Communications Officer

State of North Carolina

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About The Position

The NC Department of Adult Correction is one of the largest state agencies with more than 14,000 employees. It is responsible for safeguarding and preserving lives and property through prevention, protection, and preparation as well as the care, custody, and supervision of all adults sentenced for violating North Carolina laws. This department includes state prisons with custody, healthcare, and facility operations staff as well as probation/parole officers who supervised sentenced people in the community. Other divisions include Administration, Health Services, Rehabilitation & Reentry, Special Operations and the Post-Release Supervision & Parole Commission. We have a mission that matters! The Communications Office leads all communication efforts for the department, serving both the media and the general public. The office develops, coordinates, and implements communication strategies that support the department’s mission and strengthen awareness and understanding of its policies and functions. Areas of responsibility include crisis communication, media relations, public records and data requests, and management of all news media inquiries. The Communications Office also oversees internal and external websites, social media channels, printed publications, marketing initiatives, and advertising. Its role is to ensure consistent, accurate messaging and to support all divisions and sections in communicating effectively and appropriately. The Public Information Officer (PIO) serves as the primary communications lead for the Division of Institutions/Prisons. This position works closely with division leadership to advance the department’s public affairs goals and ensure clear, coordinated communication.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, public affairs, media, journalism, English, or related field from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in communications, public relations, or publicity work; (OR) an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• This role requires strong relationship‑building skills, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Expertise in journalistic principles, crisis communication strategies, and effective media relations across multiple platforms.
• Skilled in online publishing, web design, accessibility compliance, and editing print publications.
• Technical proficiency to use word processing, desktop publishing, graphic design, and web management tools to create engaging content.
• Strong analytical skills to gather complex information, interpret legal or technical language, and produce clear, accurate materials.
• Proven ability to build media relationships and organize press conferences, public events, and outreach activities under tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Managing media relations for the Institutions/Prisons Division.
• Responding to news inquiries and coordinating information with subject-matter experts.
• Pitching proactive story ideas that highlight the division’s work and initiatives.
• Assisting with social media content creation related to the division.
• Supporting website updates and content accuracy.
• Contributing to communication strategies that align with department-wide messaging.

Benefits

• The State of North Carolina offers excellent comprehensive benefits.
• Employees can participate in health insurance options, standard and supplemental retirement plans, and the NCFlex program (numerous high-quality, low-cost benefits on a pre-tax basis).
• Employees also receive paid vacation, sick, and community service leave.
• In addition, paid parental leave is available to eligible employees.

What This Job Offers

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