Public Information Officer (Civilian)
Job Opening ID #: 211858
Location: Topeka / Shawnee County
Job Posting Closes: Open Until Filled
Kansas Highway Patrol www.KHPJobs.org
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About the Position:
• Who can apply: Anyone (External)
• Classified/Unclassified Service: Unclassified
• Full/Part-time: Full-Time
• Work Schedule: 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Eligible to Receive Benefits: Yes
• Veteran’s Preference Eligible: No
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Compensation:
• Hourly Pay Range: $24.48 – $29.03
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Position Summary & Responsibilities:
Position Summary: Assists Public and Governmental Affairs Commander with office related matters, duties and activities.
1) Lead Public Information Officer (PIO). Establishes and maintains contact with news media sources and outlets, conducts media interviews and provides public service announcements when necessary. Establishes and maintains contact with the public, public officials, news media, court officials and other law enforcement agencies to promote public safety and protection of the citizens and travelers of Kansas. Presents and provides accurate and timely information regarding agency operations and makes appearances on behalf of the Agency at meetings and other gatherings. Plans, organizes and schedules events for Public and Governmental Affairs when assigned. This involves working with agency leaders and personnel, state officials, and outside organizations on matters and events relating to the Patrol.
2) Oversees, monitors and maintains the KHP’s social media accounts. The continuous monitoring of information being posted and/or shared on these accounts is required. The employee is responsible for the posting and sharing of information relating to Agency operations, training and events, and public safety announcements. Notifies immediate supervisor when information is posted and/or shared on Agency social media accounts that have the potential of bringing a negative light to our agency. Employee utilizes social media and the internet to research, unveil, find and send information about current events or recent studies of interest to senior staff and agency employees. Maintains proficiency in the use of social media and other media platforms. Works with the media team to coordinate content for social media and recruitment messaging. First Line supervisor of the Publications Writer. Assigns special projects and other assignments related to the Publications Writer.
3) Researches, writes and edits special projects for agency senior staff and members of other state agencies, when assigned. Projects such as correspondence and research projects on controversial topics are presented to members of the Patrol, local, state and federal governmental bodies and the general public to inform and/or persuade various audiences. This involves internet and library research, interviews and statistical analysis writing. Researches, writes and edits press/news releases, website features, agency pamphlets, brochures, columns and articles, as assigned by immediate supervisor and/or senior staff member, while meeting deadlines in order to educate and/or persuade various audiences.
4) Interviews department officials and employees to obtain information about agency programs to write and edit information for agency publications, news releases, annual and special reports, speeches, and radio and television scripts. Works with the media team to coordinate content for agency publications and social media. Assists with assignments relating to Cadet and Collegiate Law Academies, Boys/Girls State, Kansas State Fair, and other related public events.
5) Confers, in writing or orally, with the general public, civil organizations, departmental officials and employees, and members of the communications media to establish and maintain liaison, answer inquiries and explain and interpret agency programs and service. Coordinates with the troop Public Resource Officers for consistent media messaging.
6) Performs other related duties when assigned by immediate supervisor, troop commander and senior staff members.
Regular, reliable, dependable, performance is an essential function.
For a full position description email request to KHP.Career@KS.GOV , please include the Job ID #.
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Qualifications:
Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Licensing & Certification: Valid Kansas Driver’s License.
Necessary Special Requirements: Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships. Experience performing research, conducting interviews and experience working with statistical analysis. Excellent time management and organizational skills. Excellent written and oral communication skills are mandatory. The ability to perform within a diverse work environment. Position requires incumbent to be knowledgeable of agency business, policies, procedures, and possess the ability to think conceptually. Demonstrated excellent written & oral professional communication using correct grammar, sentence structure and spelling. Proficient in social and other media, Word, Excel, and Adobe.
“Experience – Length in years and kind”: Three years of experience in developing, planning, and managing public relations/publicity campaigns, mass media communications activities, public information programs, and/or marketing/promotional campaigns
‘Experience – Length in years and kind’ may be substituted for education as determined relevant by the agency.
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor degree in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations, advertising, graphic arts, digital media, videography, or related field of study.
Post-Offer, Pre-employment Requirements: Must submit to and pass a thorough background check including fingerprints. Ability to sit, walk, stand, stretch, twist, reach out with body, arms and legs; listen, comprehend, respond, speak clearly and concisely in person and on the telephone; repeatedly bend, stoop, lift lightweight materials up to 40 lbs, sit for long periods of time, move in confined areas, and perform repetitive motions with one or more extremity.
Persons applying for positions with KHP will be subject to background investigation, fingerprints, and/or drug screening.
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Recruiter Contact Information:
• Name: Captain Candice Breshears
• Email: Candice.Breshears@KS.GOV
• Phone Number: 785-296-6800
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