Deputy Chief of Public Affairs and Policy

Department of Social Services (DSS), Director's Office (DO) is looking for a Deputy Chief of Public Affairs & Policy to join our team in the Office of General Counsel, located in Jefferson City, MO.

Job Posting Number: 4001 8969017

Semi-monthly salary: The current rate for this position is $4,452.46. Individual(s) selected for this position may receive a higher rate based on a pay differential (e.g. "shift, or time-of-service pay").

Annual salary: $106,859.04

Job Location: Statewide

Why you'll love this position: The Department of Social Services (DSS) partners with families and communities to protect children, rehabilitate youth and move families to self-sufficiency so that Missourians can lead safe, healthy, and productive lives. The OGC provides enterprise legal support to the Department and is comprised of four sections: Contracts & Procurement, Disputes & Appeals, Privacy & Records Management, and Public Affairs & Policy.

What you'll do: As Deputy Chief of Public Affairs and Policy, you will provide strategic legal guidance to the Department’s legislative, communications, media, and constituent‑services functions. In this role, you will advise on legislative strategy, assist with drafting and reviewing proposed legislation and fiscal analyses, and support teams responding to inquiries from lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public. You will work closely with communications and media staff to ensure legally sound public messaging, media responses, and external communications. The Deputy Chief will help evaluate policy impacts, identify legal risks, and provide guidance on complex or sensitive public‑affairs matters. This position collaborates with executive leadership and program partners to support cohesive legislative and communications strategies across the Department. You will play a key role in strengthening the Department’s policy development, public engagement, and communication frameworks.

Minimum Qualifications
A Juris Doctor from an accredited institution and member of The Missouri Bar. Three or more years' experience practicing as a licensed attorney. Experience providing legal analysis or support on public relations and communications is preferred but not required. Excellent research and writing skills are required.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to review, analyze, and/or interpret federal and state laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures as related to the assigned programs.

Previous work experience with a government agency.

Ability to handle sensitive and complex legal issues with professionalism and integrity.

Strong communication and advocacy skills.

Ability to manage a diverse caseload with efficiency and attention to detail.

Willingness to work in varied settings and adapt as necessary.

Collaborative spirit to work effectively with support staff and legal team members.

Openness to continuous learning and participation in training programs.

Pursuant to State Law, this position requires accreditation, licensure, and/or professional license which is only available to holders of specific post-secondary degrees.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here.

If you have questions about this position, please contact: Joyce Luebbering at Joyce.Luebbering@dss.mo.gov. If you experience accessibility issues while applying, please contact Courtney Hall at Courtney.A.Hall@dss.mo.gov or call 573-751-4244.

Recruitment Area
All qualified applicants.

Application Deadline
November 23, 2026

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