Title
Human Resources Department and Chief Administrative Office recommending the Board:
1) Approve and adopt the classification specification for Chief Communications Officer (JCN 1326); and
2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign Resolution 056-2026 to:
a) Approve the Job Class Number, bargaining unit assignment (UM), and salary range for Chief Communications Officer;
b) Approve the lateral reclassification of one (1.0) Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Deputy Chief Administrative Officer allocation, Position 2435, to Chief Communications Officer (JCN 1326), and the deletion of one (1.0) FTE Deputy Chief Administrative Officer allocation; and
c) Waive competitive examination and appointment requirements and directly appoint the incumbent in Position 2435 to Chief Communications Officer in accordance with Personnel Rule 507.1.2.
FUNDING: General Fund.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
The Chief Administrative Office requested that Human Resources study Position #2435, currently allocated as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, because the work being performed is unique in scope and emphasis and did not appear to align with the Deputy CAO classification. Human Resources conducted a classification review focused on the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position and evaluated the work under Personnel Rules 506.2 and 506.3. That review confirmed the position is functioning as the County’s lead communications role, with primary responsibility for strategic communications, public information, media relations, executive messaging support, emergency public information coordination, and disaster liaison, and that these duties are not a typical match for the Deputy CAO class.
Based on the review, HR recommends establishing the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) classification assigned to the Chief Administrative Office, and reclassifying Position #2435 from Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to CCO. The attached class specification reflects the work currently being performed and aligns with executive communications roles commonly used in other public agencies. HR also verified that the incumbent in Position #2435 meets the minimum qualifications for the Chief Communications Officer classification.
To maintain continuity in a high-visibility function and to avoid disruption to ongoing communications responsibilities, HR recommends the Board waive competitive examination and directly appoint the incumbent in Position #2435 to Chief Communications Officer pursuant to Personnel Rule 507.1.2. The conditions supporting a 507.1.2 appointment have been met, including that the position’s duties align with the new classification, the incumbent is currently performing those duties and meets the minimum qualifications, and the action supports operational continuity while establishing the new class and reclassifying the existing allocation with no net change in County FTE.
In addition, the appointing authority requested, and the Human Resources Director approved, a waiver of a new probationary period consistent with the Personnel Rules, therefore the appointment will be effective without a new probationary period.
ALTERNATIVES
Direct staff to retain the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer allocation and continue providing communications support within the current structure; or
Direct Human Resources to conduct additional analysis and return to the Board with alternatives.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
N/A
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
County Counsel
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this item since the salary range for the Chief Communications Officer is the same as the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Upon Board adoption and approval, please provide a copy of the executed Resolution to Heather Andersen in Human Resources.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT
Workforce Excellence
Priority: Enhance Employee Retention
Action Item: Attract and retain the best employees by providing competitive compensation, training, and advancement opportunities, and creating a positive and thriving culture
CONTACT
Joseph Carruesco, Director of Human Resources