Chief Public Affairs Officer

State of careers Rhode Island

1d • $99,895 - $113,260 • Onsite

About The Position

This is a highly responsible policy and communications role serving the Director of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS). The position involves developing and implementing the organizational brand strategy, guiding communications campaigns, and representing the Director in communications with federal, state, and local officials. A key function is to develop and maintain continuous liaison with the department, the General Assembly, and other government officials. The role requires developing and implementing a strategic communications program encompassing constituent and legislative affairs, media relations, digital marketing, community outreach, and employee communications. The Chief Public Affairs Officer works under the general direction of the Director with significant autonomy and independent judgment, with assignments reviewed for results and adherence to policies. The position also plans, supervises, and reviews the work of subordinates and exercises functional supervision over other staff assisting in projects.

Requirements

• A thorough knowledge of the principles practices and techniques of communication programs.
• A thorough knowledge of federal, state and local transportation programs.
• The ability to conduct fact-finding investigations of complaints raised by local officials, or civic groups, in connection with the effect of such state programs.
• A thorough knowledge of computers and Internet communications technology.
• A thorough knowledge of, and the ability to evaluate, the attitudes and reactions of interested and affected groups and their demands and needs for information about the department’s programs and objectives.
• The ability to resolve such complaints and objections or to prepare reports thereon for consideration by the Director and/or departmental officials.
• The ability to review proposed legislation, existing laws and regulations and to report to the Director any need for amendment thereof.
• The ability to work in a liaison capacity.
• The ability to research, write and edit news releases, articles, and feature materials for use of media and publicity agencies.
• The ability to communicate effectively with media representatives, educational institutions, community organizations and the general public.
• Possession of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, Journalism or a related field from a college of recognized standing.
• Considerable employment in a highly responsible position involving responsibility for the research, analysis, policy development and dissemination of information.
• Or, any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the above education and experience.
• Solid content creation, and messaging experience.
• Social media management experience.
• Strong graphic design skills.
• Project management skills.
• Basic video/audio editing experience.
• Self-motivated, enthusiastic, and community-driven.
• Positive attitude and readiness to be a team player.
• Ability to work closely with both EOHHS team members and program management staff.
• National fingerprint background screening.
• Employment eligibility validation through E-Verify.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, business, or related fields.
• Demonstrated talent and ability to develop creative, innovative, effective communications on limited budgets and within deadlines.
• Strong skills in Microsoft Office suite, Constant Contact, Canva, and proficient knowledge of: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat Pro (Adobe Creative Suite).
• Outstanding written communication and presentation skills.
• Experience preparing reports, PowerPoints, social media strategy and related posts.
• Strong knowledge of social media and other basic marketing platforms.
• Understanding of marketing principles; design and advertising principles and trends; production processes for print, radio, TV, video, and other media.
• Experience in creating print specifications, and trafficking work with printers.
• Good editing and proofing skills.
• Ability to work independently to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Organization and project management skills.
• Friendly, enthusiastic, and positive attitude.
• Strong critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal, external, and community-based partners.
• Understanding of communications planning and current local media outlets and communication methods to inform campaign planning.
• Detail-orientated with the ability to manage multiple projects at a time.
• Health or human services background a plus.
• Nights and weekend events as needed – can flex hours accordingly to accommodate EOHHS’ needs.
• Bilingual skills would be a plus.
• Experience creating accessible communications is also a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve in a highly responsible policy and communications capacity to the Director.
• Develop and implement the organizational brand strategy and provide guidance and assistance in the development of communications campaigns.
• Represent the Director, as needed, in communications and agreements with federal, state and local officials on matters relating to the department.
• Develop and maintain a continuous liaison with and between the various divisions of the Department, other state agencies, the General Assembly, and the Congressional Delegation.
• Develop and implement a strategic communications program that includes activities such as constituent and legislative affairs, media relations and planning, digital marketing communications, community outreach, and employee communications.
• Schedule, staff, and prepare the Director for briefings with internal and external parties, including federal, state, and local officials; community groups; media; and other stakeholder groups.
• Be responsible for the preparation and coordination of assignments and special projects which require departmental policy approval and authorization prior to implementation.
• Contact divisional officials for the purpose of obtaining information and recommendations for the use of the Director in planning, coordinating and directing the various communications services of the Department; consult with such officials regarding legislation and existing laws and regulations for the purpose of obtaining recommendations relating to their purpose, content and need.
• Provide information to governmental officials, the public or interested parties in accordance with the established policies.
• Serve as the principal source within the Department for the preparation and release of media information material in accordance with instructions and policies.
• Be responsible for researching, writing and editing news releases, articles, and feature materials for use of the news media and advertising agencies; schedule a continuous flow of informational material to the general public and affected communities for the purpose of providing timely information to improve public understanding and reception to departmental objectives.
• Maintain satisfactory relationships with all media representatives, educational institutions, community organizations and the general public to secure cooperation in the placement use and distribution of informational service.
• Keep departmental officials informed of the Director’s decisions and recommendations on programs and policies; contact such officials at frequent intervals relative to such decisions and recommendations and to make reports thereon.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of all departmental communications initiatives and activities, including constituent and legislative affairs, media relations (press, social, and digital) and planning, marketing, community outreach, and employee communications.
• Serve as the first line contact for rural health communications, providing communications support for community meetings and presentations, including taking photos.
• Work with program staff, and external partners to develop materials.
• Monitor the rural health communications email inbox and respond to inquiries.
• Develop and update, on an as-needed basis, templates for materials that can be replicated by sub-awardees, partners, etc.
• Support communication and media campaign planning, including drafting press releases, press statements, media advisories and event briefings.
• Provide graphic design of in-house public health and human services educational materials.
• Develop communications for print, social media, and web.
• Determine the most effective media strategies and designs to meet public health communication goals and determine appropriate file setup for final production (making decisions about media, style, design, colors, size, etc.).
• Create and design print and online content including newsletters, one pagers, social media and other engaging communications on this topic.
• Ensure adherence to EOHHS’s graphic standards for design and production as well as EOHHS and our federal partner, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) review process and brand standards.
• Develop processes and procedures related to rural health communications.
• Prepare accurate records and reports on performance metrics and goals.
• Support the process of onboarding external communication and translation vendors, as needed.
• Prepare all final files for dissemination to print/production vendors.
• Proof all jobs prior to production.
• Archive, track and maintain all final rural health communication files.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• For information regarding the benefits available to State of Rhode Island employees, please visit the Office of Employee Benefits' website at http://www.employeebenefits.ri.gov/.
• Direct deposit for all employees is required for new hires after September 30, 2014.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive