Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and oversee comprehensive communication strategies to advance the department’s goals, enhance public understanding, and improve engagement with key stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the department, managing interactions with the media, issuing press releases, responding to media inquiries, and coordinating media events such as press conferences and interviews.
• Lead internal communication efforts to ensure that employees are well-informed about departmental updates, initiatives, and changes.
• Develop internal newsletters, bulletins, and other forms of communication as needed.
• Lead the department’s response to any public relations or crisis management issues, crafting timely and accurate messages to protect the department’s reputation and maintaining clear communication with the public.
• Foster relationships with community groups, public interest organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Oversee public relations efforts to promote initiatives, programs, and services that benefit Arkansas residents.
• Develop and maintain the department’s brand identity, ensuring consistent messaging across all communication channels, including social media, print materials, and official statements.
• Collaborate with government officials, legislators, and other stakeholders to advocate for policies and legislative action beneficial to the department’s mission.
• Manage and guide the department’s social media presence, ensuring content is consistent, appropriate, and engaging for various audiences.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field is required, plus at least five (5) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field
• Licensure/Certifications: N/A
• OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.