Public Information Officer

Title: Public Information Officer

Location: Madison United States

Job ID: 22352

Agency: Ag, Trade & Consumer Protctn

Full/Part Time: Full-Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Classification Code: 1236

Job Description:

Introduction

The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) works hard to protect and promote Wisconsin's agricultural industries and consumers. As an agency, we strive to serve the people of Wisconsin assuring: safe, wholesome food; consumer protection and fair business practices; animal and plant health; a clean environment; and strong agriculture and commerce. To successfully attain these goals, we recognize our success hinges on the high quality, dedicated staff we employ.

DATCP currently has an opening for a Public Information Officer (Communication Specialist - Senior) position with the Communications Team in the Office of the Secretary.

This position is located at the Prairie Oaks State Office Building situated on Madison's southeast side and a beautifully wooded and scenic hilltop venue. Our employees enjoy low-cost parking at the facility and are only minutes away from the Beltline Highway, Interstate 90 and Highway 51 for quick access to local restaurants, retail and service locations.

Remote Work Option: This position may have the ability to work remotely up to 6 days per 2-week pay period! An approved remote work agreement is required before an employee may work remotely. Approval of the employee's remote work agreement and work schedule will vary based on the operational needs of the Division. All DATCP employees who work remotely are required to live in Wisconsin.

Employee Benefits: This position offers the State of Wisconsin's excellent benefits package, which includes 3.5 weeks of paid time off to start, 9 paid holidays, accrued sick leave, multiple insurance options and an exceptional retirement plan! 

By working for Wisconsin State Government, you may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Please click the link for details.

Click here to see what working for the State of Wisconsin is all about!

This posting may be used to fill future similar vacancies.

Position Summary

Under general supervision of the Communications Director, this position works with other department communications staff in the development and administration of comprehensive communications programs and strategies for the agency. This position is responsible for supporting at least one and possibly more than one division, to be determined by the Communications Director. In this capacity the position is also responsible for coordinating a variety of news releases, media advisories, social media posts, and informational/educational activities. These programs and materials are utilized to inform and serve a wide variety of groups, including the news media, consumers, businesses, schools, interest groups, trade groups, and the general public. The work further involves serving as a liaison to department staff and other state, federal, and local agencies to coordinate media and informational activities. The position also manages special event public information efforts, or serves as a technical resource (e.g., project leader for topics such as integration of new communications technology into agency practices, etc.).

Review the full position description for more details.

Salary Information

The classification of this position is Communication Specialist - Senior, which is in schedule-range 07-04 with a starting pay of $30.00-$35.76 per hour ($64,400 to $74,380.80 annually)

This position is not represented by a collective bargaining unit. A 12-month probationary period is required. Pay for current state employees will be set in accordance with the State Compensation Plan at the time of hire.

Job Details

At DATCP, we strive to deliver efficient and effective programs and services to Wisconsin agriculture, consumers, and businesses. The Department has numerous on-the-job training (OJT) opportunities, unique to each Bureau.

These OJT opportunities include direct experience and practice through collaboration with co-workers/supervisor, peer mentoring, and job-specific training modules.

Conditions of Employment:

DATCP does not sponsor work visas. Any appointment made will be contingent on the selected applicant being able to provide documentation of eligibility to work in the United States.

A criminal background check will be performed on the selected applicant prior to an offer of employment.

Possession of a valid drivers license or the ability to provide one's own transportation for work purposes, is required.

Travel is required for approximately 10% of this position's duties. Overnight stays may be required

Qualifications

Minimally qualified candidates will have each of the following:

• 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.).

In addition to the minimum qualifications above, highly qualified candidates will have one or more of the following:

• 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)