Strategic Communications Manager

Strategic Communications ManagerOpen Until Filled GENERAL DESCRIPTION: "Conserving Wildlife, Serving People." Are you a strategic communicator who thrives at the intersection of natural resource conservation and public service? Do you have a passion for Wyoming's rich outdoor heritage, a talent for turning complex wildlife science into compelling stories, and the poise to navigate high-stakes public conversations? The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Strategic Communications Manager (SCM) to join our team at the Cheyenne Headquarters. Reporting directly to the Communications and Education Division Chief, this is not a traditional, reactive press role. You will be a proactive storyteller, a strategic advisor to agency leadership, and an essential bridge between our technical field personnel and the passionate public we serve. If you are ready to champion the narrative of Wyoming's wildlife management, work alongside dedicated game wardens and biologists, and elevate how our agency engages with over half a million constituents, we want to hear from you.POSITION OVERVIEW: The Strategic Communications Manager (SCM) designs, coordinates, and executes enterprise-wide, proactive communications and media relations strategies for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. Operating from the Executive/Headquarters level, the SCM serves as a strategic communications resource for the Director's Office, the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission, and all internal divisions (Fish, Wildlife, Services, Fiscal). A core component of this modernized role is serving as the operational "hub" to a network of regional Information and Education (I&E) Specialists. The SCM acts as a media shield during crises, a content amplifier for field initiatives, and an advisor on public sentiment, ensuring the department remains proactive, strategic, and deeply attentive to the public. This position will also supervise a Statewide Information Specialist.Working for the State of Wyoming offers more than a paycheck. Our total compensation package includes:Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurancePaid vacation, sick leave, FMLA, and holidaysRetirement - Pension and 457B plans that help you build a secure futureFlexible schedules and work-life balance optionsMeaningful work that makes a difference for Wyoming communitiesHuman Resource Contact: Dezzaree Schott / View email address on click.appcast.io FUNCTIONS: The listed functions are illustrative only and are not intended to describe every function that may be performed at the job level.Proactive Media Strategy: Formulate and execute an annual statewide media plan that highlights conservation milestones, habitat restoration projects, research breakthroughs, and public recreation opportunities.Hub-and-Spoke Regional Coordination: Partner closely with Regional Information and Education (I&E) Supervisor and I&E Specialists across the state's eight regions to harvest raw field content (from game wardens, biologists, and fish culturists), polish assets, and amplify them to statewide and national audiences.Crisis & Incident Management: Serve as the primary statewide media spokesperson during high-profile wildlife or public safety incidents, executing the department's emergency communications protocol and providing strategic "crisis toolkits" to support regional offices.Science Translation & Content Creation: Translate highly dense biological data, complex harvest quotas, and changing hunting/fishing regulations into clear, engaging, and accessible press releases, digital content, and public-facing documents.Enterprise Digital Outreach: Oversee content strategy for the department's primary digital channels, managing the distribution of mass public messaging to a statewide e-mail network of over 500,000 constituents.Public Sentiment & Analytical Feedback: Establish digital listening and media monitoring loops to track public trends and concerns, providing regular intelligence briefings to the Division Chief to help shape proactive agency policy.Supervise the Statewide Communications Specialist and oversee the development of the weekly media packet, communicating the Department's top priority news.Work closely with the Director and Governor's Office on controversial and sensitive wildlife management issues in addition to providing support regarding high-risk matters.Respond to statewide communications topics, and conducts interviews in person as well as on TV, radio, and other digital mediums.Work with communications team and Department leadership to develop communication campaigns with measurable outcomes.Coordinate with licensing, and IT sections to develop direct emails to customers with specific information and messaging related to customer products.Work with the Multimedia and Marketing Supervisor to develop and carry out the department's social media strategy.IDEAL PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES & SUCCESS FACTORS:Western Outdoor Fluency: A deep respect for and baseline vocabulary regarding Wyoming's hunting, angling, trapping, and trapping-adjacent heritage, coupled with an empathetic understanding of the viewpoints of landowners, sportsmen, and conservationists.Strategic & Predictive Instinct: The capability to look at upcoming regulatory framework changes and accurately project how different public factions will react, shifting the communications posture in advance.The "Shield" Demeanor: Unshakeable composure under intense public or media scrutiny, with the ability to manage chaotic news cycles calmly while protecting field personnel from media distractions.Diplomatic Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust across varied divisions, navigate internal silos, and foster a true peer-to-peer partnership with regional staff.Text & Narrative Agility: Mastery of the active voice, with an ability to write punchy, scannable text under tight deadlines.Preferences: Preference will be given to candidates with a Bachelor's degree in a field related to strategic communications, journalism, science communications, public relations, public policy, marketing, or wildlife management (with a communications focus). KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge and understanding of the mission, goals, and objectives of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.Ability to establish and implement cohesive communication and public relations strategies and plans.Experience communicating with the press and other media.Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.Strong strategic planning and management skills.Knowledge of communication principles, media, and public relations techniques.Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community.Employee development and performance management skills.Ability to analyze complex problems, interpret operational needs, and develop integrated, creative solutions.Organizational planning, structuring, and staffing skills.Skill in financial planning and fiscal management.Ability to use independent judgment and gather, manage, and impart information to the media and other internal and external audiences.Strong knowledge of local and regional media contacts and/or a proven ability to develop such relationships quickly.Ability to provide effective advice and counsel on strategic and/or critical communication issues and to exercise effective judgment.Ability to write executive-level communications for internal and external audiences.Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Education: Bachelor's Degree (typically in Public Relations) Experience: 1-2 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Senior Public Relations Specialist OR Education & Experience Substitution: 4-6 years of progressive work experience (typically in Public Relations) with acquired knowledge at the level of a Senior Public Relations Specialist Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: NoneNecessary Special Requirements:Statewide travel is required.Notes:FLSA: ExemptPlease upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the position and in working for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.Please disclose if AI was used in any part of the application process, including cover letter and/or resume creation.Successful applicants for employment must pass a background check and credit check before the appointment.For any questions regarding this position, please contact Roy Weber at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io.Benefits:Working for the State of Wyoming means more than a job — it's a stable, rewarding career that lets you make a difference while enjoying a great quality of life. Employees enjoy:Comprehensive health coverage – medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your familyVoluntary Benefits – including life insurance for you and family members, ambulance, pet insurance, short/long-term disability, flex spending and health savings accountsMultiple retirement options – including the