Society of Professional Journalists is hiring: Senior Public Relations Specialis

General Description

Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is an agency committed to providing a safe, high-quality transportation system for the State of Wyoming. This position is located in Laramie and produces and gathers content (information, images, graphics, and art) for both internal and external audiences, including news releases and agency publications. Provides critical reports and travel condition information to the public and media outlets during winter storm events and construction projects. Produces content for WYDOT's websites and social media outlets. Assists in the development of highway safety campaigns. Script writing for agency video productions and some print design and layout work are included.

Why Choose WYDOT?

$2,000 Hiring Bonus – Jumpstart your journey with us! (See eligibility details below)

Work-life balance – Enjoy a supportive culture where your well-being comes first.

Outstanding benefits – Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, State Retirement Plan, Deferred Compensation, and Paid Leave.

Adventure awaits – Live and work in a community rich in history, recreation, and natural beauty.

Location & Community

Laramie, where work meets adventure. Nestled in the heart of the Rockies, Laramie offers outdoor experiences such as Snowy Range Ski Area, Vedauwoo, Curt Gowdy State Park, and cultural highlights at the University of Wyoming. Bonus perk: Wyoming has no state income tax.

Apply today and start a rewarding career where service meets adventure. Let’s pave the way forward—together.

Human Resource Contact: Mandy McMicheal / 307-745-2111 / mandy.mcmicheal@wyo.gov

Essential Functions

• Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, community groups, advocacy organizations, and other government agencies.
• Work with media to relate the agency's work, review news coverage, and respond to interview requests from media.
• Respond to questions about the agency from the public, media, and interest groups; act as spokesperson on a range of issues.
• Disseminate information to newspapers, radio, television, and online media.
• Develop communication materials such as website content, social media posts, speeches, and presentations.
• Write news releases about the department and its personnel.
• Develop and manage proactive communications; speak publicly to educate groups.
• Manage communications during emergencies or other critical situations.
• Attend events and public forums to ensure accurate media coverage.
• Advise leadership on public perception of proposed policies and initiatives.
• Coordinate with administration and project leads to obtain information on issues involving human dimensions.
• Work with external entities to facilitate meetings; develop social science studies for data.
• Provide support to agency management as needed; advise on public involvement methods and research needs; coordinate with outside researchers when appropriate.
• Assist in recruitment efforts.

Preferences

Preference given to candidates with two or more years of progressive experience in news writing, journalism, or public relations.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of communications fundamentals and media principles.
• Knowledge of web design and content management.
• Skill in working with diverse publics, gathering and disseminating information.
• Skill in presenting information persuasively and organized.
• Skill in gathering and analyzing technical information.
• Skill in communicating with diverse viewpoints and facilitating outcomes.
• Skill in oral and written communications; knowledge of news writing and design standards; basic camera operation and photography.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Bachelors Degree (typically in Public Relations)

Experience: 0-3 years of progressive work experience in Public Relations with the level of Public Relations Specialist II, or Education & Experience Substitution: 4-6 years of progressive work experience at that level.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: None

Physical Working Conditions

• Travel required; may involve long distances.
• Must be able to operate office equipment and drive a vehicle.

Notes

• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• WYDOT is a Drug-Free Workplace.
• E-Verify: WYDOT uses E-Verify to confirm eligibility to work in the United States.
• Qualifying eligibility and criteria for the hiring bonus: temporary employees entering full-time; promotions open to the public; one year of service; internal candidates must stay one year; one hiring bonus per 12 months; penalties for downgrading within 12 months.

Click here to view the State of Wyoming Classification and Pay Structure.

URL: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/wyoming/default.cfm

The State of Wyoming is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively supports the ADA and reasonably accommodates qualified applicants with disabilities.