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Outreach Specialist

State of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, United States


Work for Indiana Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Fish & Wildlife enriches the quality of life for present and future generations by balancing the biological, ecological, recreational, and economic benefits of Indiana’s fish, wildlife, and their habitats.

Role Overview As an Outreach Specialist, you will advance the mission of the Division of Fish, Wildlife & Nature Preserves through a variety of communication methods. Your focus will be on communications planning and implementation, and writing and copyediting content. You will share information related to the conservation of fish, wildlife, and their habitats, including creatively and succinctly sharing technical information about regulations, research, habitat management, hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting sports. You will be responsible for a specific set of duties while also sharing generalist duties on a team of several members. Our team members are expected to lead, solve problems, and collaborate. As a salaried communications professional, the work will occasionally occur outside of normal business hours and will involve a willingness and ability to travel throughout the state. This position is based at Central Office in Indianapolis and is full-time in person (no remote work option).

A cover letter is recommended to be included in your application.

Salary Statement The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

A Day In The Life

Leading and implementing communication efforts to inform customers of upcoming hunting, fishing, and trapping seasons.

Writing and copyediting, without the use of AI, for social media, web, news releases, e-newsletters, and posters/signs.

Assisting with the creation of digital content for social media, videos, and webinars.

Responding to customer service inquiries via phone, email, and social media.

Writing and implementing detailed communication plans to communicate complex, technical concepts using understandable and attractive tactics.

Copyediting documents for content, spelling, and grammar.

Planning and leading a variety of events statewide.

Serving as project manager on special projects.

Providing direction to other Division staff on their strategic communication efforts.

Participating in Department and Division workgroups as the advisor on fish and wildlife communication issues.

Acting as a Division liaison with Division of Communications staff to ensure accurate fish and wildlife related information is shared on websites, social media, electronic newsletters, news releases and other communication channels.

Statewide travel to take photos and videos of our work, as well as of hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters. Some out-of-state travel may be required.

Working and/or being on call evenings, weekends, and overnights as needed.

Must possess a valid Indiana driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

A specialized knowledge of strategic communications planning along with demonstrated skills in writing and copyediting.

Knowledge of biological principles, ecological concepts and life histories of fish and wildlife species, as well as experience engaging the public about natural resources, developed through education, on the job training, and/or related experience.

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree with two years’ experience or a master's degree from an accredited college in writing, biology, wildlife management, environmental education, communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.

Knowledge or experience in social media, video creation and editing, website content development, and digital newsletters and emails a plus.

Ability and willingness to serve as a project manager.

Excellent computer skills including proficiency with word processing, spreadsheets, presentation design, social media, web design, and desktop publishing.

Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.

Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize variable workloads.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Ability to organize and conduct meetings, classes and seminars of varying size and complexity.

Ability to prepare and present educational/informational materials to various types of audiences.

Ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems and implement creative solutions that address many differing points of views.

Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana

Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

Education Reimbursement Program

Group life insurance

Referral Bonus program

Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Free Parking for most positions

Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.

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