Job Description

Accepting applications until December 17, 2024

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

 

Are you passionate about making a difference for families and communities? The Wyoming Department of Family Services(DFS) is looking for a Senior Public Relations Specialist who will play a crucial role in promoting the agency’s mission and values of supporting families and staff, ensuring safety at home, and providing opportunities for success.

In this role, you will serve as the voice and spokesperson of DFS, managing public relations and communications to foster community engagement and awareness. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with key stakeholders, ensuring that DFS services are well-represented and accessible to families across Wyoming. Your work will directly contribute to the success and well-being of Wyoming families while supporting the dedicated team of professionals who make it possible.

The Wyoming Department of Family Services’ work centers around three values:

• Safe at Home: We are committed to ensuring that Wyoming Families are safe and secure in their homes.
• Giving Families Opportunities for Success: We believe in empowering families with the resources and support they need to thrive.
• Supporting the People Who Support the Families: We are dedicated to fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for our team members who work tirelessly to serve families across the state.

Human Resource Contact: Michelle Johnson / michelle.johnson@wyo.gov  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function which may be performed in the job level.

 

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for DFS, conveying our message across diverse platforms, including news outlets, social media, and public forums. Promote positive, proactive engagement with the media and the public.
• Develop strategic communications to inform internal and external audiences about DFS’s critical services, with a focus on supporting safe homes, family success, and staff well-being.
• Lead the design and content management of the DFS website and marketing materials using data visualization and innovative tools to ensure accessibility and clarity for all stakeholders.
• Handle media inquiries, public records requests, and crisis communications. Coordinate emergency communication plans and provide leadership during emergency response efforts.
• Oversee the creation of promotional materials that align with DFS’s values of safety, opportunity, and support. Manage advertisements, press releases, and public messaging to ensure consistent and impactful communication.
• Provide internal guidance to DFS leadership and staff on public relations issues, helping to shape strategies that enhance the Department’s visibility and service delivery.
• 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.
• Manages the public record request process and coordinates across agency divisions in order to comply with the Wyoming Public Records Act, W.S. 16-4-201 through 205, and associated rules.

KNOWLEDGE:

 

 

• Ability to write clearly and positively to engage audiences and accurately reflect the Department’s mission, work, and values.
• Skilled in public speaking that allows you to connect with people in a relatable, engaging, and effective way.
• Skilled with creative use of technology to create marketing materials using the latest data visualization tools.
• Ability to explain complex information in a way that is easy for others to understand and learn from.
• Skilled at building relationships with the media and the public to represent the Department in a positive light.
• Ability to research and solve problems independently.
• Ability to analyze data to help guide policy decisions.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills to facilitate productive conversations and collaboration.
• Ability to understand and apply laws and rules to different situations.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Education:

Bachelor's Degree (typically in Public Relations)

 

Experience:

0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Public Relations Specialist II

 

OR

 

Education & Experience Substitution:

4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Public Relations Specialist II

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

None

 
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.
  
   

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL:

 

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.

 

Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement,

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