Job Description

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 Child Services:

Join a group of passionate, dedicated public servants to support one of Indiana’s most critical missions!

The Department of Child Services helps children who are victims of abuse or neglect and strengthens families through services that focus on family support and preservation. We pursue permanency for children and families through reunification, guardianship, and adoption. Our services also encompass foster care, child support, and transitional support for those adjusting to adulthood. Our culture is built upon our MVP foundation:

 
Mission :  Champion Indiana’s future by protecting children and strengthening families with compassion and determination.

Vision :  Every child in Indiana thrives in a safe, loving, forever home.

Purpose : Ignite hope. Cultivate joy.

Role Overview : 

The Communications Specialist ensures that communications reflect DCS style and branding guidelines and are completed on time. You will help develop publication ideas and provide editorial feedback to keep projects and tasks on track. You may collaborate with subject matter experts across the agency to tie up loose ends. The scope of work is broad and touches all areas of the agency.

This role is focused on internal communication. You will impact the overall success of the agency and ensure team members are informed and engaged.

Salary : 

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

Use our  Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

Responsibilities include:

• Provide ideas and news leads to media in the form of print, video/audio news releases, and/or personal contact. 
• Under supervision, answer public inquiries via phone, email, and mail. 
• Maintain content on the agency's social media outlets.
• Work with commodity groups and related agencies/industry partners on joint programs and promotional/ educational opportunities to increase target audience message awareness for specific agency initiatives. 
• Assist with the development, production, and editing of videos upon request.
• Research and draft press releases, technical advisories, agency newsletters, feature articles, PowerPoint presentations, and collateral materials/brochures addressing specific topics, programs, and agency initiatives. 
• Build and maintain a library of photos, graphics, and slides for use in agency publications, slide shows, displays, training, etc. 
• Assist divisions with public communication, including editing and proofreading presentation materials, reports, letters, articles, and social media and website content to ensure consistent, high-quality messages.
• Support all publications, employee engagement events, public events, and general work of the communications division 
• Develop internal agency communications to maintain staff awareness of initiatives and other pertinent information.
• Evaluate current communication strategies and materials to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Develop tailored communication strategies that align with client objectives and the agency's best practices.
• Collaborate with clients to create compelling messaging, content, and narratives.
• Guide the use of various communication channels, including digital media, social platforms, and traditional media.
• Assist clients in preparing and delivering presentations, speeches, and press releases.
• Monitor and analyze communication outcomes and provide recommendations for optimization.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time. 

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours that may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either 

• a Bachelor's Degree and 1+ year of experience, or
• an Associate's Degree and 3+ years of experience, or 
• at least 5+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. 

Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.

• Effective presentation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including writing for print, online, and social media.
• Strong understanding of communication strategies, messaging, and audience segmentation.
• Specialized knowledge of journalistic principles and procedures to be followed in the preparation of news releases and other written products.
• Specialized knowledge of methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public and laws governing the release of information, i.e., releases that must be signed to use a photograph of a person.
• Working knowledge of photography and audio-visual equipment.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations relating to the agency.
• Ability to use desktop publishing and graphic design software, as well as social media platforms and website content management software. 
• Ability to show good judgment in dealing with the public, other agencies, and news media in a public relations and public informational role.
• Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees that includes: 

• 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 contributions
• 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 in 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 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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