Public Information Officer 3

State of Louisiana • New Orleans, LA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

At the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), we plan, build, maintain, and protect the transportation systems that connect communities, support commerce, and keep Louisiana moving. DOTD is seeking an experienced communications and media relations professional. The position leads media relations, public affairs, and strategic communications for the New Orleans area while supporting the broader communication needs of statewide media efforts and department leadership. As a senior spokesperson and communications advisor, the position provides timely, accurate, and accessible information during high-profile projects, emergencies, severe weather events, and other critical situations. The position also builds strong relationships with media, community stakeholders, government officials, transportation partners, and internal personnel while applying sound judgment, exceptional communication skills, and a strong understanding of transportation operations and the New Orleans metropolitan area. AN IDEAL CANIDATE SHOULD POSESS THE FOLLLOWING COMPETENCIES: 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. Thinking Critically: The ability to analyze information objectively, identify connections across sources, and form logical, well-supported conclusions. This position is located in Orleans parish and reports to the Executive Director of Marketing & Communications.

Requirements

• Five 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 two years of experience in public relations, journalism, marketing, content creation, social media management, or graphic design; OR A bachelor's degree plus two 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 one year 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.

Nice To Haves

• Strong understanding of transportation operations and the New Orleans metropolitan area.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations and public affairs activities for DOTD in the New Orleans area and assigned district.
• Build and maintain relationships with news media, government officials, community organizations, transportation partners, and other stakeholders.
• Respond to media inquiries and develop press releases, advisories, talking points, briefing materials, and other communications products.
• Develop proactive media strategies and identify opportunities to promote DOTD projects, programs, accomplishments, policies, and public safety initiatives.
• Coordinate press conferences, media events, project announcements, site visits, groundbreaking ceremonies, and other public affairs activities.
• Serve as a senior media strategist and communications advisor to the Secretary and Department executive leadership, including preparing leaders for high-profile media and public engagements.
• Develop department-wide messaging, communications strategies, and coordinated responses for major initiatives, sensitive issues, and high-profile media inquiries.
• Lead or support crisis communications during severe weather, emergencies, major crashes, evacuations, infrastructure incidents, and other urgent events.
• Translate complex transportation, engineering, construction, and infrastructure information into clear, accurate, and accessible messaging for the public and media.
• Monitor media coverage, social media, and emerging issues; provide communications counsel and support public outreach, strategic initiatives, and special assignments across the Department.

Benefits

• Additional compensation may be considered impart with extraordinary qualifications in accordance with State Civil Service Rule 6.5(g) and DOTD policy.

What This Job Offers

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