1. Department of Industrial Relations

DIR Now Hiring: Deputy Director of External Affairs and Community Outreach

The Opportunity

• Leads DIR’s Office of External Affairs and its team of fifteen professionals
• Conceives and oversees initiatives that advance DIR’s mission, such as public education campaigns, outreach to workers and employers, partnerships with community groups and other external stakeholders, social media, and content creation
• Is appointed by the Governor, reports to the DIR director and chief deputy director, and serves as a vital member of DIR’s executive team
• May be based out of DIR’s Los Angeles, Sacramento, or Oakland office

The Duties

The deputy director:

• Leads DIR’s Office of External Affairs, setting its priorities in consultation with DIR’s director and chief deputy director
• Oversees DIR’s outreach efforts across California, public education campaigns, and other functions of the Office of External Affairs
• Develops and implements strategic plans to ensure effective and efficient programming and initiatives, tracks and reports outcomes, and identifies and executes improvements
• Facilitates and coordinates outreach and education by DIR’s divisions, such as Cal/OSHA, the Labor Commissioner’s Office, the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and the Division of Workers’ Compensation
• Works with subject-matter experts to develop print and digital materials about DIR and its programs and California labor law
• Oversees the California Worker Outreach Project (CWOP) and other special initiatives
• Manages DIR’s community engagement team, including bilingual outreach managers, specialists, and analysts
• Manages DIR’s creative services team, including digital and multi-media specialists, graphic designers, a videographer, and a market analyst
• Works closely with other department leadership, including DIR’s Deputy Director of Communications
• Is responsible for other duties

The Ideal Candidate

DIR seeks a seasoned professional with:

• Demonstrated effective leadership, sound judgment, and professional integrity
• Exceptional diplomacy, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Demonstrated commitment to transparency and accountability
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential materials and matters in a professional manner
• Demonstrated utilization of data, metrics, and measurements to make programs more effective and efficient
• Experience leading outreach initiatives for diverse audiences of Californians
• Expertise with adult education and communicating complex concepts into plain language that is accessible to Californians
• Demonstrated ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholder groups, including groups representing workers and employers, community groups, and other government agencies
• Demonstrated commitment and innovation related to diversity, inclusion, and equity policies

The Compensation

The monthly salary range for this position is $10,944.00 – $12,189.00. A comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pension plan
• 401(k)/457 retirement plans
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending account to save on medical and child care expenses
• Paid vacation and holidays

To Apply

The deputy director is appointed by the Governor. If you are interested in this opportunity, please:

• Submit your application for appointment via the link below:
  https://govca.avature.net/GOVCACareers/JobDetail/Oakland-California-United-States-Deputy-Director-of-External-Affairs-and-Community-Outreach-Department-of-Industrial-Relations/19607?recommendation=&jobId=19607&source=&tags=&formValues=

AND

• Email your resume to Elissa.Ouchida@gov.ca.gov with “Deputy Director of External Affairs and Community Outreach” in the subject line

Candidates will be advised of the status of the recruitment following the selection of the Deputy Director of External Affairs and Community Outreach.

If you have additional questions, please call or email Elissa Ouchida at (916) 642-3192 or Elissa.Ouchida@gov.ca.gov

June 2025