State of Michigan

Communications Specialist 13

USA (On-site)

Job Description The Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA) administers the state’s unemployment insurance program that provides temporary financial assistance to individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Benefits are paid through taxes on employers covered under the Michigan Employment Security Act. Through teamwork, UIA serves as a leader in the customer-centric delivery of claimant and employer services with integrity and efficiency. The position is responsible for overseeing high-level internal and external communication strategies and deliverables for UIA and effectively communicating about the various programs, products, services, and actions by the agency that affects public perception and overall awareness by staff and across Michigan among citizens, partners and stakeholders. The specialist collaborates proactively with the Communications Team and agency leadership, subject matter experts throughout the department, and external partners and stakeholders to identify the need for developing and executing strategic communications strategies and plans that cover public relations, media relations, social media, internal awareness, and partner/stakeholder communications. Duties will also include developing, organizing, implementing and creating content for current and future programs and initiatives as well as websites, newsletters, videos, infographics, promotional materials, presentations, talking points, community outreach, and other messaging tools as needed. This position collaborates closely with the UIA Communications Manager to assist the UIA Executive Team with decision-making on how best to align content with the Department’s goal of creating a national model for fast, fair, and fraud-free service through modernization and transformation. This position will work closely with the Strategy and Planning Division and Communications leadership to coordinate and oversee content strategies. The specialist is expected to become an authority on UIA programs and policies, and proactively communicate to internal staff and the public across any medium in the appropriate style and voice. The specialist also is expected to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in strategic communications and proactively make recommendations to Leadership. At the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, we are passionate about creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment where we value our differences and are committed to being open and respectful to all our employees and the public we serve. Our department provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/LEO . The work location will be either Detroit or Lansing depending on the selected candidate. Position Description Required Education And Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, broadcasting, telecommunications, advertising, or communication arts. Experience Four years of professional experience in the communications field equivalent to a Communications Representative, including two years equivalent to a Communications Representative P11 or one year equivalent to a Communications Representative 12. Additional Requirements And Information Please attach a cover letter, detailed resume, communication samples, and your official college transcript(s) to your application. For our purposes, "official college transcripts" must contain the college/university name and address, the degree conferred, date granted, coursework completed (especially if no degree granted), and the Registrar's signature and/or seal. A scanned or electronic copy is acceptable, if it contains the elements listed above. The college/university does not have to send the transcript directly to LEO. For more information regarding official transcripts, click here . Applicants who possess a degree from a foreign college or university must have their academic credentials evaluated or converted into U.S. educational equivalents unless the degree has been recognized by the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Go to evaluators for a list of accepted organizations that evaluate foreign credentials. Failure to provide this evaluation at the time of application may result in you being screened out of the process. Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further. All classified employees are subject to Civil Service Rule 2-8 Ethical Standards and Conduct and will be expected to disclose any personal and financial interests that may conflict with official duties as a classified employee. All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test prior to their actual appointment. Certain positions within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may also require state criminal, fingerprint-based and driving record background checks. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the background checks and drug test indicate eligibility for employment. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Applications must be submitted through NEOGOV. If you have questions or need assistance uploading and/or attaching your documents, please contact the NEOGOV applicant support at 855-524-5627. View the entire job specification at: https://www.michigan.gov/mdcs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdcs/JOBSPECS/C/CommunicationsSpecialist.pdf Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.