Marketing & Communications Specialist III

State of Nebraska•Lincoln, NE

1d•$25 - $37•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for helping tell the NDOT story through multiple traditional, digital, and social media platforms. You will coordinate initiatives, projects, and campaigns and measure their impact on people of all ages across the state. This person will also serve as the main media contact for the agency and take the lead on external communication such as press releases and stories, along with coordinating with other agencies. This person will also lead all NDOT social media platforms, managing the posting schedule and tracking analytics. A strong marketing, communications, journalism, or public policy background is required, along with knowledge of and experience in social media, media relations, graphic design, and AP style writing. Creativity will serve this position well, as will time management and collaboration skills. An understanding of the life cycle of a marketing campaign and how stakeholders consume information on traditional and digital platforms will aid the successful candidate. An individual with an outgoing, eager, and driven personality will be a strong asset in this role. Familiarity with state government and/or the transportation industry is not required but would be beneficial.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, advertising, graphic arts, digital media, videography, or related field and at least three years’ experience in developing, planning, and managing public relations/publicity campaigns, mass media communication activities, public information programs, and/or marketing/promotional campaigns.
Required experience may substitute for the education on a year-for-year basis.
Must have a valid driver’s license or ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
Occasional overnight travel.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Knowledge and clear understanding of traditional media and digital media content platforms and management tools.
Knowledge of and proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Adobe Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign and/or Premiere), digital media content publishing platforms (i.e., Sprout, Hootsuite, TweetDeck) and social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube).
Ability to create engaging print and digital content from the software listed above or a similar platform.
Ability to speak with the media about assigned initiatives, projects, and campaigns and provide written information through a press release or story using AP style writing.
Ability to multitask and work across functions with many different personality types.
Ability to work independently and coordinate within a team environment.
Ability to stay up-to-date with trends and best practices for traditional and digital content.
Judgment that meets the agency's standard of excellence when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
Capacity to change and grow with advancements in the digital content industry.
Desire to learn quickly, embrace responsibility, and accept accountability.
Desire to reach, identify, and engage leaders, stakeholders, and partners.
Passion to improve the quality of life of Nebraskans and positively influence community members.
Strong listening, written, and oral communication skills.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
Strong customer service skills.
Professional appearance and demeanor.

Nice To Haves

Experience successfully implementing and executing a digital and social media content strategy or communications plan or managing marketing projects.
Experience working with the news media, social media content creation, digital media platforms, and public policy.
Familiarity with state government and/or the transportation industry.

Responsibilities

Develop and manage social media plans to further external reach.
Serve as a spokesperson or media contact on assigned initiatives, projects, and campaigns.
Create and distribute press releases and other materials to the general public.
Be a team lead on special communication projects.
Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with representatives from the community, state and local government officials, business officials and other public-interest groups.
Assist in oral and written communication, video production, website content, graphic design, publications and public information efforts for the Communications and Public Policy Division, the Director’s Office and all divisions of the agency.
Monitor social media channels for issues, trends and opportunities to enhance public awareness.
Interact and respond to digital content messages, replies and comments.
Use analytics to judge and drive the reach and success of demand generation for assigned initiatives, projects and campaigns.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders associated with NDOT’s mission and goals.
Perform other necessary duties to help meet the agency's mission and values.

Benefits

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
13 paid holidays
Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
Military leave
Tuition reimbursement program
Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
79% employer-paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20,000 life insurance policy
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Job security and stability, even during times of economic hardship
Employee Assistance Program
Fun, inviting teammates
Free parking