Job Description

Open Until Filled

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This position manages public affairs/public information for the Office of Homeland Security and serves as communications lead. Provides information services regarding Homeland Security programs and activities. Monitor internal/external agency communications and keep the director apprised of any adverse information that threatens the agency’s image or may reflect on the governor, and take steps to counteract and neutralize it by acting as agency spokesperson working with other public information partners as needed. Develop, plan, and initiate awareness campaigns for Homeland Security and emergency preparedness. Create, develop, and maintain website and social media. During times of crisis, responsible for activating the Joint Information Center (either in person or virtual) to ensure accurate, timely information is disseminated to the public. Coordinate public meetings and conferences, creating agendas, marketing, and facilitating discussions. Gathers information through personal interviews and meetings for composing, editing, printing, and distribution to media and the public. Write and distribute press releases/announcements and other media material to provide a discretionary disclosure of agency internal affairs and/or activities, some of which may be sensitive information. Prepare, produce, and distribute special-purpose publications and presentations to inform, educate, and assist public, local, state, and federal entities. Human Resource Contact: Debbie Russi, 307-777-6737, debbie.russi@wyo.gov

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Initiates, directs, and implements public relations initiatives for the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security; supervises media efforts of personnel; serves as agency spokesperson. Serves as Chief of Information to director and other personnel for all aspects of media, including writing and editing of news releases, monitoring any adverse information threatening the agency's image, and taking steps to counteract it. Responds to questions about the agency/department from the public, media, and special interest groups and acts as the spokesperson on a wide variety of issues. Acts as agency liaison publicly, disseminating information to newspapers, radio, television, communication networks, internet-based media, governmental officials, and the general public. Creates and coordinates comprehensive campaigns to build and sustain preparedness. Speaks publicly to educate groups on preparedness: prevention, protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. Works with outside entities including contractors and meeting facilities to facilitate training courses and meetings. Develops and designs internal and external publications, audiovisual presentations, social media posts, displays, and fact sheets and disseminates to targeted audiences. Develops the agency strategy, annual report, legislative reports, and other pertinent documents. Creates, designs, and implements an interactive website and ensures the site is current with industry standards and ADA requirements. Maintains and approves all content on the agency’s website and site design. Assistant WebEOC administrator. Implements and maintains social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc) presence for use in emergent and non-emergent situations. This includes monitoring social media sites for rumors and trends; and taking action to eliminate rumors. Works with County Coordinators; develops and maintains updated public information handouts for all hazards preparedness; supports coordinators with public outreach efforts; plans and implements monthly conference calls and quarterly meetings. Coordinates statewide Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) to ensure lifesaving messages are disseminated to the public in a timely manner. This includes messages about all hazards and technological and adversarial threats. Supports commissions and councils, with the agency overseeing administrative matters. Provides technical advice, and publication development, and manages public records requests. Commissions and councils include the Wyoming Court Security Commission, Search and Rescue Council, State Emergency Response Commission, and any additional groups as necessary. Manages and coordinates special projects as assigned. Supports the State Emergency Operations Center when activated to include training, exercise, or actual emergencies, accidents, or incidents.

PREFERENCES:

Preference will be given to those with previous support to an agency director or elected official.

KNOWLEDGE:

Advanced knowledge of Microsoft software. Working knowledge of Adobe Indesign, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, and other publishing software. Ability to work under pressure and switch priorities as needed. Ability to meet internal and external deadlines. Knowledge of the principles and methods of planning and conducting a public information and relations program. Knowledge of the media used in public relations. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision. Knowledge of the principles of practices of government organization and administration. Knowledge of principles and methods for marketing strategy and tactics. Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Public Relations) Experience: 0-3 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Public Relations Specialist II OR Education & Experience Substitution: 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Public Relations Specialist II Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

PHYSICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

Some travel or field deployment may be necessary

NOTES:

FLSA: Non-Exempt 001 - Governor's office, Homeland Security Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL:

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities. Class Specifications are subject to change, please refer to the A & I HRD Website to ensure that you have the most recent version. #J-18808-Ljbffr State of Wyoming

Job Tags

Temporary work, For contractors, Work experience placement, Local area, Remote job,

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