Regional Communications Support Specialist

About the role

The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play. The regional communications support specialist works within the Indiana Department of Health Office of Public Affairs to develop press releases, social media postings, and other messaging designed to promote awareness of public health issues and support local health departments in their efforts to educate residents about ways to protect and improve their health.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Aid in 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.
• Aid 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.
• 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 agencies best practices.
• Collaborate with clients to create compelling messaging, content, and narratives.
• Provide guidance on the use of various communication channels, including digital media, social platforms, and traditional media.
• Monitor and analyze communication outcomes and provide recommendations for optimization.

Requirements

• 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.
• Able to show good judgment in dealing with the public, other agencies, and news media in a public relations and public informational role.

Qualifications

• At least 5+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
• A degree is not required.
• Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Skills

• Effective presentation skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong understanding of communication strategies.
• Specialized knowledge of journalistic principles.
• Specialized knowledge of methods of disseminating information.
• Working knowledge of photography and audio-visual equipment.
• Basic knowledge of federal and state laws.
• Ability to use desktop publishing and graphic design software.
• Ability to use social media platforms and website content management software.
• Good judgment in public relations and public informational roles.

Benefits

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans.
• A wellness rewards program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards.
• A health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution.
• A 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.
• An education reimbursement program.
• Group life insurance.
• Free parking for most positions.
• Free LinkedIn Learning access.

Pay

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

Schedule

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which 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.