INTRODUCTION

The Wisconsin Elections Commission is charged under Wisconsin Statutes to administer and enforce Wisconsin’s elections laws. A core mission of the Commission is to ensure ongoing and quality education, training, outreach, technical assistance, and advice to municipal clerks, county clerks, and local election inspectors (poll workers) that conduct elections as well as to ensure adherence to, and compliance with Wisconsin election laws and required procedures.
Another core function of the Commission is to provide current and accurate information to the public as well as various governmental and other organizations about the State’s electoral processes, voting statistics, and trends. For more information about the Wisconsin Elections Commission, visit our website.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the general supervision of the Agency Head, this Communications Officer (Public Information Officer) performs executive and management functions including the development of highly sensitive, difficult, and complex strategic communications initiatives that have a significant impact on the agency and state’s resources. This position is considered the Director of Communications for the Commission.
This position has a significant role in carrying out the agency’s mission, vision, and values. This position promotes and advances the agency’s mission by creating and directing communication about politically sensitive programs and policies to ensure consistent, understandable, and trustworthy messaging about program and policy initiatives, issues, and concerns. This position is responsible for managing and maintaining the agency’s public information strategies and internet communication programs. The primary audiences for these communications are the public, local elections partners, elected officials, constituents, and media.
This position develops, manages, maintains and expedites the agency’s public education and information programs to effectively educate local election officials on rapidly changing legislation affecting elections statutes. This position develops and manages presentations, coordinates media availabilities and public appearances by the agency’s Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and other staff.
This position is the news media’s primary contact and serves as the agency spokesperson. This position is responsible for the development of all external communications with the media (local and national), legislators, Governor’s office, local elections officials, candidates, voters and the general public. This position schedules all media availability for the Administrator. This position is also responsible for providing talking points and preparing speeches for the Administrator and Commissioners ensuring all information is accurate. This position demands attention to detail, the ability to multi-task and perform under tight deadlines, and sensitivity in dealing with confidential information. This position is expected to anticipate, plan and initiate recommendations independently.
This position is also responsible for advising with agency staff for updating and maintaining the agency website, ensuring superior and consistent functionality, usability, and design. This position is a liaison between management, program staff and IT personnel. This position requires substantial knowledge of website development and usability principles, and the agency’s main website content management framework.
For more information, please view the complete position description.

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualifications below will be evaluated during the selection process and must be addressed in your resume and letter of qualifications.

Minimally qualified applicants will have experience with each of the following:

• Communications/PR strategy development
• Public relations editing, writing, content development, and securing media coverage

In addition, well-qualified candidates will have experience with at least one of the following:

• Managing contacts from high-profile media from national or international outlets
• Developing communication strategies for a high-profile government agency
• Serving as a spokesperson for a high-profile organization
• Writing complex public information documents.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online! To apply, click “Apply for Job” to start the application process. Then, you will access your existing account or to create a new account if you don’t have an account. Once you are logged in, click “Apply for Job.” Follow the steps outlined in the application process and submit your application. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions section for general wisc.jobs user information and technical assistance.
Your letter of qualifications and resume are very important parts of your application and are used during our evaluation process to determine your qualifications as they relate to the job. Please review instructions on developing your resume and letter of qualifications. Your cover letter is limited to a maximum of two (2) typed pages, single-spaced, no smaller than 10-point font, with 1-inch margins. Resumes should be limited to no more than two (2) pages (no format requirements). Pages more than the specified limits may not be evaluated. References are not necessary at this stage of the process.
Submitted materials will be evaluated and the most qualified applicants will be invited to participate in the next step of the hiring process for available vacancies.
Permanent classified state employees who are eligible for consideration (transfer or voluntary demotion) should complete the application process as described above by the stated deadline.
The State of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer seeking a diverse and talented workforce. Veterans, women, people of color, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities.
If you are a veteran with a 30% or greater service-related disability and are not currently employed in a permanent position with Wisconsin State Government, please send a cover letter, resume, DD-214 and documentation of your service-connected disability rating (dated within 12 months) to the contact listed below.
Questions can be directed to Paula Langbecker at paulag.langbecker@wisconsin.gov.

Please refer the Job description for details