Public Information Director 1

State of Louisiana•Baton Rouge, LA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is located in the Office of Management & Finance, in Baton Rouge, LA, East Baton Rouge Parish. The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry is an Equal Opportunity Employer and State as a Model Employer (SAME) to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Ready to make a meaningful impact on Louisiana’s workforce and organizational culture? Join the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry as a Public Information Director 1! The Public Information Director 1 reports to an unclassified executive staff member and is responsible for supporting and coordinating agency-wide communications, public information, public relations, digital media, publications, and outreach efforts for the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF). The incumbent serves as a key communications resource for the Department by developing and disseminating information through print, digital, social media, and web-based platforms; managing public-facing publications and digital assets; coordinating media relations and public outreach activities; and providing administrative support functions for the Executive Office. This position also oversees all aspects of production in the Department's bi-weekly publication, the Market Bulletin, and assists in advancing the agency's communications strategy and public engagement initiatives. You'll thrive in this role if you enjoy balancing creativity with organization, can manage multiple deadlines at once, and have a passion for telling meaningful stories. Success requires excellent writing and editing skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to build relationships while serving as a trusted communications resource for the Department.

Requirements

Seven years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR Six years of full-time experience in any field plus four years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR A bachelor's degree plus four years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR An advanced degree in public relations, marketing, communications, journalism, or English plus three years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design.
Every 30 semester hours earned from an accredited college or university will be credited as one year of experience towards the six years of full-time work experience in any field. The maximum substitution allowed is 120 semester hours which substitutes for a maximum of four years of experience in any field.
Experience in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, digital media, public information, or a related field.
Strong writing, editing, proofreading, copywriting, and content development skills.
Experience managing media relations, public outreach initiatives, and executive communications.
Experience managing websites, social media platforms, digital communication campaigns, and content management systems.
Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including InDesign, Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or related software.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and digital publishing tools.
Knowledge of branding, media relations, public information practices, publication production, accessibility standards, and digital communications.
Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Experience working with executive leadership, media representatives, government agencies, vendors, and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Communicating Effectively: The ability to convey information, ideas, and emotions using structured communication methods that promote understanding and engagement.
Focusing on Customers: The ability to understand and meet the needs, preferences, and experiences of internal and external customers.
Leveraging Technology: The ability to use digital tools, systems, and emerging technologies to improve efficiency and effectiveness.
Accepting Direction: The ability to be open and willing to follow guidance or instructions.
Adapting to Change: The ability to demonstrate flexibility in thoughts, behaviors, and actions in response to evolving circumstances or unexpected change.
Managing Projects: The ability to plan, implement, and close out project initiatives by coordinating people, resources, and timelines to achieve defined outcomes.
Managing Resources: The ability to manage financial, physical, and contractual resources to ensure compliance and maximize business value.
Managing Time: The ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and allocate time to ensure timely completion of work goals.
Testing and Troubleshooting: The ability to systematically analyze, diagnose, and resolve problems that arise within a system, device, or software.
Thinking Strategically: The ability to anticipate trends, understand context, and align actions with long-term priorities.

Responsibilities

Direct and coordinate the planning, research, writing, editing, design, production, and distribution of the Market Bulletin and other agency publications.
Manage advertisements and subscriptions, including receiving, editing, entering, and maintaining advertisement records and subscriber databases.
Design and produce the Market Bulletin using Adobe InDesign, ensuring visually appealing layouts, accurate content placement, and adherence to agency branding standards.
Coordinate photography, feature stories, publication layouts, and production schedules, subscription renewals, and customer inquiries related to subscriptions and advertising.
Maintain and update the Market Bulletin digital commerce site to ensure accurate offerings, efficient transactions, and positive user experiences.
Review, proofread, and approve publication content and final production materials prior to printing and distribution.
Submit the Market Bulletin to the Recorder of Documents for the Louisiana Public Document Depository Program and ensure compliance with publication requirements and printing schedules.
Develop agency fact sheets, brochures, reports, presentations, and promotional materials supporting departmental programs and initiatives.
Develop and implement agency-wide communications strategies, public outreach campaigns, and digital engagement initiatives.
Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, media advisories, speeches, talking points, newsletters, reports, correspondence, and other communications materials.
Serve as media contact and coordinate interviews, press events, media inquiries, and agency responses, as needed.
Manage and maintain agency social media platforms, including content planning, graphic development, video production, publishing, audience engagement, and performance monitoring.
Develop and publish approved agency news, feature stories, photo libraries, videos, and multimedia content for websites, social media platforms, and external media outlets.
Update and maintain agency website content to ensure information is accurate, current, accessible, and consistent with agency standards.
Create and edit digital content, including graphics, videos, photography, presentations, promotional materials, brochures, fact sheets, public service announcements, and other communication products.
Coordinate with printers, vendors, contractors, and media partners to produce signage, promotional materials, mailers, and marketing collateral.
Ensure agency branding standards are consistently applied across all communication platforms and materials.
Assist with emergency communications and crisis response activities and serve in a public information role as assigned.
Serve as Safety Coordinator for the Executive Office by coordinating safety meetings, maintaining records, preparing training materials, participating in audits, and monitoring workplace safety practices.
Provide communications guidance and support to agency divisions, commissions, and executive leadership.
Oversee content governance and quality control for agency websites and digital communication platforms.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of agency goals and objectives.