Marketing & Communications Specialist I

Marketing & Communications Specialist I (Open)

Are you someone who embraces opportunities, can balance multiple tasks while being detail-oriented, and seeks to communicate with various stakeholders efficiently? If so, join a group of dynamic individuals working to fulfill the Nebraska Department of Transportation's (NDOT's) mission to deliver the best possible transportation system. As a Marketing and Communications Specialist, you will help coordinate initiatives, projects, and campaigns and measure their impact on people of all ages across the state. Additional responsibilities include graphic design, social media, and working with subject matter experts to produce infographics, documents, and publications. We reward our employees' hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 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

Pay range is $19.045 - $28.074 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

Job duties include:

• Drafting technical press releases and stories related to projects, initiatives, and/or educational efforts managed by NDOT.
• Create and design handouts, marketing materials, and digital content for social media, website, video, writing pieces, and internal communications for assigned projects, initiatives, and campaigns.
• Develop strong written content to assist internal and external audiences in understanding the NDOT business.
• Coordinate schedules, timelines, and deadlines for content.
• 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.
• Structure internal and external publications to meet the agency's goals and mission.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and key stakeholders to successfully produce stories, press releases, speeches, and presentations.
• Assist in developing social media content.
• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for use by the Communication Division.
• Perform other necessary duties as assigned.

Requirements/qualifications include:

• Minimum Qualifications: Vocational/Technical diploma or Associate's Degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, graphic arts, digital media, videography, or related field, and at least one year of experience in conducting public relations, information, or graphic art activities. Required experience may substitute for education on a year-for-year basis.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• A background in marketing, communications, journalism, public policy, news media, television media, digital media, and/or organizational content creation.
• Experience and proficiency with graphic design, video/photo editing, and digital media formats.
• Prior experience with successfully implementing and executing a written communications strategy via social media, media, graphic design, and AP style writing.
• Familiarity with state government and/or the transportation industry is not required, but would be beneficial.
• Other:
• Must have a valid driver's license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation.
• Occasional overnight travel may be required.

Knowledge/skills/abilities include:

• 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.
• 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).
• Creativity will serve this position well, as will critical time management and collaboration skills.
• An individual with an outgoing, eager, and driven personality will be a strong asset in this role.
• 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.
• Judgment that meets the agency's standard of excellence when interacting with internal and external stakeholders.
• Passion to improve the quality of life of Nebraskans and positively influence community members.
• Desire to learn quickly, embrace responsibility, and accept accountability.
• 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.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.