THE COUNTY
The County of Orange is a regional service provider and planning agency whose core businesses include public safety, public health, environmental protection, regional planning, public assistance, social services and aviation. Click here for more information.
 
OC COMMUNITY RESOURCES (OCCR)
OC Community Resources is a multi-faceted department comprised of OC Animal Care, OC Community Services, OC Parks, OC Housing & Community Development and OC Public Libraries. Click here for more information.
 
OC PARKS
OC Parks encompasses regional, wilderness and historical facilities, as well as coastal areas throughout the County of Orange in California. Featuring nearly 60,000 acres of parkland, open space and shoreline, Orange County's award-winning parks and programs are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year, in ways as diverse as the parks themselves. Click here for more information.

COMMUNICATION DIVISION
 
The Communications Division is comprised of three sections: Media/Public Relations, Special Events and Customer Relations/Permits. The division is responsible for all aspects of government, media and public relations, customer relations and communications at OC Parks. Communications staff are tasked with responding to media and public inquiries; serving as front-line customer service agents; facilitating special event permits for all OC Parks facilities; planning and organizing various special events; planning and leading all interpretive programs; disbursing information via the OC Parks website and social media; managing the parking contractors; writing, photographing, designing and/or editing electronic and print communications, marketing materials and award applications.
 
THE OPPORTUNITY

OC Parks Communications Division has an exciting opportunity for a Special Events Supervisor (Public Information and Affairs Analyst). This is a fast-paced, ever-changing environment that requires a self-motivated and energetic person who can work independently and take initiative to keep projects moving forward. This position will report to the Special Events Manager (Public Information and Affairs Administrator). 

The Special Events Supervisor duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Manages all large-scale OC Parks-driven special events and initiatives, including the annual OC Parks Summer Concert Series and Sunset Cinema film series
• Supervises two positions, a Special Events Coordinator and Special Events Assistant
• Manages OC Parks special event equipment requests and drives to all OC Parks facilities
• Manages procurement and budgets for OC Parks-driven special events and promotional items; monitors and approves inventory and procurement processes; prepares and reviews budget requests; and makes budgetary and financial recommendations to higher-level staff
• Assists with supply procurement and inventory for OC Parks-wide programming initiatives such as Parks with Purpose and the OC Parks Jr. Ranger Program
• Assists the Special Events Manager in planning and coordinating other event initiatives
• Manages marketing campaigns for all OC Parks-driven special events and program initiatives
• Creates pertinent event documents such as site maps, event agendas, day of show schedules and parking plans
• Coordinates special event permitting and safety best practices with various agencies
• Oversees management of data for the OC Parks survey program
• Designs event collateral materials and manages graphic assets for print and digital use
• Writes to support OC Parks' communications efforts, including event flyers, event banners, online event listings and other promotional and collateral materials
• Creates talking points and agendas for use by various department speakers, including elected officials and the OC Parks Director
• Manages various reports

This position will require driving to special events, planning meetings, delivering equipment, etc. for all event needs.  
 

LICENSE REQUIRED

Possession of a valid California Driver License, Class C or higher is required by date of appointment. 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will succeed in this position by clearly understanding the department's goals, thinking strategically about how best to advance them, and supporting the development and implementation of communications programs that achieve them. 
 

The ideal candidate will possess two (2) or more years of work experience in all of the following areas: 

• Large-scale event management for a parks or community services department or similar organization
• Supervisory experience

Parks or government contract management experience is highly desirable but not required.

In addition, the successful candidate will have experience and be knowledgeable in the following core competencies:

TECHNICAL EXPERTISE | SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGEMENT

• Manages special events and public outreach programs
• Possesses experience in public relations, media relations and social media management
• Develops and manages event budget and contracts
• Possesses experience in event permitting, safety measures, parking operations and crowd control
• Possesses experience in computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
• Possesses advanced skills in Canva, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and In-Design, and social media such as Facebook, Instagram and X to showcase/promote the department

TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Manages and leads a team to support the development and execution of special events
• Develops and manages event budgets and contracts
• Supervises, mentors and develops staff and monitors their performance through the development of goals, objectives and priorities
• Uses creativity and innovation in achieving program objectives

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

• Demonstrates strategic thinking, problem solving and analytical skills
• Clearly and effectively conveys information verbally and in writing
• Listens actively; asks clarifying questions and summarizes or paraphrases what others have said to verify understanding
• Identifies and uses effective communication channels and methods (e.g., presentations, electronic dissemination, social media)
• Possesses skill in presenting information, analysis, ideas and positions in a clear, succinct, accurate, convincing manner, as is appropriate with the audience
• Provides work-in-progress status updates proactively and informs others when work is completed
• Establishes internal and external partnerships with County staff, vendors, community organizations, contractors, external agencies, the public and other stakeholders
• Fosters and maintains positive working relationships, working cooperatively in groups and demonstrating leadership skills

PLANNING & PRIORITIZATION

• Determines necessary sequence of activities and the efficient level of resources needed to achieve short and long-term goals
• Maintains a high level of energy, focus and commitment to juggle multiple tasks and priorities, and uses available resources effectively
• Identifies project-related issues, problems or opportunities and finds, recommends and implements effective solutions
• Coordinates with others in response to multiple, competing demands to ensure work is completed in a timely manner
• Possesses knowledge in project and contract management principles

ADAPTABILITY

• Understands changes in work tasks, situations and environment, as well as the basis for change
• Persists towards solutions and goals in changing circumstances
• Thinks and acts effectively under pressure
• Adapts to constantly changing work schedule and is available for early morning, late nights and on the weekends when needed

About OC Parks

County of Orange - OC Parks

Connections working at OC Parks