Senior Public Communications Specialist (Remote-Eligible)

State of Wisconsin; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 64,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is seeking a Public Information Officer (Communication Specialist – Senior) to join the Communications Team in the Office of the Secretary.

The role involves coordinating news releases, advisories, social posts, and outreach across divisions, with liaison duties to other agencies, and potential remote work up to 6 days per 2-week period.

Qualifications

• Experience writing, editing, and proofreading a variety of publications on behalf of an organization (i.e. press releases, talking points, etc.).
• Experience establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the news media, internal staff, public and industry officials and/or the general public as an organization’s spokesperson.
• Experience working with a variety of computer applications and means for distributing program information (i.e. GovDelivery, Canva, Adobe, basic graphic design tools, social media applications, etc.).
• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in communications or a related field.
• Experience utilizing public communications principles, techniques, and/or strategies (i.e., creating a communication and/or outreach plan, evaluating efficacy, modifying communication as needed, etc.)
• Experience navigating complex issues that may be controversial in nature and that may impact the general public. (i.e. issues that are politically sensitive)

Responsibilities

• Coordinate a variety of news releases, media advisories, social media posts, and informational/educational activities.
• Serve as liaison to department staff and other state, federal, and local agencies to coordinate media and informational activities.
• Manage special event public information efforts, or serve as a technical resource (e.g., integration of new communications technology into agency practices).
• Support at least one and possibly more than one division, as determined by the Communications Director.

Job description

State of Wisconsin’s Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) is seeking a Public Information Officer (Communication Specialist – Senior) to join the Communications Team in the Office of the Secretary.

The role involves coordinating news releases, advisories, social posts, and outreach across divisions, with liaison duties to other agencies, and potential remote work up to 6 days per 2-week period.