Communications Specialist

Job Description At the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, we are passionate about creating a positive, professional, and supportive work environment where we value our differences and are committed to being open and respectful to all our employees and the public we serve. Our department provides the connections, expertise and innovative solutions to drive continued business growth, build vibrant communities, create affordable housing, generate tourism and attract and retain key talent to fill Michigan’s vast pipeline of opportunities. Learn more at As the LEO-Employment and Training (LEO-E&T) Communications Specialist, the position manages all aspects of external communications and serves as the Public Information Officer. This specialist is responsible for highly complex assignments, with considerable impact on public perception and overall awareness across Michigan citizens, partners and stakeholders. The Communication Specialist collaborates proactively with leadership and subject matter experts throughout LEO-E&T daily, as well as with external partners and stakeholders accordingly, to identify the need for, develop and execute communications strategies and plans that cover public relations, media relations and partner/stakeholder communications. Responsibilities include tracking, measuring and reporting goal attainment of all communications strategies and plans. The specialist is expected to build and maintain extensive knowledge regarding all LEO-E&T programs and proactively communicate across any medium in the appropriate style and voice – including for executive-level leadership. The specialist also serves as the primary writer and copy editor for LEO-E&T’s press releases, websites, publications, promotional materials, presentations and talking points. The specialist also is expected to stay current with best practices and emerging trends in strategic communications and proactively make recommendations to LEO-E&T accordingly. Position Description Summary There is a possibility of a remote/hybrid schedule based on performance and operational need. However, all work must be performed in Michigan. If you currently reside outside of Michigan, you must relocate to Michigan to perform the duties of this position. Employment and Training Careers page Required Education And Experience Education Possession of a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, communications, broadcasting, telecommunications, advertising, communication arts, marketing, public relations, or a related field. Experience Four years of professional experience in the communications field equivalent to a Communications Representative, including two years equivalent to a Communications Representative P11 or one year equivalent to a Communications Representative 12. Additional Requirements And Information Information provided in your application, resume, cover letter, transcripts, and any other documentation provided will be used to verify responses to the supplemental questions. Unsupported responses may not be considered further. All classified employees are subject to Civil Service Rule 2-8 Ethical Standards and Conduct and will be expected to disclose any personal and financial interests that may conflict with official duties as a classified employee. All newly hired state employees are required to submit and pass a pre-employment drug test prior to their actual appointment. Certain positions within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity may also require state criminal, fingerprint-based and driving record background checks. Any position offer will be conditional until results of the background checks and drug test indicate eligibility for employment. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. Salary for this position is entirely federally funded. Under federal law an employee whose salary is entirely federally funded may not be a candidate for public office in a partisan election. View the entire job specification at: Accommodations If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy. State employment also offers rewarding careers where you can help Michiganders enjoy better lives. Many State of Michigan jobs offer alternate work schedules and remote-work options that can help give the flexibility you need. The State of Michigan has been recognized as a leading U.S. employer by new graduates from 2021-2023 and a best large U.S. and state employer. Recognized on the international stage for fostering positive employee engagement, the State of Michigan is a past recipient of a North America Government Agency Employees Engagement Award. More details on benefits for our new hires are below: Rewarding Work State of Michigan jobs allow you to serve Michiganders in many different ways depending on your interests and skills. Help preserve and protect our environment and the public health; enforce state laws and regulations; advocate for children, families, and victims of discrimination; support our state’s military and veterans; rebuild our state’s infrastructure; or support other state agencies through our fiscal, IT, and HR systems. Insurance Benefits The State of Michigan offers health, mental health, dental, and vision insurance to eligible career employees, their spouses, and their children. The state also covers a life-insurance benefit of two times employees’ annual salary (up to $200,000). The state also offers long-term-disability insurance that can provide continuing benefits if an injury or illness prevents employees from working. More information is available at Retirement Programs The State of Michigan offers 401(k) and 457 plans for new hires to save for retirement. The state will automatically contribute an amount equal to 4% of your pay to a 401(k) account. The state will also match up to 5% of your pay if you contribute to your 401(k) account. Your contributions vest immediately, and the state’s contributions fully vest after just 4 years. More information is available at Vacation and Sick Leave Eligible full-time employees receive between 15 and 35 personal days and 13 sick days per year that may be rolled over to the following year if not used. Eligible employees also receive an additional day each year for community service or school functions. Paid Parental Leave Eligible employees can take 12 weeks of paid leave immediately after a birth or adoption to allow needed time together at home with a new child. Paid Holidays Eligible employees receive 13 or 14 paid holidays each year including New Year’s Eve and Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Friday, Christmas Eve and Day. Bonus Programs Eligible employees with five years of service also receive annual longevity bonuses that grow as seniority increases. Some positions also may qualify for recruitment, retention, and performance bonuses or other special pay premiums. Military Pay Differential Employees in the guard or reserves may also qualify for supplemental pay benefits if military pay during qualifying duty is less than normal state pay. Prior military service may also allow seniority credits to accelerate eligibility for longevity bonuses and additional personal leave accrual. Tax-Advantaged Programs In addition to 401(k) and 457 retirement accounts, the state also offers flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and qualified transportation fringe benefit (QTFB) programs that can help you save money by reducing your taxable income. Student Loan Forgiveness Working for the State of Michigan may allow you to participate in programs that forgive the balance of qualifying student loans. Please view Student Loan Information to help determine if you could qualify is available from the U.S. Department of Education. Tuition Reduction Some colleges and universities offer savings to eligible employees and family members to further their education while working for the State of Michigan. Professional Development To help develop your career, programs are available to apply for reimbursement of up to $2,000 a year for education and training for college course credits and non-degree programs. Alternative and Remote Work Schedules Depending on the nature of their duties, many state jobs offer flexible work schedules and remote or hybrid telecommuting options that can help obtain the work-life balance that you seek. Great Lakes and Great Times Michigan boasts four Great Lakes, 11,000 inland lakes, 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, 20 million acres of forests, 100 state and national parks and recreation areas, 1,300 miles of bike trails, 6,500 miles of snowmobile trails, the second-most ski areas in the nation, 650 public golf courses, 600 campgrounds, and an international dark-sky park—just for starters. Our cities offer concerts and cultural events, storied sports teams, education hubs, vibrant downtowns, one-of-a-kind craft beverages, and renowned restaurants for every appetite. From urban centers to beach towns to the great outdoors, the opportunities are endless. With your state salary and benefits and Michigan’s affordable cost of living, you can explore all that Michigan has to offer. Updated: 2/28/24 #J-18808-Ljbffr