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State of Arkansas · 2 days ago

CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS II

Little Rock, AR

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

$104K/yr - $154K/yr

7+ years exp

The Arkansas Department of Education is dedicated to providing personalized education to students through a network of world-class educators and community partnerships. The Chief of Communications II is responsible for leading communication strategies, managing media interactions, and overseeing the department's public image and brand reputation.

EducationEmploymentGovernmentPublic RelationsRecreation

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of long-term and short-term communication strategies that align with the department’s goals and objectives

Serve as the department’s primary spokesperson and represent the department in media interactions

Protect and enhance the department’s brand image through consistent messaging across all communication channels

Ensure that all materials and public-facing content reflect the department’s values, mission, and public service role

Oversee the communication department’s budget and allocate resources efficiently across communication campaigns, media buying, and digital tools

Ensure that communication strategies are executed effectively within budget constraints

Supervise and mentor a team of communication professionals, including public relations specialists, digital content creators, and media relations staff

Provide leadership, feedback, and professional development opportunities to team members

Collaborate with government officials and policymakers to advance the department’s legislative and policy priorities

Guide the department’s use of digital and social media platforms to engage with the public, monitor public opinion, and promote department initiatives

Ensure that digital communications are aligned with the department’s overall messaging and strategy

Oversee internal communication strategies to ensure staff and other internal stakeholders are informed about departmental goals, policies, and news

Lead efforts to build and maintain relationships with local, state, and national media outlets

Manage press releases, interviews, public statements, and media briefings to ensure that the department’s message is conveyed clearly and accurately

Provide leadership in managing public relations crises, including developing timely and effective communication strategies that protect and enhance the department’s reputation

Advise senior leadership on communication strategies during sensitive or high-pressure situations

Qualification

Communication strategiesCrisis communicationMedia relationsDigital engagementTeam leadershipPublic speakingInterpersonal skillsCollaboration

Required

A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field is required

At least seven (7) years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement high-level communication strategies that align with organizational goals and stakeholder needs

Exceptional skills in crafting clear, compelling messages tailored to different audiences

Strong leadership skills with experience in managing and developing teams of communication professionals

Ability to inspire collaboration, drive performance, and maintain high morale within a diverse team

Skilled in developing and executing crisis communication strategies

Ability to think quickly under pressure, maintain composure, and provide strategic advice in high-stakes situations

Experience with social media platforms and digital tools to promote public engagement, monitor sentiment, and create impactful online campaigns

Comfortable and effective as a spokesperson for the department in a variety of settings, including media interviews, public forums, and legislative hearings

Ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively

Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with media representatives, government officials, external stakeholders, and internal teams