Program Head - Information and Education

State of North Carolina; Archdale (NC); Hybrid; USD 58,000 - 101,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of North Carolina, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, seeks an Information & Communications Specialist III (NS) within the North Carolina Forest Service in Raleigh. The role focuses on shaping public information, media relations, campaigns, and outreach to residents and landowners across the state.

You will lead a team including Public Information Officer and Multimedia Specialist, plan communications strategies, budget oversight, and coordination with external partners

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or related field with four years of experience.
• Experience developing and implementing public relations strategies.
• Ability to write according to accepted publication standards and edit documents.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, implement, and oversee information, education, and outreach programs.
• Plan media, campaigns, social media, and advertising strategies.
• Provide technical direction to the Educational State Forests and budget monitoring.
• Supervise the Public Information Officer, Communications Specialist, and Multimedia Specialist.

Skills

Public relations

Communication strategy

Media relations

Written communication

Team supervision

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

Agency

Dept of Agriculture , Consumer Services

Division

North Carolina Forest Service

Job Classification Title

Information & Communications Spec III (NS)

Position Number

60032189

Grade

NC16

About Us

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services provides services that promote and improve agriculture, agribusiness, and forests; protect consumers and businesses; and conserve farmland and natural resources for the prosperity of all North Carolinians. The Department employs approximately 2,000 employees.

Description Of Work

Job postings close at 11:59:59 p.m. the night before the listed Posting End Date above. The North Carolina Forest Service is a team of professionals who provide forest protection, emergency response, resource management and environmental education to the residents and landowners of North Carolina through a variety of programs. The NC Forest Service provides services to the 100 counties in North Carolina. Position currently qualifies for a telework option. Telework options are subject to change at the discretion of management. The Information and Education Branch Head is responsible for increasing awareness, understanding, and support of the NCFS mission, vision, programs, and accomplishments, as well as forestry in North Carolina. This position is responsible for conceptualizing, implementing, and overseeing the NCFS information, education, and outreach program, to include: media and public relations, program and information strategies and campaigns, marketing research, advertising, developing and leveraging social media outlets, community outreach and development, environmental education, providing technical direction to the Educational State Forests, budgetary planning and monitoring, and other duties assigned by supervisor. This position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the work of the NCFS Public Information Officer, Communications Specialist and the NCFS Multimedia Specialist.

Duty Station Location

512 N Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604

Knowledge Skills And Abilities/Management Preferences

Recruitment Range: $57,983 - $101,470

• Experience developing and implementing public relations strategies.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques for effectively disseminating information to the public through a variety of media.
• Ability to write according to accepted publications standards, edit and analyze documents and information prepared by others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with representatives of the communications media, public, forest industry, and other agencies.
• Experience supervising and directing the work of others.

Any employment offer may be less than the maximum of the range due to salary equity with similarly situated employees or the selected candidate's related education and experience.

All Law Enforcement positions, aviation safety-sensitive positions, and positions requiring a Pilot's License or a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) shall be subject to pre-employment drug testing. All positions requiring a Commercial Driver's License shall also be subject to pre-employment DMV physicals. Selected applicants must obtain a U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) medical certificate prior to employment. If a CDL is listed as a preference and the selected applicant has a CDL at the time of hire, then the CDL will become a requirement for the position.

Minimum Education And Experience

Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details. Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media, journalism, English, or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.