Communications Specialist

Job Description:

Communications Specialist

Description

Job Location: This position will be located at Missouri Department of Mental Health Central office 1706 E Elm Street Jefferson City, MO 65109. (Hybrid Remote Work Possible)

Essential Functions:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for department websites.

• Maintain the overall appearance and technical functions of the department’s intranet and public-facing websites.

• Complete website updates in an accurate and timely manner, including but not limited to adding/editing/removing content, troubleshooting errors, maintaining quality control, and ensuring content meets the necessary requirements per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

• Use strong editing and writing skills to summarize technical information into reader-friendly content.

• Develop and deploy social media efforts (e.g. Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, blogs, etc.)

• Create social media strategies; develop and manage a social media calendar and execute content.

• Search and develop promotional messages and content for DMH social media platforms.

• Monitor social media channels for comments, feedback, and inquiries, responding promptly and creating awareness with leadership as needed.

• Apply relevant social media techniques, processes, and tools to improve overall results and efficiency and increase visibility and traffic.

• Stay current in the fields of social media, monitoring trends and applications and appropriately apply that knowledge to increasing the use of social media.

• Convert and optimize published documents for online use, ensuring documents are ADA accessible.

• Use SiteImprove to check for website errors and accessibility issues and work to repair any issues detected.

• Meet with colleagues as needed to evaluate and modify webpages and clarify goals for new webpages.

• Conduct and support internal ADA accessibility training for staff as needed.

• Review website traffic statistics and analytics as needed.

• Maintain knowledge of the current ADA accessibility requirements, latest industry trends and developments, and seek additional training when needed/possible.

• Coordinate multiple projects effectively while meeting tight deadlines.

• Support the communications team by providing front office support as needed.

• Perform light research when necessary to ensure that content is accurate and factual.

• Maintain familiarity with departmental and communication policy.

• Develop successful relationships with department staff to improve publications, communications, and services.

• Maintain contact with the Office of Administration Information Technology Services Division as needed.

• Carry out special projects and perform additional work as needed.

• Demonstrate regular, reliable, and engaged attendance.

Education and Experience Required:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in communications, journalism, web design and development, or a closely related field.

OR

• Five years of experience successfully performing progressively responsible tasks, including website content management and social media management and related accessibility requirements.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Proficiency in Microsoft Office (specifically Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required. Working knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc. and social media management tools such as Hootsuite is required. Familiarity with content management systems (e.g., Drupal, Wordpress) is required. Familiarity with Adobe Suite products (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat) preferred.

REQUIRED TRAVEL:

This position may be required to travel infrequently to meetings.

Lack of post-secondary education will not be used as the sole basis denying consideration to any applicant.

The State of Missouri offers an excellent benefits package that includes a defined pension plan, generous amounts of leave and holiday time, and eligibility for health insurance coverage. Your total compensation is more than the dollars you receive in your paycheck. To help demonstrate the value of working for the State of Missouri, we have created an interactive Total Compensation Calculator. This tool provides a comprehensive view of benefits and more that are offered to prospective employees. The Total Compensation Calculator and other applicant resources can be found here .

Salary:

$45,000.00-$55,000.00 per Year