PUBLIC INFORMATION DIRECTOR 3

Nunez Community College; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Nunez Community College seeks a Public Information Director serving as the strategic voice and chief storyteller for the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). This role bridges media relations, digital marketing, crisis management, and executive communications to modernize how residents engage with government services.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong strategic thinking, effective communication across platforms, and leadership of a public relations division.

Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design.
• Six years of full-time experience in any field plus five years in relevant PR/marketing fields.
• Bachelor's degree plus five years of experience in PR/marketing/content creation or related fields.
• Advanced degree plus four years of experience in PR/marketing/communications/journalism/English.

Responsibilities

• Serve as agency spokesperson and responsible for public relations programs in all programmatic areas of the state agency.
• Direct the operation of the entire public relations/communications division and budget.
• Serve as the agency spokesperson in crisis situations, with the media and at community and agency meetings.
• Serve as agency web administrator, approving all information published on the agency site.
• Conduct research and develop objectives and programs for proactive PR interactions across the state.
• Manage the communications/public relations/public campaigns budget and direct advertising and promotions.
• Produce and/or direct radio or AV productions and script development for PSAs.
• Oversee contracted advertising and PR activities.
• Plan statewide press conferences for the agency secretary and governor.
• Advise agency officials on proper PR interview techniques.
• Write materials and direct layout/production of newsletters, bulletins, pamphlets, directories, posters.
• Develop and maintain local, national, and international media contacts for disseminating information.
• Research materials and write speeches, news releases, and position papers for agency officials.
• Collaborate with OMV Executive team and supervise Public Information Officer.

Skills

Strategic communication

Media relations

Crisis management

Executive communication

Team leadership

Digital marketing

Public speaking

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree + 5 years experience in PR/marketing/content creation/journalism/social media

Advanced degree in PR/marketing/communication/journalism/English +4 years experience

Eight years of experience in PR/journalism/marketing/content creation/social media/graphics

Tools

Content management systems

Media analytics

Job description

The Public Information Director serves as the strategic voice, media bridge, and chief storyteller for the Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV). Far from a traditional desk job, this leadership position is dedicated to reshaping public perception and modernizing how millions of residents interact with essential our government services. Operating at the intersection of media relations, digital marketing, crisis management, and executive communications, the Pubic Information Director ensures transparent, clear, and proactive engagement across every platform.

AN IDEAL CANDIDATE SHOULD POSSESS THE FOLLOWING COMPETENCIES:

Core Competencies:

Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.

Managing Programs: The ability to plan, execute, monitor, and evaluate programs to achieve strategic objectives and long-term outcomes

Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well supported conclusions

Preferred Competencies:

Championing Continuous Improvement: The ability to promote and implement ongoing enhancements in processes, products, services, or organizational culture

Displaying Professionalism: The ability to uphold workplace standards through consistent conduct, responsible communication, and consideration for others

Focusing on Customers: The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers.

Making Accurate Judgments: The ability to assess options, weigh risks, and make sound decisions using available information and logical reasoning.

Thinking Strategically: The ability to anticipate trends, understand context, and align actions with long-term priorities.

• Eight years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR
• Six years of full-time experience in any field plus five years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR
• A bachelor's degree plus five years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR
• An advanced degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or English plus four years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design.

EXPERIENCE SUBSTITUTION: Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties:

• Serve as agency spokesperson and is responsible for public relations programs in all programmatic areas of the state agency.
• Direct the operation of the entire public relations/communications division and budget
• Serve as the agency spokesperson in crisis situations, as well as with the media and at community and agency meetings.
• Serve as agency web administrator, approving all information that is published to the agency Internet web page, www.expresslane.la.gov.
• Conduct research and develops objectives and programs for pro-active positive public relations interactions across the state for all agency programs
• Manage the communications, public relations, and promotional budget by writing the narrative, projecting costs, determining necessary adjustments and approving and reviewing expenditures, plans and directs advertising, public relations and promotional campaigns and strategies for a large agency.
• Produce and/or direct radio or audio-visual productions, develop the material and script and oversee production of audio/video programs and PSAs.
• Oversee agency use of contracted advertising and public relations activities.
• Plan and coordinate statewide press conference tours for the agency secretary and governor and other special events.
• Advise agency officials on proper public relations interview techniques before media contact.
• Write materials for and directs the layout and production of informational materials such as newsletters, bulletins, pamphlets, directories, and posters.
• Initiate, develop, and maintain local, national, and international media and public contacts for disseminating agency information.
• Research materials for and writes speeches, news releases, and position papers on selected topics for agency officials.
• Work closely with OMV Executive team support all administrators and their specific programs, and supervise a Public Information Officer.

Position-Specific Details:

Appointment Type: This posting may be used to fill a probational, promotional, or job appointment.

Career Progression: This position does not participate in a Career Progression Group.

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Compensation: The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience. Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities