sources of air pollution. These can include anything from large power plants and refineries to the corner gas station. There are about 28,400 such businesses operating under South Coast AQMD permits. Many consumer products are also considered stationary sources; these include house paint, furniture varnish, and thousands of products containing solvents that evaporate into the air. About 25% of this area's ozone-forming air pollution comes from stationary sources, both businesses and residences. The other 80% comes from mobile sources–mainly cars, trucks and buses, but also construction equipment, ships, trains and airplanes. Emission standards for mobile sources are established by state or federal agencies, such as the California Air Resources Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, rather than by local agencies such as the South Coast AQMD.
How South Coast AQMD Controls Pollution
South Coast AQMD develops and adopts an Air Quality Management Plan, which serves as the blueprint to bring this area into compliance with federal and state clean air standards. Rules are adopted to reduce emissions from various sources, including specific types of equipment, industrial processes, paints and solvents, even consumer products. Permits are issued to many businesses and industries to ensure compliance with air quality rules. South Coast AQMD staff conducts periodic inspections to ensure compliance with these requirements.
The test of whether these efforts are working is the quality of the air we breathe. South Coast AQMD continuously monitors air quality at 38 locations throughout the four-county area. This also allows South Coast AQMD to notify the public whenever air quality is unhealthful.
South Coast AQMD’s Sources of Revenue
To meet its financial need, the South Coast AQMD utilizes a system of evaluation fees, annual operating fees, emission fees, Hearing Board fees, penalties/ settlements and investments that generate approximately 73% of South Coast AQMD’s revenue. The remaining 27% of its revenue is from federal grants, California Air Resources (CARB) subvention funds, and California Clean Air Act Motor Vehicle fees.
Progress So Far
Air quality in this area has continually improved despite an enormous increase in population and cars. For example, maximum levels of ozone, one of our worst smog problems, have been cut to less than one quarter of what they were in the 1950s, even though today we have nearly three times as many people and four times as many vehicles.
In recent decades, we have eliminated Stage I smog alerts, which used to occur 100-120 times a year. We have not reached Stage II levels since the 1980s.
The Job Ahead
The clean air effort still has a long way to go. In 2005, the federal 1-hour standard was replaced by a stricter 8-hours standard that was further strengthened in 2008. Even though recent years have been the cleanest on record, our air in the South Coast Air Basin still exceeded the federal health 8-hour standard for ozone on 113 days in 2009. Maximum levels are almost twice as high as the federal standard for clean air.
State and federal law requires this area to meet existing clean air standards by the year 2015 for annual PM 2.5; and by 2023 for the 8-hour average ozone standard. However, tougher federal air quality standards for particulates and ozone issued in 2006 and 2008 require reductions above and beyond those already planned. South Coast AQMD estimates it will take until at least 2020 to meet the new 24-hour average particulate standard, and until 2030 to meet the new ozone standard. This may seem like a long time to continue to live with smog. But the cleanup effort is enormous. Even though we already have the strictest pollution control requirements in the nation, we still have to reduce some types of pollution by up to 90% if we are to rid the area of smog.
The war on smog began in this region more than a half century ago. With continued commitment and sensitivity to the impacts of efforts to control smog, residents can be assured that public health standards for air quality will be achieved.
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