Senior Communications Specialist - Equal Rights

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Wisconsin’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) seeks a Senior Communications Specialist in the Equal Rights Division. The role serves as a key advisor on communications between the Division, stakeholders, and the public, and leads strategic communications initiatives.

You will research and implement policy and program recommendations, coordinate Division-wide communications, and provide support to project teams.

Qualifications

• Developing and implementing strategic communication plans.
• Creating, reviewing, and editing written communications materials for internal and external audiences (web content, publications, social media, one-pagers).
• Using media tools and technologies to create and edit webpages and online publications per branding standards.
• Organizing and presenting information verbally, visually, and in writing across platforms including web-based tools, social media, and distance technology.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key advisor on communications between the Division, stakeholders, and the public.
• Research, analyze, formulate, and implement policy and program recommendations.
• Lead and coordinate communications involving Division activities and initiatives.
• Make strategic and tactical recommendations to senior leadership.
• Provide support to project teams involving the Division.
• Liaise with staff and managers in the division and department, DWD's central office of communications, and other high-level officials in government.
• Implement training and education programs for the public and DWD stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic communications

Written communications

Web content

Public speaking

Job description

Introduction

Are you looking to grow your career in the communications field? Are you interested in using your skills to protect worker rights through awareness, education, training, and collaboration?

The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) offers interesting and meaningful work with an employee-friendly and inclusive work environment, work-life balance, a casual office environment, flexibility, and many opportunities to grow your skills.

It is anticipated that this position will work a blend of remote (up to four days/week) and in-office work at our downtown Madison location (201 E. Washington Ave.).

This recruitment may be used to fill future similar vacancies (permanent, project or Limited Term).

Position Summary

The Senior Communications Specialist in the Equal Rights Division will:

• Serve as a key advisor on communications between the Division, key stakeholders, and the public.


• Research, analyze, formulate, and implement policy and program recommendations.


• Lead and coordinate communications involving Division activities and initiatives.


• Make strategic and tactical recommendations to senior leadership.


• Provide support to project teams involving the Division.


• Liaise with staff and managers in the division and department, DWD's central office of communications, and other high-level officials in government.


• Implement training and education programs for the public and DWD stakeholders.

Salary Information

Starting Pay Is Between $30.00 And $35.76 Per Hour ($62,400 - $74,380 Annually), Depending On Qualifications, Plus An Exemplary Benefits Package:

• Generous paid time off, including at least 3 1/2 weeks of vacation/personal time, nine paid holidays, and ample sick time that rolls over each year with no cap.


• Excellent and affordable health insurance options (2027 rates start at $52/month for single and $128/month for family coverage).


• Other great insurance options (dental, vision, life, and more).


• A top-notch retirement program and optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan.


• A Well Wisconsin program, offering wellness tools and rewards to employees and spouses.


• A free and confidential employee assistance program that offers employees and their household members tools, resources, and professional consultation services.

Job Details

The classification title for this position is Communications Specialist - Senior (schedule 07, range 04). A 12-month probationary period will be required. This position is not represented in a collective bargaining unit.

Pay will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan in effect at the time of appointment. Starting pay may vary for current state employees.

Remote work

This position offers a hybrid remote work schedule. Employees with approved remote and hybrid-remote work arrangements are generally expected to work within the state of Wisconsin. High-speed internet access is required to meet the needs of remote work. Remote work options are subject to change.

Criminal histories

We also consider all qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Finalists for this position may be required to allow DWD to conduct a background check or other checks to determine whether the circumstances of any conviction may be related to the job being filled.

Eligibility to work in United States

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in the United States (i.e. a US citizen or national or a lawful permanent resident) at the time of appointment. DWD does not sponsor visas and is not an eligible OPT employer for those with F1 visas. This is not a contract position. Any appointment made will be contingent on the applicant completing the I-9 upon hire.

Qualifications

• Developing and implementing strategic communication plans.


• Creating, reviewing, and editing written communications materials for internal and external audiences (i.e. web content, publications, social media, one-pagers), including multi-faceted, technical, or controversial information.


• Using media tools and technologies to create and edit webpages and online publications in accordance with organizational branding standards.


• Organizing and presenting information verbally, visually, and in writing across different platforms, including using web-based tools, social media, and distance technology.

Nice to have

• Coordinating a diverse range of outreach activities, including presentations to internal and external stakeholder groups (e.g. press events, videos, themed media events, social media, and printed materials).


• Planning, designing, and editing visually appealing products such as infographics, reports, one-pagers, and/or social media content.


• Responding to open records requests.


• Developing communications related to civil rights or equal employment opportunity laws.

DWD values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.

The State of Wisconsin offers a special program for qualified veterans with a 30% or greater service-connected disability. If you are a qualified veteran, please visit the Veterans Employment page for application instructions to be considered for the Veterans Non-Competitive Appointment program.

Deadline to Apply

Application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM (central standard time) on Monday, November 2nd, 2026.