External Equity and Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Job Description and Duties

* Pending HR Approval *

The Position is headquartered in Sacramento.

Please Note: You will need to create an account and apply via CalCareers at www.CalCareers.ca.gov to be considered for this job. Our vacancies and additional information on job descriptions and duties can be found here: www.aging.ca.gov/Careers_with_CDA

Under the general direction of the Assistant Director, Office of Strategic Initiatives and Equity, the External Equity and Strategic Initiatives Specialist provides leadership in integrating equity principles into external stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and high-priority projects. This position will support the department’s mission to embed equity across programs while managing cross-functional strategic initiatives that advance the Master Plan for Aging (MPA) and department-wide priorities.

A key responsibility of this role is to provide expertise, advice, and guidance on equity to the Equity in Aging Advisory Committee (EAAC) and other California Department of Aging (CDA) and the MPA committees; oversees the development of the department’s Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP), ensuring its alignment with state goals and department-wide priorities. The incumbent will also be responsible for managing high-profile strategic initiatives, ensuring projects are implemented efficiently and align with state equity goals.

To be considered for this position you must provide a completed application, resume, Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).New to state candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of the alternate salary range when applicable. Placement to alternate range may be based on education or experience identified in your state application.

Examination Information

Those interested in obtaining employment with the California Department of Aging must apply and compete through the State recruitment process (3 Steps To A State Job). Applicants who successfully pass the examination will be placed on an eligibility list used to recruit for positions.

To apply for the examination for this position, click on the link below to search for the examination and follow the “How to Apply” instructions in the examination announcement: CalCareers Exam/Assessment SearchIf you already have list eligibility for this classification, you do not need to retake the examination, except when your list eligibility expires. For questions regarding the examination process and/or career opportunities with the California Department of Aging, please contact the Human Resources Branch at Careers@aging.ca.gov

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

This position is hybrid and eligible for telework up to three days a week, in accordance with the Statewide Telework Policy, and will be required to report to the office as needed/required. The successful candidate must reside in California upon appointment.

The physical work location of the position is designated at the department's headquarters location, a three-story building and standard office modular workspace located in Natomas. The duties of the position require sitting for long periods of time while using a personal computer, reviewing documents, and attending meetings whether they are digital (i.e., Zoom, WebEx, MS Teams, etc.) or in person.

Position Details

Job Code #: JC-467159

Position #(s): 797-500-4801-001

Working Title: External Equity and Strategic Initiatives Specialist

Classification: STAFF SERVICES MANAGER II (SUPERVISORY)

$7,643.00 - $9,496.00

# of Positions: 1

Work Location: Sacramento County

Telework: Hybrid

Job Type: Permanent, Full Time

Department Information

The California Department of Aging (CDA) administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, family caregivers, and residents in long-term care facilities throughout the State. The Department administers funds allocated under the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, and through the Medi-Cal program.

Special Requirements

This position is designated under the Conflict of Interest Code. The position is responsible for making or participating in the making of governmental decisions that may potentially have a material effect on personal financial interests. The appointee is required to complete Form 700 within 30 days of appointment and once per year. Failure to comply with the Conflict of Interest Code requirements may void the appointment.
Do NOT include ANY confidential information to your application on any documents you submit for a job vacancy, such as your State application, resume, or educational transcripts. Confidential information that should be excluded or removed from these documents includes, but is not limited to, your Social Security Number (SSN), birthdate, student identification number, driver's license number (unless required), basis of eligibility, examination results, Limited Examination and Appointment Program (LEAP) status, medical information, marital status, and age. Confidential information on the first page of the applications submitted electronically online, such as Easy ID number, SSN, examination related information, and driver's license number will automatically be redacted upon submission.

Possession of Minimum Qualifications will be verified prior to interview and/or appointment. If you are meeting Minimum Qualifications with education, you must include your unofficial transcripts/diploma for verification. Official transcripts may be required upon appointment. If it is determined a candidate does not meet the Minimum Qualifications, the candidate will be withheld from the eligibility list, rendering them inactive and ineligible to be hired for the position. Candidates who have been withheld may file and appeal with the State Personnel Board.

