Leading Voice of Orange County: Director of Government Affairs & Communications
Orange County, California, a vibrant coastal hub, represents a meaningful economic and cultural force in Southern California. With a population exceeding 3.2 million across 34 distinct cities – a figure that continues to grow annually – the County presents a unique landscape for public service.Beyond its renowned beaches and attractions,Orange County boasts a diverse community and a robust economy,currently valued at over $660 billion,making it one of the largest in the nation.The County of Orange stands as a leading employer in California’s public sector, offering a compelling habitat for professional growth, collaborative teamwork, and impactful contributions to the lives of its residents.learn more about Orange County
The Role of the County Executive Office
The County Executive Office (CEO) serves as the central administrative arm of Orange County’s government. Reporting directly to the Board of Supervisors, the CEO directs County-wide operations, champions strategic initiatives, and provides essential leadership to 22 departments and a workforce of approximately 18,000 dedicated employees. The CEO’s structure is organized around five core divisions: Budget and Finance, Facts Technology, Real Estate, the Chief Operating Office, and Human Resource Services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to County governance.
Explore the County Executive Office in detail
A Critical Leadership Opportunity
The County is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Government Affairs and Communications. This pivotal senior management role will function as the County’s primary architect of strategy for legislative affairs, public communications, and community engagement.The Director will provide direct oversight of the Legislative Affairs Director and the public Information Manager, fostering a unified and proactive team dedicated to advancing the County’s objectives through integrated advocacy, stakeholder partnerships, media relations, and consistent, impactful messaging.
This position demands a leader capable of navigating the complexities of a large, multifaceted association, ensuring alignment between internal communications, public outreach, and legislative priorities. The successful candidate will champion clarity, build public trust, and contribute directly to the County’s commitment to effective governance and responsive public service.
Essential Leadership Qualities
The ideal candidate will demonstrate mastery in the following key areas:
Strategic Vision & Leadership: The ability to analyze complex situations, formulate long-term strategies, and effectively prioritize initiatives while navigating possibly sensitive political dynamics.
Political Intelligence: A deep understanding of the california intergovernmental system, coupled with proven skill in building and maintaining productive relationships with elected officials, regulatory agencies, and other key stakeholders.Exceptional Dialog Skills: Demonstrated excellence in all forms of communication – writen, verbal, and visual – including crafting compelling narratives, delivering impactful presentations, and managing media interactions.
Innovation & Technological Fluency: A proactive mindset,embracing new communication technologies and advocacy tools to enhance outreach and engagement. Such as, leveraging data analytics to refine messaging or utilizing digital platforms for broader community participation.
Relationship Building & Collaboration: A proven ability to cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with internal teams, elected officials and their staff, community organizations, and media representatives, fostering a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.