Public Information Officer 1/2/3

State of Louisiana; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services seeks a Public Information Officer to support communications objectives across public relations, media, digital and outreach activities. This role reports to department leadership and helps inform the public about policies, services and events.

Ideal candidates will bring 3+ years in PR/journalism/marketing or 6+ years in any field, plus a bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications

• Three 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.
• A bachelor’s degree is acceptable in lieu of part of the experience.
• Experience substitution rules apply as defined by the State Civil Service.

Responsibilities

• Researches, writes, edits and disseminates public information materials including press releases, media advisories, talking points, fact sheets, web content, and internal communications.
• Supports department leadership in communicating policies, initiatives, services, and events to the public and internal audiences.
• Monitors digital platforms for engagement, inquiries, and emerging issues; elevates items as appropriate.
• Assists with photography, video, graphics, and visual content to support department communications across platforms.
• Works with program areas and leadership to keep staff informed of key initiatives and priorities.
• Assists during emergencies, special projects, or increased workload periods as needed.

Skills

Public relations

Journalism

Marketing

Content creation

Social media management

Graphic design

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Department MISSION

To protect children, empower families, and strengthen communities so every child grows up safe, stable, and strong.

Department VISION

A future where every child thrives in a loving environment, supported by empowered families and resilient communities.

Department VALUES

Treating all people with dignity, compassion and respect, while providing services with integrity.

At The Department of Children and Family Services, our mission is to empower communities and improve lives by delivering responsive, inclusive, and forward-thinking public services. We are proud to serve the people of Louisiana with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to equity.

Public Information Officer

This incumbent of this position will support the department's overall communications objectives through a broad range of public relations, media, digital, and outreach activities.

Ideal Candidate Competencies

• Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
• Demonstrating Accountability: The ability to take ownership of actions, behaviors, performance, decisions, and outcomes.
• Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well supported conclusions.
• Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
• Adapting to Change: The ability to demonstrate flexibility in thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to evolving circumstances or unexpected change.
• Demonstrating Initiative: The ability to assess situations independently and take proactive steps to address them without being prompted or instructed by others.
• Learning Actively: The ability to pursue learning, seek feedback, and integrate new knowledge to improve personal and professional performance.
• Managing Projects: The ability to plan, implement, and close out project initiatives by coordinating people, resources, and timelines to achieve defined outcomes.

If you're driven, collaborative, and ready to make an impact - this could be the opportunity for you!

Three 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; OR

A bachelor's degree.

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

• Researches, writes, edits and disseminates public information materials, including press releases, media advisories, talking points, fact sheets, web content, internal communications, and other written materials
• Supports department leadership and program areas in communicating policies, initiates, services, and events to the public and internal audiences.
• Monitors digital platforms for engagement, inquiries, and emerging issues, elevating items as appropriate.
• Assists with photography, video, graphics, and visual content to support department communications across platforms.
• Works with program areas and leadership to help ensure staff are informed of key initiatives, changes, and departmental priorities.
• Assists during emergencies, special projects, or increased workload periods as needed.

Position-Specific Details

Appointment Type: Probational, Promotional, or Job Appointment. This position may be filled as a probational appointment or a job appointment that may last up to 48 months. Job appointments may convert to probational appointments. Also, it may be filled as a detail and promoted within 12 months or by promotion of a permanent classified employee.

Work Schedule: Typically, work hours are 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Flexible work schedules are available after meeting certain criteria and is dependent upon the position you are applying for. Some positions require working shifts.

Career Progression: Public Information 1, 2 or 3

Location of Work: This position is located in the State Office building in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana HB420 requires that all prospective DCFS employees complete and clear multiple background checks prior to employment with the agency.

Equal Opportunity Statement

DCFS is an "Equal Opportunity Employer" and Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

Contact Information

For further information about this vacancy, contact:

Amy Roberts

Department of Children and Family Services

[e-mail]