Communications Manager & PIO

The Service Oklahoma (SOK) mission is to ease the stress in navigating government services by providing a best-in-class customer experience. We are Oklahomans helping Oklahomans by providing driver license and motor vehicle services on behalf of the state. This position has an annual rate of $59,314.74. The Service Oklahoma offers a generous benefits package, including a benefits allowance to offset the costs of medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans. The Service Oklahoma will match up to 7% towards an employee’s Defined Contribution retirement plan. Our employees receive 11 paid holidays, 15 days of paid annual leave, which increases with every 5 years of service, and 15 days of paid sick leave. Additionally, employees will receive longevity payments based on their years of service with the State of Oklahoma. Position Summary The Communications Manager and Public Information Officer (PIO) plays a key role in the Communications Division, serving as the lead contact for media inquiries, sharing proactive stories about our agency as well as serving as the agency's spokesperson when needed. This position is responsible for overseeing media relations and ensuring cohesive messaging that enhances public awareness of our brand and trust in our agency’s services. This role involves creating and executing strategic campaigns, responding to public inquiries, and managing crisis and high‑stakes communication efforts across traditional media outlets. Position Responsibilities This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities and skills. Serves as the primary media contact, handling press inquiries, interviews, and official statements. Develops and executes a media communications strategy that aligns with Service Oklahoma's public relations efforts. Researches, plans, writes and distributes proactive media pitches. Cultivates and maintains relationships with the media. Responsible for formulating high‑quality written content including press releases, holding statements and media alerts for public distribution. Works closely with the communications team to create graphics, video and other digital content for media outlets as needed. Coordinates closely with the Senior Communications Manager to align public messaging and agency‑wide initiatives. Monitors the agency's brand on traditional media platforms, proactively addressing misinformation and reputation management concerns. Builds brand awareness by engaging relevant influencers, including state leaders and partner agencies. Manages media monitoring software, provides regular media reports and analytics to director of communications. Analyzes data to determine if media outreach campaigns have achieved objectives and/or pivots the plan as needed. Leads crisis communication efforts by coordinating messaging across social media and traditional media channels. Attends events as a media representative and coordinates agency press coverage as needed. Supports and assists in creating quality content for internal‑facing communications as needed. Performs other duties as assigned. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Expertise in media relations, social media marketing, and digital content strategy development. Proficiency in written, visual, and oral communications, with a strong public relations background. Ability to simplify and explain complex topics to diverse audiences. Experience managing high‑profile subject matter, brand reputation and audience engagement with our storytelling. Strong on‑camera presence, with experience conducting live or recorded interviews, media briefings, and public speaking engagements. Ability to plan, shoot, and edit video content, ensuring alignment with brand messaging and audience engagement goals. Background in crisis communication, with the ability to navigate sensitive or high‑pressure situations effectively. Ability to measure and analyze the success or failure of media outreach campaigns and then apply learnings to create recommendations to move forward. Understanding of graphic design and video production principles to support digital content creation as needed. Familiarity with Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices. Creativity and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects under tight deadlines. Education & Experience The preferred minimum qualifications for this position are: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, digital marketing, public policy, political science, business administration, or a related field, PLUS at least three (3) years of related professional experience in media relations, social media strategy, and public information. OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference may be given to candidates who have one or more of the following: Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud programs, including Illustrator CC, InDesign CC and Photoshop CC. Experience in digital content sourcing, managing content development and publishing. Applied experience with Hootsuite, Sprout Social or HubSpot. Knowledge and understanding of Google or Adobe Analytics. Knowledge and understanding of Search Engine Optimization best practices. Special Requirements The schedule for this position may vary and require flexibility, including some early or late shifts, weekends, and occasional overtime, based on the needs of the agency. This position may require travel. The selected applicant must have reliable transportation and be willing and able to perform all job‑related travel. Possession and maintenance of a valid Oklahoma Driver License is required. State vehicles may be available, but reliable transportation may be required for local travel. This position requires employees to be able to lift 10‑50 pounds on a regular basis, with assistance as needed. Equal Opportunity Employment The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. #J-18808-Ljbffr