Overview
Communications careers in California state government help agencies share information, engage the public and support transparency across a wide range of programs and services. Professionals in this field develop clear and accessible messaging, manage public outreach, create digital and print content and help Californians access important information about government programs and resources.
These careers can include public affairs, media relations, digital communications, graphic design, community engagement, marketing, writing, editing and multimedia production. Opportunities exist for strong communicators who enjoy storytelling, collaboration and helping connect people to public services and information.
What You Might Work On
In California state government, professionals in this field often:
- Develop written, digital and multimedia content for public audiences
- Manage media inquiries, press releases and public information campaigns
- Support community outreach and public engagement efforts
- Coordinate social media, websites and digital communications
- Create presentations, graphics, reports and educational materials
- Collaborate with agency leadership, program staff and external partners
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy writing, storytelling or creating content for different audiences
- Like translating complex information into clear and accessible language
- Enjoy collaboration, outreach and relationship building
- Are interested in media, marketing, public engagement or digital communications
- Want to help Californians better understand public programs and services
Job Classifications
What are job classifications?
Job classifications map to specific job titles found across California state government. A corresponding code maps to the required exam for that classification. For example, 00102819 is the code for Audio-Visual Assistant.
How to use them:
You can use the job classifications to search for positions on CalCareers in the classification section within the advanced search filter. You can also use key words to find roles in the search bar on the home page. Below is a list of common examples, but additional roles and classifications can be found on CalCareers.
| Exam Code | Classification Name | Common Keywords | What You’ll Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00105617 | Research Writer | Technical writing, publications, public information | Write and adapt technical information for publications, news releases and public-facing communications materials |
| 00108115 | Coordinator (Communications), Office of Emergency Services | Emergency communications, public safety, disaster response | Coordinate emergency communications programs, train local agencies and support disaster communication and warning operations |
| 00100556 | Marketing Specialist, California Museum of Science and Industry/District Agricultural Associations | Marketing, advertising, event promotion | Develop marketing and advertising campaigns, conduct market research and promote educational programs, events and public engagement activities |
| 00105593 | Associate Editor of Publications | Editing, publishing, editorial services | Edit and prepare publications for print, coordinate editorial projects and review materials for clarity, accuracy and consistency. |
| 00105602 | Editorial Technician | Public information, writing, publications | Write and edit brochures, pamphlets and departmental publications, assist with news releases and prepare layouts for printing |
Where You Could Work
State government is broad — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area or the kind of impact you want to have (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many state agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Consumer and Licensing Outreach: California Department of Consumer Affairs
- Emergency Communications and Outreach: California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
- Environmental and Climate Communications: California Environmental Protection Agency
- Public Health Communications: California Department of Public Health
- Transportation and Public Information: California Department of Transportation
- Tourism and Economic Development: Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development
Examples of California Agencies with Communications
Did you know you could have a communications career at one of these agencies? Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all the options in California state government, but a helpful starting place as you begin exploring your future communications career!
| Agency Name |
|---|
| California Department of Consumer Affairs |
| California Department of Education |
| California Department of Parks and Recreation |
| California Department of Public Health |
| California Department of Social Services |
| California Department of Transportation |
| California Employment Development Department |
| California Environmental Protection Agency |
| Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development |
| Governor’s Office of Emergency Services |
Sample Positions
Public Affairs Manager [00105595]
| Employer / agency | California Office of Traffic Safety |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | The Office of Traffic Safety works to prevent traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by supporting public awareness, education and safety programs across California. |
In this role, you may:
- Lead public outreach campaigns and manage social media strategies focused on traffic safety awareness
- Develop multimedia communications materials and coordinate media relations with community and government partners
Communications Specialist [00105595]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Public Health |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Contra Costa or Sacramento County |
| Mission context | The California Department of Public Health works to advance the health and well-being of California’s residents and communities through public health leadership, preparedness and community engagement. |
In this role, you may:
- Develop public-facing communications materials including social media content, public service announcements and informational resources
- Collaborate with regional public health offices and agency partners to support emergency preparedness and public health communications initiatives
Economic Development & Marketing Coordinator [00101089]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Parks & Recreation |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Ventura County |
| Mission context | California State Parks protects the state’s natural and cultural resources while creating opportunities for recreation, education and public engagement. |
In this role, you may:
- Support public outreach efforts through social media, digital marketing and website content related to parks programs and initiatives.
- Coordinate community engagement activities and assist with project planning, public meetings and interagency collaboration.
