Communications Specialist 13

State of Michigan•Lansing, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

At the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), we are committed to fostering a positive, professional, and supportive work environment that values diversity and promotes respect for all employees and the public. Our department facilitates business growth, community development, affordable housing, tourism, and talent acquisition in Michigan. As the LEO-Employment and Training (LEO-E&T) Communications Specialist, this role oversees all external communications and functions as the Public Information Officer. This position handles highly complex assignments that significantly influence public perception and awareness among Michigan citizens, partners, and stakeholders. The Communications Specialist collaborates daily with LEO-E&T leadership and subject matter experts, as well as external partners, to develop and implement communication strategies and plans encompassing public relations, media relations, and partner/stakeholder communications. Key responsibilities include tracking, measuring, and reporting on the success of these strategies. The specialist is expected to develop comprehensive knowledge of all LEO-E&T programs and communicate effectively across various mediums, adapting style and voice appropriately, including for executive-level communications. This role is also the primary writer and copy editor for LEO-E&T's press releases, websites, publications, promotional materials, presentations, and talking points. The specialist must stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in strategic communications and proactively offer recommendations.

Requirements

Possession of a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, broadcasting, telecommunications, advertising, communication arts, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
Four years of professional experience in the communications field equivalent to a Communications Representative.
Two years of experience equivalent to a Communications Representative P11.
One year of experience equivalent to a Communications Representative 12.
Must currently reside in Michigan or be willing to relocate to Michigan.
Must provide a cover letter, detailed resume, and official college transcript(s).
Must provide communications-based work samples: campaign content, press release, content to an external audience, and talking points.
Must disclose any personal and financial interests that may conflict with official duties.
Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
Must pass background checks (state criminal, fingerprint-based, and driving record background checks may be required).

Nice To Haves

Possibility of a remote/hybrid schedule based on performance and operational need.

Responsibilities

Manages all aspects of external communications for LEO-E&T.
Serves as the Public Information Officer.
Develops and executes communications strategies and plans covering public relations, media relations, and partner/stakeholder communications.
Tracks, measures, and reports on the goal attainment of all communications strategies and plans.
Builds and maintains extensive knowledge regarding all LEO-E&T programs.
Proactively communicates across any medium in the appropriate style and voice, including for executive-level leadership.
Serves as the primary writer and copy editor for LEO-E&T’s press releases, websites, publications, promotional materials, presentations, and talking points.
Stays current with best practices and emerging trends in strategic communications and makes proactive recommendations.