Full job description Description and Functions Open Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Department of Family Services (DFS) is seeking a Senior Public Relations Specialist. This position advances the mission and values of DFS by acting as the spokesperson for the agency and promoting community support and engagements for the Department. As the primary agency spokesperson, this individual communicates over a variety of forums including news outlets, social media, press releases, and public records requests. This position acts as the Communications and Public Relations lead and educates both internal and external stakeholders on the services that DFS provides to ensure families are supported and services are accessible. This position also leads the design and management of the DFS website and other marketing materials by utilizing data visualization and other software imaging tools.
The Wyoming Department of Family Services' work centers around three values:
Safe at home;
Giving families opportunities for success; and
Supporting the people who support the families.
The Department achieves this vision by giving families opportunities for success throughout their interactions with the Department. Many of the Department's goals reflect the Department's desire to improve upon the practice and service delivery that enhance families' abilities to be successful and remain safe at home while continuously finding ways to support the staff that are dedicated to serving families.
Human Resource Contact: Michelle Johnson / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed at the job level.
Responsible for managing a variety of public relations/communications activities for the Department. Provides essential information to the public using both proactive and reactive media relations/strategies and other communication techniques to support and promote agency goals.
Advises Department leadership and staff members about public relations issues and provides internal guidance on effective information strategies.
Coordinate with agency representatives to manage content, design, and maintenance of the Department's internet website and intranet site;
Manages social media accounts to message important information about the Department.
Reviews and monitors local, state, and national media sources online for articles about the Department or relevant information pertaining to the Department.
Develops and manages Department branding and advertisements (newspaper, radio, television, online) and other public communications such as brochures, booklets, posters, billboards, external websites, and other promotional or informational materials.
Leads, manages and coordinates media inquiries from television, radio, newspaper, and online reporters; encourages productive media relations; acts as the agency spokesperson on a wide variety of issues across varying mediums.
Manages the public record request process and coordinates across agency divisions to comply with the Wyoming Public Records Act, W.S. 16-4-201 through 205, and associated rules.
Writes, edits and distributes all Department news/press releases and other proactive media efforts.
Acts as the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Department, ensuring that all Emergency Action Plans and other emergency preparation activities are up to date and thoroughly trained.
Plans and executes the crisis response process for effective internal and external communications.
Acts as the communication lead in the event of emergencies.
Qualifications KNOWLEDGE: Ability to write in an active, strength-based language to engage audiences and adequately represent Department purpose, work, and values. Strong ability to publicly speak in a way that is relatable, captivating, and effective. Ability to innovate to utilize cutting-edge data visualization tools to create marketing material for the Department. Ability to synthesize complex information in a way that allows for understanding and education. Ability to build relationships with the media and other members of the public to positively represent the Department. Familiarity with budget and fiscal processes Ability to research and problem-solve autonomously Ability to analyze data to inform policy decisions Ability to facilitate and promote conversation and teamwork Ability to interpret and apply statutes and rules to various situations
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Public Relations, communication, or related field)
Experience: 0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations or communications)
OR Education & Experience Substitution: 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations or communications)
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None
Necessary Special Requirements PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: This position takes place in an average work environment NOTES: FLSA: Non-exempt All positions within the Department of Family Services will require a background check, including the taking of fingerprints, which will be completed through the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, the Department of Family Services, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, for every successful applicant.
Supplemental Information
049-Department of Family Services-Support Services Division
Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.
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The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.
Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version. Working for the State of Wyoming provides employees with a range of valuable benefits and offers a fulfilling career path. Employees enjoy comprehensive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision plans, ensuring their well-being and that of their families. Additionally, the state offers multiple retirement plans, which provide financial security and stability for employees once their career in public services comes to an end. the state recognizes the importance of personal time and offers generous paid time off and flexible arrangements, allowing employees to recharge, take care of personal matters, and maintain a healthy work-life integration.
There are many benefits to living and working in Wyoming. Beautiful country with wide-open spaces, clean air, great recreational activities, and no State income tax to mention a few!
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