CHIEF OF COMMUNICATIONS II

State of Arkansas•Big Rock Township, AR

7d•$103,991 - $153,907

About The Position

The Chief of Communications II is a senior leadership role within the Department of Human Services, responsible for overseeing and directing all department communication functions. The position develops and executes high-level communication strategies to communicate the department’s mission, objectives, and initiatives to the public, government officials, media, and other stakeholders. It helps shape the department’s public image, manages crisis communications, and coordinates outreach efforts. The Chief serves as the department’s primary spokesperson, oversees its communications budget and team, guides digital and social media communications, and advises senior leadership on communications strategy, including during sensitive or high-pressure situations. The role also works with government officials and policymakers to advance legislative and policy priorities and builds relationships with media outlets and other stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or a related field.
At least seven years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement high-level communication strategies aligned with organizational goals and stakeholder needs.
Exceptional skills in crafting clear, compelling messages for different audiences.
Strong leadership skills and experience managing and developing teams of communication professionals.
Ability to inspire collaboration, drive performance, and maintain high morale within a diverse team.
Skill 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 online campaigns.
Ability to serve effectively as a spokesperson in settings such as media interviews, public forums, and legislative hearings.
Ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to maintain positive relationships with media representatives, government officials, external stakeholders, and internal teams.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with state or local government agencies and navigating complex governmental and political environments.
Experience collaborating with legislators, policymakers, community leaders, and external stakeholders to advance organizational initiatives.
Experience advising senior executives and agency directors on communication strategy, public messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective relationships with local, state, and national media outlets.
Experience developing internal communication programs that improve employee engagement and organizational alignment.

Responsibilities

Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of long- and short-term communication strategies aligned with department goals and objectives.
Serve as the department’s primary spokesperson and represent it in media interactions.
Protect and enhance the department’s brand image through consistent messaging across communication channels.
Ensure materials and public-facing content reflect the department’s values, mission, and public service role.
Oversee the communications department budget and allocate resources across campaigns, media buying, and digital tools.
Ensure communication strategies are executed effectively within budget constraints.
Supervise and mentor 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 the public, monitor public opinion, and promote initiatives.
Ensure digital communications align with the department’s overall messaging and strategy.
Oversee internal communications to keep staff and other internal stakeholders informed about departmental goals, policies, and news.
Build and maintain relationships with local, state, and national media outlets.
Manage press releases, interviews, public statements, and media briefings to communicate the department’s message clearly and accurately.
Lead public relations crisis management, developing timely and effective communications that protect and enhance the department’s reputation.
Advise senior leadership on communication strategies during sensitive or high-pressure situations.