If you are using education to meet the minimum qualifications, please include a copy of your unofficial transcripts for verification. Foreign transcripts must be accompanied by an academic credential evaluation. Below is the link to a list of approved agencies.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 3/21/2025

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s).

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

California Department of Aging

Human Resources Branch

Attn: Human Resources Bureau JC-467159

2880 Gateway Oaks, Suite 200

Sacramento, CA 95833

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

California Department of Aging

Human Resources Branch

Human Resources Bureau JC-467159

2880 Gateway Oaks, Suite 200

Sacramento, CA 95833

08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Statement of Qualifications - Statement of Qualification is REQUIRED and must be submitted with your Employment Application (STD. 678). Applications received without an appropriate Statement of Qualifications based on the instructions below will be rejected for being incomplete and will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, and other documents will not be considered as a response to the Statement of Qualifications. Please refer to the "Statement of Qualifications Instructions" section below for specific requirements.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.Desirable QualificationsIn addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:

• Knowledge of and experience with equity, diversity, and inclusion practices, with a focus on aging, disability, and caregiving populations.
• Experience with person-centered, data-driven programs and addressing systemic inequities.
• Proven ability to ensure the needs of diverse and underserved populations are central to policies, programs, and initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain collaborative relationships with executive leaders, advocates, and community groups to develop new program policies and initiatives.
• Strong experience leading high-priority initiatives, managing multiple competing priorities, and integrating equity-focused policies into broader goals.
• Skilled in representing an organization at government and stakeholder forums, presenting issues, data, and research effectively.
• Ability to track, analyze, and interpret data to develop equity performance metrics, conduct equity impact assessments, and measure the success of programs.
• Experience delivering training and capacity-building efforts, mentoring staff and partners to embed DEI principles, and fostering inclusive organizational culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to handle competing priorities while maintaining exceptional customer service.
• Experience collaborating with communications teams to craft public-facing messaging and materials that reflect diverse communities and equitable practices.
• Proven ability to ensure external communications align with accessibility standards and resonate with target audiences.
• Familiarity with state government functions, control agencies, budget cycles, and the legislative process.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Teams, Planner, Trello, Adobe Creative Suite, Zoom, and other collaboration and project management tools to support virtual and hybrid work environments.

Contact Information

The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.

Hiring Unit Contact:
Human Resources Branch
(916) 419-7525
Careers@aging.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 898-9480
eeo@aging.ca.govCalifornia Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS

The Statement of Qualification (SOQ) is a narrative description of how an applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities meet the qualifications for the position. The SOQ serves as a documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly and concisely in writing.

PLEASE NOTE:

Resumes, letters, and other materials will not be evaluated or considered as responses to the Statement of Qualifications.
DISCLAIMER:

Applicants whom fail to submit a SOQ as required may be screened out from the selection process.
INSTRUCTIONS:

• Must include applicant’s full name
• The original SOQ questions must be listed in the SOQ document
• Question(s) must be answered in numerical order
• Font must be Arial 12-point
• Single-spaced

CRITERIA:

• 1. Describe your experience advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. What strategies have you implemented in programs or initiatives to address systemic inequities and improve access for underserved populations?2. Project Management of Strategic Initiatives: Share your experience managing complex strategic initiatives. How did you ensure alignment with organizational goals, timelines, and equity considerations?3. External Communications & Stakeholder Engagement: Explain how you have collaborated with communications teams and external stakeholders to develop equitable, accessible messaging or outreach efforts. Provide a high-level example of your success.
• *** For helpful guidance on writing an effective SOQ or a Supplemental Questionnaire, please visit Work4CA: How to Write a Statement of Qualifications

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $7,643.00 - $9,496.00 per month

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sacramento, CA 95833

Salary : $7,643 - $9,496