Senior Public Health Communication Officer - Limited Service

State of Vermont • Waterbury, VT

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vermont Department of Health has an exciting opportunity to lead communication strategy for its website, turning evolving and complex public health issues into a clear, accessible and user-friendly online experience for the public.

The Senior Public Health Communication Officer - Web Director will use their expertise in web management and User Experience (UX) to set the vision for HealthVermont.gov and guide the development of web and accessibility initiatives. They will also manage the department's web contract and collaborate with communication experts across the department, providing guidance and training for web editors.

In addition, this position will represent the Communication Office at a senior level and help lead communications during public health events and emergencies.
The role involves extensive interactions with department leadership, subject matter experts, other state government leaders and communicators, community partners, and creative services vendors.

Work includes supervisory duties and is performed independently as part of a team under the general direction of the Communications Director. This opportunity is full-time, based in Waterbury, VT and is supportive of a hybrid work schedule, with a minimum of 3 days a week in-person in Waterbury, VT required.

Requirements

• One (1) year experience as a Public Health Communication Officer, Public Health Marketing Director or a Division Information Director.
• Master’s degree in public health, journalism, communication, marketing, public relations or a closely related field AND one (1) year of experience in journalism, marketing, advertising, communication, public relations or a closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree in public health, journalism, communication, marketing, public relations or a closely related field AND two (2) years of experience in journalism, marketing, advertising, communication, public relations or a closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree AND three (3) years of experience in journalism, marketing, advertising, communication, public relations or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of experience in journalism, marketing, advertising, communication, public relations or a closely related field.
• Candidates must pass any level of background investigation applicable to the position. In accordance with AHS Policy 4.02, Hiring Standards, Vermont and/or national criminal record checks, as well as DMV and adult and child abuse registry checks, as appropriate to the position under recruitment, will be conducted on candidates with the exception of those who are current classified state employees seeking transfer, promotion or demotion into an AHS classified position or are persons exercising re-employment (RIF) rights.

Nice To Haves

• Website management and best practices
• Using web analytics tools
• Improving user experience (UX)
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Digital accessibility work
• Superior writing and communication skills

Responsibilities

• Lead communication strategy for the department's website.
• Turn evolving and complex public health issues into a clear, accessible, and user-friendly online experience.
• Set the vision for HealthVermont.gov.
• Guide the development of web and accessibility initiatives.
• Manage the department's web contract.
• Collaborate with communication experts across the department.
• Provide guidance and training for web editors.
• Represent the Communication Office at a senior level.
• Help lead communications during public health events and emergencies.
• Supervisory duties

Benefits

• 80% State paid medical premium
• Dental Plan at no cost for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
• Two ways to save for your retirement: A State defined benefit pension plan and a deferred compensation 457(b) plan
• Work/Life balance: 11 paid holidays each year and a generous leave plan; many jobs also allow for a flexible schedule
• Low cost group life insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Incentive-based Wellness Program
• Qualified Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees