The County of San Diego invites resumes for the position of
Public Engagement Manager
Probation Department
(Actual Classification: Program Coordinator)
Interviews and job offers will take place beginning the week of August 31, 2026.
Future Salary Increases
** June 2027 – 4.49% increase to base pay (3% Across-the- Board + 1.49% Market Adjustment)
The starting salary for this position will be based on the candidate’s qualifications at time of appointment.
Program Coordinator is a professional management level classification that provides administrative, analytical, planning, and management support for programs, projects, and facilities where substantive administrative, policy and/or technical issues require specialized analysis, recommendation and implementation.
Working under the title of Public Engagement Manager, the position is responsible for developing and coordinating the community engagement and public relations program for the San Diego County Probation Department. The Public Engagement Manager will be responsible for managing community outreach, communications, social activities, and reputation management, as well as representing the Probation Department in community-facing events and showcasing the department’s work and mission. The position reports to the Chief of Staff and has a heavy emphasis on community relations and building trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve. The Public Engagement Officer will serve as an ambassador for the Probation Department and liaise with community groups to nurture the relationships between sworn probation officers and our clients, partner organizations, and other community stakeholders.
The ideal candidate will be a dynamic and self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills, who values collaboration, and thrives in an environment of multiple stakeholder priorities. Professional history will demonstrate the following leadership competencies, attributes, and experiences:
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Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience working with, local community organizations, service providers, boards and commissions, public agencies, and advocacy groups in the justice space.
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Fluency in strategic communications practices, including but not limited to public affairs, social media, outreach campaigns, media relations, and internal communications.
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Knowledge of Board of Supervisors priorities related to the Probation Department, particularly related to juvenile justice and prevention, diversion, and reentry.
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Experience leading a complex communication effort, including proactive community outreach, information gathering and dissemination, rapidly and diplomatically responding with factual statements and resources, and efficient coordination with other agencies and organizations.
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Ability to work independently, exercise due diligence when researching inquiries and consulting with subject matter experts, and demonstrate appropriate judgement in answering questions, sharing resources, and providing information.
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Ability to oversee and execute the implementation of communications plans that combine direct community outreach, traditional media, social media, and creative storytelling avenues that showcase the Probation Department’s work and mission.
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Ability to effectively advise and support Probation Department leadership in presenting clear, accurate, and applicable information to diverse stakeholders, including drafting speeches, talking points for senior executives, news releases, stories highlighting department activities, and social media posts.
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Ability to work in a fast-paced large governmental organization and successfully handle multiple priorities and projects with strict deadlines.
Learn more about the Program Coordinator position, including essential functions, examples of qualifying education/experience, working conditions, etc.
Hiring Process and Timeline
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Job Offer and Background Process begins Shortly after the interviews.
Note: Current County employees may be excluded from additional background screening.
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Pre-employment Medical Screening: Approximately 3 days following successful background investigation results.
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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 certified foreign studies equivalency,
AND, four (4) years of professional experience performing analysis, budget management, program administration, engineering, or closely related work in a program performing planning and analysis;
OR a combination of education and/or experience as stated above.
Blind Applicant Screening
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.
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
Qualified applicants will be placed on a
six (6) month employment list based on scores received during the evaluation of information contained in the supplemental questionnaire. 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.
Accommodation
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, on a case-by-case basis.
As an employer of over 19,000 employees, the County of San Diego is an organization committed to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. We recognize the contributions and sacrifices made by our veterans and value the unique expertise and leadership qualities they bring to our workforce. We strive to provide veterans with the resources and tools necessary to maximize their employment opportunities, and to assist veterans with their transition into civilian life by applying the valuable skills, knowledge and training acquired in service to positions and career paths at all levels within our large organization. Click on the resource links below to learn more about how the County of San Diego supports its veterans.
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. Please read the Veteran's Preference Policy for additional information.
Military Skills Translator
Do you need assistance translating your military experience into civilian experience? This tool can help! Please read the Military Skills Translator to access the tool.
Strategic Plan
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)
Disaster Service Worker
Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers. The term "public employees" includes all persons employed by the state or any county, city, state agency, or public district. Disaster service workers are required to participate in such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their employer or by law.
Diversity & Inclusion
The County of San Diego is committed to valuing diversity and practicing inclusion because our diverse workforce is our greatest asset and our customers are our number one priority.
