Manager Community Relations

We are a mission-driven, community-based organization that serves member health with excellence and dignity, respecting the value and needs of each person.

About the role

Join our Community Relations team as Manager of Community Relations and help shape the future of healthcare. This position is approved for partial telework, requiring work within the State of California and in-office attendance in Orange, CA at least two days per week. You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Community Relations department, supervise staff, and support senior management in community programs, public events, and special projects. The role involves building and maintaining positive stakeholder relationships, advising senior management on community affairs, and increasing the organization's visibility through volunteer opportunities. A flexible schedule is required, including participation in evening and weekend events.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and promote a mission-driven culture focused on high-quality performance, customer service, consistency, dignity, and accountability.
• Direct and assist the team in carrying out department responsibilities, collaborating with leadership to support short- and long-term goals.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including hiring, managing, training, reviewing, and setting goals for department staff.
• Build and maintain positive stakeholder relationships and cultivate support for public policy issues impacting CalOptima Health.
• Support the Community Relations Director with key initiatives, events, and special projects.
• Ensure clear communication of key messages to external stakeholders to enhance and preserve CalOptima Health's image and reputation.
• Advise senior management on community affairs, engagement opportunities, and healthcare issues impacting the organization or members.
• Serve as primary manager for CalOptima Health's signature community events and outreach activities.
• Manage staffing coordination for events, workshops, and activities at satellite offices and additional locations.
• Assist in developing and implementing community relations plans aligned with CalOptima Health's strategic goals and department workplans.
• Develop and maintain a clearinghouse of volunteer opportunities to increase community visibility.
• Enhance and support processes for sponsoring community events, endorsements, and use of CalOptima Health's name/logo.
• Participate on advisory committees, community collaboratives, and task forces to develop partnerships that enhance healthcare access, membership growth, and retention.
• Complete other projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, health and human services, public health, or a related field, plus 5 years of experience in program development and implementation (including project management) in a healthcare agency or community-based organization. An equivalent combination of education and experience may also qualify.
• 2 years of experience in a supervisory or lead role.
• Access to transportation for work away from the primary office approximately 20% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Experience in HMO, Medi-Cal, Medicare, and health services.
• Bilingual in English and one of CalOptima Health's defined threshold languages (Arabic, Farsi, Chinese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese).

Skills

• Develop rapport and maintain effective working relationships with leadership, staff, and external contacts of diverse backgrounds.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.
• Organize, analyze, problem-solve, and manage projects effectively.
• Work efficiently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects.
• Identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration.
• Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
• Utilize computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job-specific applications/systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to visually read information from computer screens, forms, and printed materials.
• Clear speech for conversation and communication via telephone and in-person interactions.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing, reaching, flexibility, body movement (bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, prolonged sitting).
• Lifting and moving objects, patients, and/or equipment weighing 10 to 25 pounds.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation: Pay Grade 314 - $99,902 - $159,843 ($48.03 - $76.8476 per hour), with final salary based on education, experience, skills, and internal equity.
• Partial telework eligibility (California only).
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• CalPERS pension program and additional retirement packages.
• Generous PTO program.
• Work-life balance initiatives.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional and career development opportunities.
• Flexible scheduling.

Work Environment

If located at the 505 Building or a remote work location:

• Typically indoors and sedentary, with schedule changes and variable work hours.
• Travel may be required.
• No harmful environmental conditions; moderate noise level.

If located at PACE:

• Typically indoors in a clinical setting serving the frail and elderly.
• Potential exposure to harmful or hazardous environmental conditions.
• Moderate to loud noise level.

If located in the community:

• Typically indoors and sedentary, with schedule changes and variable work hours.
• Occasional outdoor work in varied temperatures.
• Travel may be required.
• Potential exposure to harmful or hazardous environmental conditions.
• Moderate to loud noise level.