Director of Communications

Service Oklahoma (SOK) eases the stress in navigating government services by providing a best-in-class customer experience. We are Oklahomans helping Oklahomans with driver license and motor vehicle services on behalf of the state.

Pay

Annual rate of $115,000 - $125,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Generous benefits package, including a benefits allowance to offset costs of medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance plans.
• Service Oklahoma matches up to 7% toward an employee’s Defined Contribution retirement plan.
• 11 paid holidays.
• 15 days of paid annual leave, increasing with every 5 years of service.
• 15 days of paid sick leave.
• Longevity payments based on years of service with the State of Oklahoma.

About the role

The Director of Communications plays a critical role in developing effective messaging and communication strategies. This position creates or oversees the creation of promotional and informative materials for internal and external audiences, including state leadership, community leaders, and the public. The Communications Director manages all forms of media, including press releases, digital campaigns, print materials, social media, audio, and video, controlling the flow of communication and information between Service Oklahoma and its stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Creates, implements, and manages multiple communication strategies (digital, direct, events, and content) to increase awareness and engagement in Service Oklahoma programs and goals.
• Oversees all social media channels and campaigns, including content creation, scheduling, social media ads, and tracking.
• Manages website and email communications, including written and digital content, redesigns, SEO optimization, and analytics tracking.
• Leads the creative development, production, and distribution of communications and online materials.
• Plans, writes, and edits press releases, advertising, and other public information.
• Creates, executes, and manages external and internal communications strategies from inception through implementation.
• Maintains consistent brand image across all communications, promotional materials, and campaigns, ensuring positive messaging and branding.
• Collects and analyzes communication research and audience demographics to gauge effectiveness and make data-driven adjustments.
• Oversees contractors or creative firms assisting with projects.
• Develops and maintains procedures to enhance the efficiency of the Communications team.
• Builds and maintains professional relationships with communication professionals, statewide leadership, and audiences across the state.
• Manages and develops communications staff, including assigning duties, monitoring quality of work, and ensuring adherence to policies and regulations.
• Provides day-to-day guidance and oversight of subordinates, promoting and recognizing performance.
• Identifies problem areas within the team and takes corrective actions.
• Hosts, attends, and represents Service Oklahoma at speaking engagements and special events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field, plus five (5) years of leadership experience in communications or public relations.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Skills

• Knowledge and understanding of all social platforms, with experience developing campaigns that deliver measurable results.
• Ability to produce creative, concise, and clean written materials for media pitches and social media.
• Experience working independently and in a team-oriented environment; strong collaboration skills.
• Success in building relationships and interviewing individuals to develop content, pitches, social media, and spokesperson opportunities.
• Ability to develop compelling and creative content, both written and visual, for social media.
• Proven success in building and maintaining key relationships and meeting strategic goals; track record of securing solid media relations results.
• Flexibility and strong judgment/decision-making skills; ability to analyze trade-offs and make recommendations in ambiguous situations.
• Ability to respond to crises or challenging situations quickly and professionally.
• Leadership in communication strategy; ability to analyze and resolve complex issues, both logical and interpersonal.
• Ability to create new processes and systems to improve organizational efficiencies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong editing and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational and project management skills; excellent analytical skills.

Schedule

• Full-time, regular position.
• Schedule may vary and require flexibility, including some early or late shifts, weekends, and occasional overtime based on agency needs.
• Occasional travel required; reliable transportation may be needed for local travel.

Work Environment

• Comfortable office setting with a computer for a large percentage of the workday.
• Requires standing up to eight hours a day and lifting 10-50 pounds on a regular basis, with assistance as needed.
• May require the use of stairs, walking, standing, and kneeling.